No one took advantage of the Space Race in the 1950s/1960s like Ford Motor Co. They introduced the Galaxie in 1959 as a subset of the Fairlane, and then it became a series of its own the following year. The car debuted in the third year of a three-year design cycle, so the ‘59s looked nothing like the ‘60s. This 1959 Galaxie 500 appears to be an older restoration and sports a Continental kit on the back (which doesn’t add to the appearance, IMO). Located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, this nice cruiser has some paint issues and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $10,000 OBO.
The Galaxie was an instant sales winner and went on to populate the Ford universe through 1974. The Galaxie (and Galaxie 500) competed with the Chevrolet Impala throughout its run, and they usually took the first and second place sales slots in the full-size car market contest. The seller has a 2-door Club Sedan (pillared), and Ford sold nearly 53,000 of this body style in its first outing.
In the photos provided, this Ford looks to be quite solid. But the seller admits there is some bubbling in the paint, which is newer than 1959. The white over maroon is a sharp combination and the interior seems to share the pattern. They also painted the valve covers and air cleaner to match the darker color, which is kind of a no-no for collectors. The Continental kit strikes me as being aftermarket, as I can’t imagine Ford designing something that stuck so far out from the rest of the car. You’d better watch out backing this thing up!
Under the hood resides a 352 cubic inch “Interceptor” V8 with an automatic transmission that the seller says runs well. The indicated mileage is 7,000, so we assume the odometer is on its second time around. New parts include the gas tank and tires (semi-wide whitewalls). There are no interior photos, but there is a video that includes it. As long as perfection in the paint isn’t a requirement, would you venture out to Cars & Coffee with this classic? Thanks for the tip, NW Iowa Kevin.
That continental kit is an abomination (IMO). It always seemed to make the car have an appearance of sagging at the rear. Otherwise, this one looks good! GLWTS!! :-)
That was a very potent engine in 1959 but grew critical nay nays due to it being solid lifter(hey..ya want the ponies ya do the tinkering :D )Not a fan of Continental kits on anything but..a Continental..lol But i really like the colour combo..that’s tasty.
Once again, this is a Galaxie, not a Galaxie 500. No Galaxie 500s until 1962. 1959-’61s are just Galaxies.
The ’59 352 was the “Thunderbird 352 Special V8.” The “Interceptor” branding was used for the 332 and 352 in ’58 but dropped for ’59.
Nice car, but that Continental kit has got to go.
This looks like a winner for 10 grand as long as everything underneath is good. Sometimes the continental kits look OK if you’re going for the 50’s leadsled look. If this were mine I would probably leave it. But how do you put gas in it, the filler is behind it?
The gas filler was still where the license plate would have been. The spare tire hinged back, so access to the filler was obtained. It was a PITA for most.
Boy, that’s one big touchas, looks silly. Some cars, very few actually, look okay with a kit, but for the most part, it detracts substantially from the otherwise great looks of the cars. The ’59 Ford( and ’60 and ’61) were beautifully styled cars, then someone hangs this barnacle on the back. You know what I’d do? Yank that thing off, put the spare in the trunk where it belongs, it would increase the appeal 10 fold, but, that’s me. Considering what we’ve seen, this is a really nice car for someone, just lose the kit. They are fishing for a group that doesn’t exist anymore. :(
Nothing really ruins the appearance of a car quite like a continental kit. UGH!
Why would anyone put one of these hideous kits on the back of anything, especially a pillared 2 door sedan???? Other than that this car looks great for Cars and Coffee..
Oh my.
that is a sure-fire way to kill the looks of a car hanging 1 of those hideous things off the back of any car.
That thing on the back sure is UGLY
In defense of all Continental Kits, I have nothing at all to offer. They are what they are.l
Nth-ing the Continental kit. They are a taste thing, I guess.
Expected at least one response in favor. But not me, think they’re hideous. First thing I would do is remove it & try to sell it.
Re-painting the air filter housing & the valve covers is an afternoon job.
Hey, go easy. Even Continental Kits have feelings, too.
If trunk space matters then there’s more to love with the kit.
I restored a ’59 Ambassador a few years back.
Had the kit on it.
Kinda liked it!
Curious: Can the conti kit be removed and the car returned to stock without a lot of effort and parts purchases?
yes.
Usually, they are simple to return to stock, but it depends on the kit used. If it was custom from scratch, it might be a headache.
This is a great price on this rare collectible even though it will need some attention in some areas , these sell for a lot more and are highly desirable by many at this price won’t last long and will be a great find for its new owner…