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Big Red Sled: 1962 Ford Galaxie 500

right-front

For 1962, the Galaxie name was applied to all full sized Fords. The XL trim level with bucket seats and console was added mid year. This Galaxie is a very basic car with power brakes about the only option. There’s no word on how long this Ford sat or why, but it sure cleaned up nicely. It’s said to be 99% rust free and showing 98,000 miles. It’s for sale on craigslist for a reasonable $4,500. It doesn’t run, but it appears complete and original. It’s located in Beaverton, Oregon, near Portland.

inside

The seats were recovered at some time, but otherwise the interior appears original and complete. The interior could use a good cleaning but looks usable otherwise.

engine

Except for the air horns, things look complete under the hood. It even has the original windshield washer bag. The air horns were hopefully installed pre “La Cucaracha”. This engine is likely the 170 horse 292 cid with a 2 barrel carb.

left-rear

This Galaxie doesn’t have a vinyl roof, so there’s no possibility of a rusty roof to worry about. Portland is far from the rust belt, so it might really be mostly rust free. This truly looks like a car that might be a great driver after the usual mechanical work and a good cleaning. One might consider things like A/C, better brakes and suspension but keeping it close to original. Others would go the lowrider or performance route, but what a great old car this is just as it is.

Comments

  1. Avatar Fred W.

    Looks like a good car that has just sat a bit too long. They have under dash air units that look appropriate to the car and run $1000 if you DIY.

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  2. Avatar PaulG

    This appears to be a bargain at this price. If it were closer, I’d take a chance (not a Ford guy either…) Mom drove one of these in the mid 60’s; lots of memories.
    BTW, Ford spelled it Galaxie not Galaxy (I know, the seller did it too)

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    • Avatar Jesse Mortensen Staff

      All fixed. Thanks Paul!

      Like 0
  3. Avatar JW454

    292 would have the distributor in the rear laying at a angle. I would say this is a 352.
    I prefer the fast back of the 63~64s but this would be a nice cruiser too.

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  4. Avatar Rando

    ummmm GalaxIE, not GalaxY. Just sayin’…

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  5. Avatar Eric Hare

    The original ad said 352/auto fortunately the FMX transmission shouldn’t be overpowered. Something that we worry about with my Dad’s 64 Galaxie with a 390.

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    • Avatar Rocco

      That Ford “Cast Iron Cruise-o-matic” made by Borg-Warner (MX) trans is a strong tranny for their day. It has very strong internals. Nothing back then would be a problem except a 427. The Thunderbolts had the Lincoln Cast Iron (large case) tranny. Just don’t do any neutral starts.

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  6. Avatar Tom Member

    Nice car. Right money. Good color combo if this is your style…looks good. not making any more of em!

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  7. Avatar Mike H.

    Actually, Portland is heavy with rain. While we do not salt our roads, most older cars do suffer from plenty of rust here. That is a nice car

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  8. Avatar JW

    Very nice car at a decent price. Love the looks of the interiors of even the most basic cars of the 50’s & 60’s.

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  9. Avatar RicK

    The ones that came with the 406 tri-power 4 speed were pretty doggone fast

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  10. Avatar boxdin

    This Galaxie may look like a large car, but it is something like a foot shorter and a bit smaller overall than the 1961 Ford is replaced (there were 61 Galaxies too). 1962 was a downsize year for all of the big 3, especially Mopar.

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  11. Avatar Ben T Spanner

    The local county sheriff had a few 1962 Fords with 406 and three speed manuals. They displayed them at county fair with the hoods up. The terrain was hilly and the combination did not last long.

    The deputies learned to use the radio, and made due with smaller engines and auto transmissions.

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  12. Avatar Dick in SoCal

    Can’t tell if it’s a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic (spell?) or 2-speed Fordomatic. Padded dash was an option; this car does not have it.

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  13. Avatar Bob C.

    If it is a 352 it probably has the green dot transmission. If a 292 maybe a 2 speed.

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  14. Avatar Mike

    I learned to drive in one just like this car , sitting on my grandpa’s knee. His was a 390 ran like a raped ape.

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  15. Avatar Mike

    One might also consider dropping in a 390 or 427 if ya can find one and burning off the tires till steel belts slapp the road

    Like 0

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