It seemed unlikely, long ago, that a 1969 Ford Galaxie 500, four-door sedan would still be plying the streets 56 years after the fact. But, here’s the evidence, and I’d suggest that it’s a pretty nice specimen. Someone’s taken care of this old rig, spruced it up with some wheels, and has probably enjoyed it – proving that a two-door, “classic”, way-over-priced muscle car isn’t the only automotive fun in town. Tony P. is to be thanked for this Neenah, Wisconsin tip, and it’s available here on craigslist for $8,500.
I somewhat remember that long-ago year of 1969, and it seemed that everyone owned either a full-size Ford or a B-body Chevy (Caprice, Impala, etc.) – the two manufacturers knocked themselves out for market share dominance. Our Galaxie four-door sedan subject is one of 104K assembled and other body styles included two different two-door hardtops (135K), a convertible (6,900), a four-door hardtop (64K) and a station wagon known as the “Country Sedan” (47K). These are huge numbers for a single trim level and don’t include the LTD, Custom 500/Custom, or the XL.
This example is quite clean and shows no sign of rust or crash damage. The listing is light on details, so it’s debatable as to whether the Aztec Aqua (?) finish is original. This one’s a two-toner, so it may have been capped with a vinyl roof covering at one time, or perhaps it has always been finished in black. The sporting vibe is courtesy of “star-style” after-market wheels mounted into Cooper Cobra tires (has anyone noticed how expensive they’ve become?)
That big flat Ford hood is covering up a 265 gross HP, 390 CI V8 engine that is in remarkably clean condition. Has it been rebuilt or just undergone a “craigslist overhaul” (aka a rattle can resto)? The seller claims only 79K miles of use and adds, “Very solid cruiser,” – but that’s it, no more detail. As is almost always the case, a three-speed automatic transmission handles gear-related matters.
The interior images are limited, but what can be seen is very positive. The black vinyl and cloth upholstery, along with the carpet, show little sign of age or use – perhaps some replacement having occurred here? The basic instrument panel and the overhead dome light would seem to bathe the environment in a blue hue, I can’t tell if that’s intentional or just the photographic lighting.
So, what’s old is new. None of us would likely have given a flip about this car years ago, but sometimes absence and time make the heart grow fonder, wouldn’t you agree?
I’m with you Jim on your write-up. At first glance it is simply a bread-and-butter four-door Galaxie 500. But it does look good with the light blue paint and the dark roof, and appears to be in good shape (though the ad has the typical meager amount of info). The tire/wheel package gives it a bit more sportiness.
I appreciate and enjoy seeing muscle cars. But if the owner of one would like to show it off to others but is afraid of it getting wet, or the next rock chip, or a child getting too close to it, perhaps a cruiser like this would be more enjoyable.
good description of what I’d wanna own, Bob
I totally agree with Bob. I usually go for original wheels and tires, but for some reason they do seem to work here. Plenty of oomph with that 390. And I totally agree with ditching the vinyl top and painting the roof instead, way less chance of rust getting in there. It may be my phone I’m looking on here I know Jim said black for the interior. But it looks like a very dark blue. It could be a trick of the light or my phone, but it sure seems it to me. Either way, dark dark blue or black, its very nice. The whole car is very nice. This is going to he a really great buy for someone. Never too many doors for me. I always tell people, the view over the hood from behind the wheel is exactly the same whether its a 4 door or 2 door. Great find, and great write up too Jim I enjoyed it.
Mom had an ugly and I mean ugly dark military green one with matching interior. That beast had no AC or ps so she didn’t have it for long. I remember in the winter it was hard to start which didn’t help it’s cause.
Falfa, Milner or Toad drivin a 4 door would have ruined you know what movie.
Glad Dreyfuss parked his 4 door thing.
Bob knows Fords. Thanks for the article JO. Driveinstile is right, no need for vinyl roof on this model. Cruise-O-Matic C6 spun std 2.75 gears ⚙️ 3.25 an option.
Torquey motor puts out as advertised in ci. 390ft/lb
Totally agree Stan. I don’t know. Maybe its the truck driver in us, but Im not a 0 to 60 guy as I’m more of a ton of torque and high gears and effortless getring up to speed and cruising sort of guy. That 390 and highway gears and C6 is totally bullet proof as Terry stated.
Agree with all here. Four doors can make a hot car if you do it right. In high school, back in the 80s, we did this more often because it was cheaper to get a hand me down car from grandma and turn it into a pavement pounder, then buy a coupe that still needed work. We had just as much fun with those tricked out 4 doors, with room to “socialize” in the back seat. Perfect high school car.
Same here Jnard90, I knew a lot of people in high school with hopped up 4 door Buick Skylarks, Olds Cutlasses and Malibus Mavericks even one seriously quick Dart 4 door sedan with a very hot 273 under the hood ( never ever underestimate a Mopar small block even the 273) All of them sedans. It was what we could afford or get from our parents or grandparents. Great memories.
390 backed by a C6. Ford didn’t make them much more bullet proof than this. This car looks like it’s been very well detailed/preserved. Ninety percent of these Galaxies had a vinyl roof, so this unit probably had one in its earlier life. Based on what a lot of cars from this era are going for (and many of them are junk), the price here isn’t too bad, though this one won’t open a lot of eyes.
Had a 69 XL convertible, 390-2V, C6, red with white bucket seats, console, hiding headlights, stirrup shifter. Definitely a cruiser. Seeing this car brings back some good old memories.
Too nice. I really like the condition, in and out, this is in.
I worked at the plant this was built at, Fern Valley Road in Louisville Ky years later when the ’78s rolled down the line. 1st and favorite car was a 1967 Custom base model, police, 1967. Still have the Commonwealth of Ky registration slip with the “P” as 5th digit. Big is nice and 4 doors OK!
Interior is sharp and love the 390. Had a tired 390 in a ’68 Cougar that was my 2nd car – will last and last with proper care. Zinc based oil, not synthetic, goes in these flat tappet cams/pre-roller mills.
Would buy this at this price after a look-see.
Da n g… Nice.
Put a sea foam green paint job on it and you would have my gramps car. He gave it to my sister and hers was the car she and her roommates would use when they all went out
Is that the original colour ?
Has strange upgrades re the led headlamps and blue leds inside also, a bit “Cuban”?!