BF Exclusive: 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 Project

• Seller: Ken D inges (Contact)
• Location: Clio, Michigan
• Mileage: 0 Shown
• Chassis #: 4G66X211873
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 352 cui V8 4-Barrel
• Transmission: Rebuilt C-6 Automatic

There are few things sadder than a restoration project that stalls due to health issues. Such is the case with this 1964 Ford Galaxie 500. The current owner has invested seven years in the build, but failing eyesight prevents him from completing it. The buyer won’t simply receive the car as shown in the images, as the deal includes a wide selection of new parts. Topping the list is a 390ci V8, which is bored and awaiting final assembly. The owner wishes this Galaxie to head to a home with an enthusiast who can do it justice. Therefore, he has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds in Clio, Michigan, with an asking price of $9,000.

I have long considered the 1964 Galaxie one of the most attractive vehicles of the 1960s. Ford hit a sweet spot with the styling, creating a car with low, svelte lines that looks good from any angle. This Two-Door Hardtop demonstrates that trait perfectly, ensuring it will turn heads once restored to its former glory. The Rangoon Red paint is past its prime, but the panels are free from significant bumps and bruises, and there are no known rust issues. Therefore, the new owner only faces minor metal massaging to ensure the exterior is as straight as an arrow. The indications are that a cosmetic refresh should be straightforward and ideal for DIY enthusiasts. The glass is in good condition, and the period-correct set of American Racing Torq Thrust wheels, wrapped in new Cooper Cobra tires, adds a sense of purpose. The owner gives the buyer a running start because the deal includes a new grille, taillight lenses, front and rear bumpers, and some Ford emblems. However, those cosmetic pieces are only the tip of the iceberg.

Lifting the Galaxie’s hood reveals a 352ci V8, producing a factory-quoted 250hp. That figure is respectable, but those seeking more will welcome the bonus that forms part of this deal. The buyer receives a 390ci V8, featuring a 0.040″ over-bore. It requires assembly, but with the cylinder heads recently machined, new pistons, piston rings, a new camshaft, cam bearings, timing chain, lifters, gaskets, a water pump, and other sundry items, the next stop for the buyer should be above 300hp. Of course, there’s no point having mountains of power and torque if the car can’t successfully feed it to Planet Earth. The owner includes a freshly rebuilt three-speed C6 automatic transmission with a high-stall converter, which has covered approximately ten miles since the refresh. And I haven’t finished yet! The owner replaced the fuel tank, shocks, ball joints, U-joints, and alternator, and converted the brakes to a dual-circuit system after replacing the lines and most other components. Throw in a good secondhand power steering system, and this Galaxie appears to have covered most of the bases.

One aspect of this Galaxie needing virtually nothing is its interior. Trimmed in Black vinyl, the seats, door trims, carpet, and other upholstered surfaces are free from wear and distress. The dash and associated bright trim are in good order, but the buyer will need to fill the hole for the factory radio with in-car entertainment of their liking. There are underdash gauges that the new owner could easily remove for authenticity. However, I have always viewed them as cheap insurance to ensure everything is in order under the hood.

Some enthusiasts won’t contemplate tackling a project build, fearing that the financial outlay could be enormous. However, this 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 is an exception to that rule. The asking price is undeniably affordable, and it becomes even more so when you factor in the included parts that will help the buyer reach their goal. This Galaxie deserves another chance at life, but unforeseen circumstances prevented the owner from making that happen. You could right that wrong, returning a worthy classic to its rightful place on our roads. If you’ve longed to tackle a project build, this Ford deserves more than a passing glance.