“As remarkable as their looks is the hush in which ’65 Fords move.” So says a 1965 Ford brochure pointing out the newly-designed, beautiful, stacked-headlight line of cars from Ford. Speaking of beautiful, this 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 sedan is listed here on eBay in Bothell, Washington. The current bid price is $7,800 and the reserve isn’t met. Thanks to Larry D. for sending in this tip!
You’d better sit down for this one: this car isn’t restored, it’s all original. I know, no way, I thought the same thing. Well, there is one thing that isn’t original, at least cosmetically. The seller says that the previous owner, who they say was the only owner, clear-coated the paint at some point, but it’s reportedly all original Ivy Green (?) paint under that clear coat. “How’s that underside looking on this third-gen Galaxie half-a-grand, SG?” Ha, it’s funny you should ask, here’s a photo of it. How’s that? Solid as Sears. Did I just date myself?
A lot of you are cringing at the unheard-of amount of doors on this car. Yes, there are four of them! I’m just poking fun at the “two doors too many” folks, we all like what we like and that’s ok. I like both numbers of doors, and if this would have been a four-door wagon, even better. Frankly, I’m surprised at the Hagerty numbers for this car. They list a #2 excellent car as being worth $8,600. Given all of the crazy prices out there, this car sure seems as if it would be worth more than that, four doors or not. Ok, here’s where I eat my words, Hagerty is at $16,400 for a two-door with this drivetrain. Now I get it.
If you thought that the exterior was beautiful and in mind-blowing condition for an original car that’s creeping up on being six decades old, check out this interior! This car should have an under-dash kleenex dispenser in it to wipe away the tears of joy from the next owner’s eyes. Gorgeous, just gorgeous. The seats are basically perfect, can they possibly be from 1965? Everything else inside looks brand new to me, I truly thought that this car was restored before reading the description.
If that one radiator hose had some semi-gloss spray goodness on it, it would really make this underhood photo sing. Even the 200 horsepower, 289 lb-ft of torque 289-cu.in. OHV V8 engine looks beautiful, dull and chalky radiator hose or not. I don’t mean to keep going on and on about how nice this car looks, I’m just so surprised that it’s original. Of course, this engine is whisper-quiet and runs as smooth as, well, it’s smooth. I have never seen a nicer original Galaxie 500, have you?
When I was a kid, a good friend down the block, his folks both worked at Briggs and Stratton. When I mention how imports changed our world, it wiped out many families like his, where both parents, even a kid or 2, lost their jobs. Anyway, this was the mid 60s, Milwaukee was a hummin’ place and imports were the farthest thing. IMPORTS? Yeah, those cheap tools at Treasure Island,,was about it. Mikes dad came home with a brand new 1965 Ford, LTD, 352, 4 barrel, 4 door. It, unlike this car, had the works. Mikes dad had a heavy foot and was always a treat riding with him, unlike my pokey old man. It was a really nice car. I’ve never seen a grill badge like that, I thought possibly a Canadian model? I say, and examples like this bolster the fact, I think tucked away in garages across this great land,, and there are a LOT of garages, are cars like this waiting to be found. Right place, right time has always been the key. Very nice find.
I don’t think Hagarty is right on value when it comes to cars like this. The ’60s Mustangs, Camaros, Super Bees, etc., are well out of reach of most of us. I know I can’t afford most of the cars I had from my mis-spent youth. Cars that have 4-doors are more affordable as well as a lot of full-size cars. Jewels like this Galaxie are coming up in value despite the “extra” doors. I think a car like this should be well worth over $10K or $12K, especially since it apparently needs nothing. The condition is outstanding, in and out and it has a fairly bullet-proof drive train. All you have to do to it is to get in, turn the key and enjoy a beautiful classic. Of course, the country is in a recession and inflation is higher than it’s been in 40 + years so these issues will impact prices and the common man’s priorities. I hope the seller gets a good price for this Galaxie, it’s a beauty.
You might want to double-check/update your inflation numbers.
Really? Don’t just comment that I’m wrong. Prove it.
Yes, inflation continues to destroy savings and ruin plans. Plans like buying a starter collector car, enjoying travel, and paying down the mortgage.
