As has been with Ford and Chevrolet over the years, they tended to match each other model for model. Case-in-point is the full-size models. When Chevy came out with the Impala, Ford soon followed with the Galaxie 500. When the Super Sport was introduced, the 500/XL was born. Offered here is an XL GT, sort of a Galaxie on steroids. It was the sportiest and most potent of Ford’s full-size cars. Located in Annandale, Minnesota, this ’68 model car is available here on eBay for $8,000 (Buy It Now) although the seller will entertain offers. Once again, Larry D comes through with a great tip for us!
The XL was only available as a fastback (aka SportsRoof) or convertible. In 1968, 50,048 of them were built, so they were popular automobiles. They were easily identifiable over the ’67 models because Ford has reverted to horizontal dual headlights rather than stacked as they’d been the prior three years. And, on the XL’s, those peepers were hideaway! The number produced dwindles to either 740 or 741 (depending on sources) when you narrow the field to the Z-code fastback models with a 390 cubic inch V8 paired with a 4-speed manual. The seller’s car is said to be one and he’s listing it on behalf of his father (the owner) because his dad isn’t eBay savvy.
This Ford is numbers-matching and the V8 was rebuilt by a dealer about 3,000 miles ago, backed up with receipts. More recently, the car has been treated to new tires, fuel pump, water pump, alternator, intake manifold, and carburetor. The shifter for the factory 4-speed has been replaced but it may not be OEM. The car was well-equipped when new, even including air conditioning, but that hardware is not installed but all the parts will come with the car.
It’s not a perfect automobile by any means, with some rust in the trunk and little dings here and there on the body. The rear quarters had rust at some point and contain filler now from those repairs. From the photos, it looks as though some redo work will be needed, but we’re told the frame and floorboards are solid. The red paint is past its prime and the car would look great with a respray. For 90,000 miles, the interior looks good with no obvious issues with the upholstery, carpeting, or headliner.
Compared to the Impala SS of the late 1960s, you don’t see as many of the XL’s these days even though they were built in respectable numbers. At one time, the XL was technically the Galaxie 500/XL but had the name shortened as Galaxie 500/XL GT would be a mouthful. These cars also don’t seem to have the same resale values as the SS. NADA and Hagerty both put a stout XL in the mid-teens, although the GT is likely to add a premium.
very cool!
E-Bay ad is gone.
Was worth more than 6K with a dealer rebuilt 390 4 speed, no surprise it’s gone.
Relisted with a higher BIN price. https://www.ebay.com/itm/174928715629?
WOW now that is a cool car….LOOOOOONG gone! FACTORY 4 SPEED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It appears to be as advertised but some of the underbelly rust is a little more than just surface. The HVAC box would have to come out and be completely gone through as it is obvious it more than likely had heater core problems, hoses disconnected. Considering that I’d want to see under the passenger carpeting for rust. Original Jack is missing and the truck lid lift assist bars are not hooked up one appears broken. Rear frame picture shows some pretty heavy rust. Altogether though, not a bad set of bones. To be worth an initial purchase of over $15K ($10K right now) it would have to be for a total frame-off restoration, something only real collector of these old beauties would attempt.
yes Wayne you would need to check the frame real good, as these years had a problem with rotten frames real early on, thats why you dont seee many around. Sure would be a great cruiser. BIN is at 10,500. Guess he is a BJ follower. Good luck and know what you are buying.
Cheers
GPC
“…would be a mouthful…’
try someada europeans for long names.
Now this car came in @ least 5 models (as was customary in the day) as wages matched market items. They offered more (niche) to grab ur $. So: vert, notch, fastback, 4 dor’n wagon. Also 4 or 5 motors and 3 transmissions. “Order what U want, we’ll make it”~
Now (honda) 1, as equipped; or the other, as equipped…
On this 1 I’d get ridada that hei dizzy, put in the 10 yr newer DSII (coil’n blue strain relief brain too or the ‘gm 4pin’) & not look back.
Now wages Do Not match market items’n so we have less choice, less ability to offer, less ability to buy. Rich’n poor, almost no 1 in the middle, no growth, flat mrkt~
Pretty difficult to accept an analysis of the current market from some wannabe gangster. As far as I can see, there is plenty of money out there, and plenty of choice for shoppers that will allow them to match their means to their purchase.
As for the long name, and what it “technically” is, it is most certainly an XL GT. Nothing more. Ford stopped referring to these as a Galaxie 500 XL after the 1966 model year.
Chrisful–valid comments but please write in correct English.
Hi Russ,
Here’s a fuller time line for you:
1957: Ford introduces Ranchero; Chevy responds two years later with El Camino, lets the model lapse for three years.
1958: Ford revamps Thunderbird as personal luxury; Chevy responds 12 years later with the C-Bird – Monte Carlo.
1960: Ford enters economy car wars with the Falcon; Chevy has the trouble prone Corvair – follows Falcon sales success two years later with the Chevy II.
1962: Ford introduces mid-size Fairlane; Chevy follows again two years later with the Chevelle.
1964: Ford introduces Mustang; Chevy skunked again, takes until 1967 to show the Camaro.
1965: Ford introduces LTD; mid-year, Chevy scrambles to dress up a four door hardtop Impala, calling it Caprice – full line isn’t available until 1966.
Throughout the Sixties, Ford conquered just about every form of racing, where the rules weren’t stacked against them, while Chevy snuck around, providing “backdoor” parts and advice to the chosen few. Ford guy for life!
My next door neighbor, known for his penchant for thoroughbred Fords, bought one of these starships optioned with a 428 and four-speed. Nothing but the truth…white interior…Mag-style hubcaps…Katie-bar-the-door… This jewel brings back memories…
My Mom had a turquoise one from about 1974-77. Memories.