Usually, when the topic of a full-size sixties Ford comes up, people think of a Galaxie convertible, an XL, or maybe a 7.0-liter edition. I imagine a 1967 Custom 500 four-door sedan will not be top of mind. As common a workhorse as the Custom 500 was, they were commodity cars, bought, used, sold, and eventually discarded. That being the case, I was surprised to find a listing for this Rogers, Minnesota-based four-door Custom 500 sedan – and it’s in decent shape! Maybe not a survivor in the usual sense of the word, but it has survived, a result many of these never achieved. How did this sedan attract more budget-conscious buyers? Let’s look it over and see what we can learn. Here on Facebook Marketplace is where this two-tone Ford is listed, and it’s available for $4,900. Thanks are due to Zappenduster for this tip!
Ford’s full-size lineup in ’67 consisted of the LTD, the XL, Galaxie 500 (including the 7.0-liter edition), the Custom 500, and finally the Custom, bringing up the markers. Custom 500s were offered as four-door sedans and station wagons (Country Sedan), as well as a two-door sedan. Popular? 187K buyers thought so, with 83K opting for a four-door sedan like or subject car. The listing images speak for themselves; this Custom 500 appears to be basically sound, but the finish is tired, the chrome is a bit dull, and the front bumper may be pushed in a bit in the center. But it’s complete; the trim is still attached, the doggie bowl hubcaps haven’t flown off, and rust appears to be a non-issue. The odometer displays 65K miles of experience, but there’s no authentication of that reading provided.
Typically, this Custom 500 is powered by a 200 gross HP, 289 CI V8 engine, and it’s connected to a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. That’s not a lot of grunt for slinging around 3,700 lbs., but it’s certainly adequate, with the seller adding, “Runs and drives great.” Other than the chrome-lidded, open-element air cleaner, the engine appears to be stock and original.
The interior shows better than I would have anticipated. The stripped fabric upholstery is starting to split and will need attention, but all in all, the entire environment is in fair condition. The door panels, carpet, and dash pad are all fine, though the steering wheel has developed a split. Note the one-year-only “don’t knock yourself out nub” extending from the wheel center. This is a non A/C equipped car.
Doing some research, I’ve found that the base price of a Custom 500 four-door sedan was $2,595, or $137 less than a corresponding Galaxie 500, but I suppose that was enough in 1967 for one to consider the less expensive trim. While not a collectible today, this Ford Custom 500 is an excellent example of how many motored around almost sixty years ago – we were awash in these, Chevy Bel Airs, and Plymouth Fury IIs – they all did their jobs and did them well. Anyone who’s looking to relive those simpler and hugely less expensive times can soak up that experience with this Ford sedan. OK, that’s all I got. Anyone interested?
I like old cars for their own sake. Sure, I’ve got favorites and fantasy rides, but there’s still something appealing to me about tooling around town on a sunny Sunday afternoon in a car like this.
The custom 500 line also had a unique 2 door model roofline. The 4 doors look great in perfect condition upholstery
Actually, the LTD had the unique roofline.
Surprising this trim level survived particularly given the locale where it is offered for sale. Had a ’64 Custom 500 growing up equipped like this one minus P/S and with A/C. Rather than accelerate it accumulated speed. Definitely a momentum vehicle. If one drove it parsiminously it would get about 20 highway but 13-14 city (windows down). For everyday use in this size vehicle an upgrade to one of the first 2 FE’s would have been welcome and only cost an mpg or two – the 289 requires regular caning for giddyup which crashes its economy.. Nice example here, deserves to roam the roads for another few decades . . .
Another stakeout car from a Quinn-Martin Production.
Who loves ya baby?
My Dad bought a 1967 Ford Custom 500 that he claimed had Galaxy Trim.
Yes, in the 1960s, Ford had its annual White Sale each February if my memory serves me. Full sized Ford Customs were offered with special outside trims, full wheel covers, and an upgraded interior. Most were white exteriors with either red or blue interiors.
