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.