Have you ever looked at a classic car and wondered whether it is as good “in the flesh” as it seems in the seller’s listing? That need not be a problem with this 1965 Ford Galaxie 500, because the seller actively encourages such inspections. I would be surprised if it unearthed any nasty surprises, because this Galaxie looks like a beauty. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting it listed here on eBay in Richton Park, Illinois. The BIN of $14,900 looks pretty affordable, but the seller’s willingness to negotiate may bring it down further.
The all-new body adopted by Ford for the 1965 Galaxie range made a bold visual statement. I have always preferred the more subtle and curvaceous appearance of the previous year’s offering, but the ’65 certainly looks aggressive. This Galaxie isn’t what most readers would consider a survivor. The Honey Gold Metallic paint gracing its exterior isn’t original, with the seller confirming it left the factory finished in Light Blue. It is unclear when the change occurred, but the appearance remains clean and tidy. There are no significant cosmetic imperfections, and while it isn’t stated, it appears that this classic is rust-free. The trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear. I particularly like the wheel covers, and the seller states that the whitewalls are relatively new.
I was disappointed that the seller supplied no engine bay shots. However, I was able to grab this screenshot from this YouTube video linked in their listing. Powering this Ford is a 352ci V8 with a factory-quoted output of 250hp. The first owner teamed the V8 with a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission and power steering. There is no assistance for the brakes, which will almost certainly be four-wheel drums. The seller states that the carburetor features a manual choke, and it appears that the dual exhaust and a few cosmetic enhancements might be the only changes. The seller uses the Galaxie as a fine-weather weekend cruiser. They state that it runs and drives well for a car with six decades under its belt. It is worth checking the video, because that V8 sounds awesome breathing through the dual exhaust.
Apart from the exterior paint shade, the Galaxie’s interior is another area of profound change. Originally trimmed in Blue vinyl with a bench seat, a previous owner installed Black vinyl and bucket seats during the paint change. It remains presentable, although there is a small developing tear on the driver’s seat outer edge that an upholsterer could easily address. The front seatcovers look slightly “baggy,” which may be a sign of collapsing foam. However, the remaining upholstered surfaces and the carpet meet the standard expected for a driver-grade classic. Aftermarket additions include an underdash CD player and a center console/cup holder.
This 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 won’t suit enthusiasts seeking an unmolested survivor to park in their garage. It lost that status when a previous owner changed the paint shade and interior trim color. However, as a comfortable, solid, and relatively affordable driver-grade classic, there is much to like. The listing statistics support my belief, as does the seller’s willingness to entertain inspections. Over ten days remain on their listing, but are you tempted to bring proceedings to a close by hitting the BIN button? I will understand if you do.
I’m always leery when I see a fire extinguisher in an old car, unless it’s for the track. Manual choke and unassisted drum brakes? No thanks. I do like the style of these mid sixties big Fords though.
I always carry a fire extinguisher in my old cars, and have used it once. A beautiful Dodge Charger was saved after having an engine fire leaving a cruise night. Even the firefighters were shocked when they arrived at the minimal damage, until they saw 10 classic cars lined up behind the fire car, and 10 fire extinguishers sitting on the ground. It’s cheap insurance.
Extinguishers are required to be displayed at most shows, often displayed under the front wheel. Don’t forget them when leaving, or don’t run them over.
As an example, they are required at Mustang Club of America shows. No exceptions. The officials working the show will not let you in unless they see it. And, it has to be “in the green” on the gauge. If you forgot, they will point you to the nearest WalMart. Sometimes the local club will have a few for sale onsite.
“… don’t run them over.” That happened at a MCA show about a decade ago. As you can imagine it made a huge mess. So show officials advise to NOT put them under the front wheel.
You rarely see fire extinguishers in race cars, they might be part of a suppression system, but those bottles are generally out of sight. The track I worked at didn’t want traditional fire extinguishers in the passenger compartment of cars running on the track. Most were not secured well enough to stay put in a crash and would become a projectile bouncing around the interior. We had most drivers remove them in tech. Besides fire safety would be able to get to them before they could unstrap themselves and access the extinguisher.
Steve R
Crisp and clean lines made these popular on the street and track. Maybe that horky-dorky console servers a purpose but it’s a finger in my eye. Would love to get behind the wheel.
I am a sucker for the stacked headlights in the 60’s. IMO these were about the best looking full sized Fords.
I am a sucker for the stacked headlights in the 60’s. IMO these were about the best looking full sized Fords.
Idk if this is actually an Illinois car or not but the frames were famous for breaking from salt. A had a 65 289, my brother a 66 390. That happened to both of us when the cars were about 10 years old. I like this one tho. As usual, nice write-up Adam.
In the picture of the engine there is a valve on the left side of the engine on one of the heater hoses. I have never seen one like that before and was wondering what purpose it serves? I’m guessing it has something to do with the car being in a cold weather climate. And the car is pretty nice, one just like it other than color was my first car.
The engine callouts on the front fenders are about a foot too high. Why? Too much bondo where they belong?
As I mentioned before regarding a 1965 Ford Galaxie; my parents had a light blue painted model. It must have been a bad year for that color blue, as it faded, peeled and developed a surface rust patina, in only a few years.