My FIL at the time had a White Sale ’65, 352/auto with PS/PB/AC and a red all vinyl interior that looked suspiciously like a Galaxie’s. Pretty good value package for the time.
I remember the exterior of my Dad’s car being light blue and the interior blue as well.
For the Spring 1967 Ford “White Sale”, you could get a Custom 500 with Galaxie 500 vinyl seats. Some other options were included as part this mid-year package deal.
Had one like it in the late ’70s. Only mine was white over dark red. And it was a great car for what it was. The only thing that killed it was frame rot near where
the panhard rod joined the frame
and the rear axle. And when that part of the frame went, the rear axle began to separate from the rest of the car! Sad to say it became a parts car for my then FILs Galaxy 500 2-door hardtop.
Now, if I only the cash to make this sale happen, it would be DRIVEN from Minnesota back to
Melbourne. I can’t think of any better way to get acquainted with
a new to you classic car than a long road trip! And yes Rex, I can
see Efram Zimbalist Jr. getting into one of these to chase down the bad guys on The FBI. Only thing I didn’t care for were the vacuum style wipers that my car was equipped with. Not all that great in a Midwest blizzard. As pure and basic as they came back then. And boy, do I want it!
And in the series finale of The Fugitive when David Jansen is walking away after the press conference that cleared him of murdering his wife with his lady friend and as they leave the court
house, what’s the last car you see
before the credits roll? A ’67 Ford
Custom police car.
I’m agreeing with all the above comments. While this will most likely never be the recipient of a frame off restoration or even a paint job for that matter. This can be just driven and enjoyed for what it is. I’ve said it before on here that the view out over the hood is exactly the same in a four door classic car as it is with a two door.
Ask Rex, he has several beautiful 4 door Chryslers, and I’m sure he’ll tell you that he enjoys each of them tremendously. I hope someone enjoys this old Ford.
Thanks Driveinstile, As I mentioned in another post, I have divested myself of my C-body Chryslers, but replaced them with a ’65 LeBaron 4-door and more recently a ’65 Buick Electra 4-door. I like the 4-doors just fine, and it’s fun to pick the kids up at the airport when they fly in.
I’d be ecstatic to get picked up in that Buick!!!
Dave, I couldn’t agree more. But as I said before, check the frame
BEFORE you sign the check. And if our seller won’t let you put it on a lift to inspect it, then sadly, It’s
best to walk away. Do I want this car? You bet I do! And it’s just what I’m looking for! But you can’t do anything if you have emptywalletosis LOL!
that 289 looks pretty lonely under that hood. looks decent from the pics. priced fair but would defiantly try to get it cheaper.
This car should of sold within a day or so. Not many left that are everyday drivers. The condition reflects the price accordingly and is reasonable. Our Sheriff’s Dept. used these or the base custom model using the 428 V-8. Nothing wrong with that 289 which will run forever if taken care of.
Sorry to be sounding like a 70 year old freshman but what is a “don’t knock yourself out nub” ? To my memory, the steering wheel looks like many other cars of the 60’s. Of course I can’t count on my memory much anymore so maybe remind me?
Great parts car for someone needing that color combination.
Kut a G off of it and it would sell tomorrow. Yep
Nice old Ford.
If the frame is solid I’d consider a 390/4spd combo to slip into the engine bay. Then save the 289 for a midsized 60’s Ford wagon.
Any Andy Griffin Show fans? The Final year for Mayberry Police Car was … a 1967 Ford Custom! [I created an AI version before I realized we could not include photos.] https://chatgpt.com/s/m_6ac7f50fd4a8819180a66ff3a1790193
Turn the key, pull the shift lever towards you, hit the road, and have fun.
could be a good starting point
My Dad worked for Ford. He bought a 67 custom 2 door sedan from the employee resale lot. It was like new with only 600 miles on it. The big deal about this car was it a no option car other than it was a 427 duel quad 4 speed…..it was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.
We keep it a short time….sold it to a friend of the family who raced the car on Woodward avenue in Detroit. We heard the car ended up with a blow engine and parked.