I think that because the cars we had in the 60’s and early 70’s, the muscle cars.. have become so pricey that these attainable 4 door cars will absolutely start going up in value. A few years ago people from our generation would not have considered a 4 door, now..because of affordability we will. As far as I am concerned I would love this car ( but I’ve gotten old). There are only 2 things that I would do. Add vintage air.. and put daul exhaust on but with stock mufflers so it stays as quiet as it was meant to be. I just prefer the look of the daul exhaust.
What a nice car. Looks great, inside and out. That greenish gold interior was common back then, sure looks odd today. The styling on these vertical-headlight mid-60’s Fords was clean and classy; each year has its highlights. For a car this clean, to be used as a cruiser, four doors is fine.
Check out the other cars in the garage.
I did notice, a very nice collection. This may sound corny but I like seeing Fords and Chevys living together in a beautiful garage. It tells me that the owner is a true enthusiast.. he loves them all. ( or , he is a dealer).
I’m thinking that emblem was added by the
original owner.
We bought a ’65 Ford “Custom” 240 Six new. Was my high school car. Combed many Auto Junk Yards getting “up grades” from other cars in the 1970’s. That front emblem is not Original to any 65 Ford I’ve ever seen
You meet the nicest people in a Ford.
That license plate is from Pennsylvania and no longer available. Beautiful car with something different than today’s gray or black interiors. What a bargain.
Good article, Scotty G. To me, the ’65 Ford is my favorite Ford style-wise of the 1960s. This one is in unbelievable condition for a 58-year-old vehicle. Must’ve been caught in some kind of mid-60’s Time Tunnel Time Warp!
Unrestored? I’m not buying it.
Neither am I. Not fond of the claims regarding “factory undercoating” and “factory rear antenna” either. Imaginary options from someone that is trying to pawn off a beautiful restoration project as a true survivor.
Poor Larry. You must’ve lead a very sheltered life. Complaining about the antenna? FYI Larry, that IS a factory rear antenna on this Ford. Seldom seen perhaps, as most had the common front fender antenna, but IF you’d looked at the Ford accessory brochure, THIS antenna was also available. Check it out on-line!
Poor Chuck … doesn’t know the difference between a Ford Authorized Accessory and “factory installed” item. Maybe I was too busy looking for that rarest of options in 1965, the factory undercoating. What page of the brochure was that one on?
I would definitely buy if it had a more potent offering under the hood .The jeers which will be plentiful for saying such but imagine a 427 mid rise with a 4 speed which they made a few 4 doors back in the day ! Now 2 doors too many with a 427 4 speed ? I think not nice car anyhow.
This is certainly 4-doors done right. Bravo Ford Motor Company. This, 4-door box Chevys, Cadillac sedans, Chrysler C-bodies? 4 doors look great. However, get a look at a 4-door Dart or Coronet- ick! :)
Great car!
The only version more rare these days, it seems to me, is the Ford Galaxie 500 LTD – a very nice car rather like an aspiring town car (or maybe town-and-country car, town and country-club car? STOP Me!) Anyway, ours was a grey/silver with a black vinyl top and black interior, just a nice upscale feel and look all around. I’m not sure how many were made, but on the auto evolution site they show a stretched military limo version with jump seats in the back it looks more like the Russian limos of the day.
Very nice car. In 1967 after coming home from the Army, and getting married my dad bought me a 1965 Ford Custom 500 4 door sedan with 289 3 on tree with overdrive and A/C. It was What I call gun metal blue. My first wife and I had a lot of fun in that car. Drive in movies, trips to Lake Tahoe, Tacoma, Washington, Grants Pass, Oregon and other delightful trips. Oh how nice it was to be young and not know life had some cruel stops ahead for both of us.
God Bless America
Who the hell cares how many doors it
has! This car is drop-dead gorgeous!
Looks as though the lucky winner of
this auction will need only a plane ticket there and then he/she/they could proudly drive it back to their home state with the biggest smile on
their face. That would be my dream
if I had the cash to pull the trigger.
That outlay of cash would have to include two plane tickets– one for me
And the driver I’d have to hire to drive
it back here to Florida. At least I could ride shotgun on the way home
with a big smile on MY face!
It’s nice to see a car of this age in this condition, but what’s the market for this, a small block four door pretty average car.
Again it’s very nice but collectable?
John,
I am not sure what collectible means. Are you talking about the future appreciation or pleasure of owning and driving this great condition Ford? This is not going to top 500K anytime soon but it certainly could provide a hell of a lot of fun for the next owner for years and if properly maintained, the next owner. The second route is what collectible means to me, but each to their own and this is why I like the comments on BF.
Wow … What a museum piece. I could not believe under hood Ford hoses with factory clamps. I know it’s 4 Dr with a 289 motor but, when was the last time you seen a showroom condition 500? I would be proud to own this and bring to many car shows. I hope the next owner really takes care of it. And not but a big block under the hood! 🇺🇸🐻🇺🇸
This car evidently was featured on GAA Classic car auctions (NC). So, from PA to NC to WA.
My Dad bought a 66 Galaxie 500 New 289, Ivy Green, Beautiful Car, Very Similar to the 65 Ford Galaxie! Very Nice Car!
My Grandfather bought a new red Galaxie 500 2 door hardtop with a 352. He had the dealer install a black final top, chrome impact strips and a remote drivers side mirror. It had white walls, wheel covers, power steering, manual brakes, am radio and red cloth interior. It was a real eye catcher. He picked me up after school and I got to go with him to pick it up. It was the first new car I was in. I was 8 years old. I still remember the smell and the sound of the duel exhaust. A 65 352 had a special mellow sound all its own. The 65 Galaxie will always be a favorite for me.
This is beautiful. I would take it any day of the week over the 65 Chevy six with the three on the tree. The 289 is a good choice for driving and enjoying.
Nice find. IMHO, this is the best year for the “Full-sized” Ford with vertical headlamps. Given its originality and condition, this looks like a good asking price for the car.
My Dad bought this same car in burgundy in ’68 and it was as sharp as this one. Same interior color. Problem was it had a 6 cylinder and he called it a lemon. He said he bought it because it was the only car on the lot that started at 20 below. Had it a year and traded it for a new ’69 Chevy C/10 Pickup. Hey, I was a car buff even at 11-12 years old.
Another beautiful 1960’s vehicle from BF for my viewing enjoyment. As a bonus I get to read a good write up and interesting and informative comments. It’s something I look forward to every day. As of this posting $11,800 with five days to go. I think that the price will push or even exceed 20K as bidding ends. If it is original unrestored as claimed then it’s an incredible find. As to the number of doors I lean towards two but I’ve had several four door collector cars over the years. I’d be pleased to own this but I’m at the stage in life where one collector car is plenty. GLWTS.
Great looking car,but I’d sure want to see it in
person before spending that kind of money on it.
It still amazes me that some buyers (like on BaT)
will do just that,& end up later (SURPRISE!) that
it wasn’t “as advertised”.
Had one of these my brother-in-law gave me it was 8 years old when he gave it to me the thing was totally rusted through the frame right under the driver’s door the car looked beautiful but was a rust bucket I couldn’t believe it was rusted through the frame completely at 8 years old
I like to watch the Perry Mason reruns on TV. It’s because of the Customs/Galaxies you can tell which year the show was made as Ford supplied the cars! Lovely shape and gave the lie to American cars being vulgar and flashy! More elegant than anything that European stylists could produce!
In 1965 had ordered a new custom 500 and Meridian Ford Idaho. Ford went on strike couldn’t get what I ordered they had 500 LTD sitting on the floor beautiful dark green paint gorgeous dark green interior 390 engine very nice car, Drove it tell I gotta a used 69 Lincoln continental what a great car! 460 not much different than 390 in gas mileage chuck
The grille ornament is correct, just in the wrong place. It should be off-center on the driver’s side. My sister had an aqua two door with 352. Nice driving car til the rust invaded everything
The LTD motif was fixed on the center of the hood, with the T being splayed either side of the peak. The FORD motif was mounted low down on the driver’s side of the large peak grille.
Ok this article is saying 100% original it’s definitely not . Take a closer look at the pictures here and on ebay . I dont think the seller is saying that. At least he shouldn’t have because it’s not
.
Dual master cylinder and stant rad cap, yea not in 65….the car has had upgrades so makes me question the restored vs unrestored. An original survivor with many original components , and certain ones “freshened up” sure I’ll buy that .