The seller calls this beautiful 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 LTD the nicest they have seen in 50 years, and I’m inclined to agree after looking the pictures over. It’s listed for sale here on eBay where early bidding has yet to meet the reserve. The big (3,650 pounds) Ford can be found in Greentown, Indiana, very appropriately considering its greeny-gold (Sauterne Gold, according to this color chart) color.
The story goes that this car was purchased by the previous owner in 1978 and put into long-term storage. Sometime in the early 1990s, the car was repainted and the vinyl top was replaced, but then the car was put back into storage. The current seller purchased the car recently and extensively refurbished it before the sale. The 500 LTD HardTop Sedan (Ford’s term) accounted for 31,696 of the 597,002 1966 Galaxies produced and retailed for $3,280.
You can see the “390” badge on the front fenders. I’m not sure if the red-painted rims visible just around the factory wheel covers are original or not, but I like them paired with the narrow whitewall tires (new). The seller has also replaced the brakes, filters, fuel pump, tune-up components, water pump, and hoses to return the Ford to the road.
This is literally the worst picture of the underside, which shows surface rust and grime but little else. It also highlights the new fuel tank the seller has installed.
Apart from a missing steering wheel center and a bit of fading, the interior looks superb. I found a wheel center/horn push combo here on eBay for $27.60, so I’m surprised the seller hasn’t picked one up.
The underhood appearance has been helped (?) by some rattle-canning and is certainly respectable for a weekend cruiser. Some detailing and judicious parts replacement/refurbishment could get it up to show status, but wouldn’t you rather spend that time driving this beautiful big beast? I know I would! Thanks to Russell G. for sending in this cool find and I hope you liked looking at it as much as I did!
It looks great. I’d love to own it. These were some very nice-driving cars, and the 390 supplied plenty of power.
I always breakdown the VIN to see what engine originally came in the car; great on 60’s Fords and Mopars. Not utilized until ’72 with GM.
Performing my due diligence, I went to five websites – after the first one didn’t match the pictures and description. The VIN listed in the ad (6W66X100703) decodes as a 66 Galaxie 500 with a 352 4bbl (5th digit in VIN, code X). A 390 2bbl has a VIN code of Y – but it’s sometimes easy to misread a VIN.
Now – the Ford VIN for ’66 started with 100001, and this car is 100703. A very early build! Would love to see the data plate and get more info. Would love to own this.
Of course, I’ll be in Greentown (Kokomo – 10 minutes away), the week after the auction ends.
I just don’t think one would fake a 390 LTD, though…
My Dad bought a 65 Galaxie 500 LTD in 1967. It had a 352 and no air which was unusual in Texas. I have seen in several sources that 65 was the only year for the LTD to have the Galaxy nameplate, in 66 it became just the LTD and top of the line.
The buyer needs to check the frame; here in the rust belt of NY the ironworms got these right quick. You never see them here. The pics of the bottom surely dont jive with the shiny paint job. Too bad because these were good cars. Good luck and happy bidding.
Cheers
GPC
No doubt! This photo shows a hole in the frame on the left.
These cars have aged beautifully. For me, the look & style of these Galaxies are outstanding. Same with the Impalas of that time period.
The Invaders(1967-68) scifi tv show featured a lot of big fords
https://www.imcdb.org/m61265.html
Even obscure ones like the
https://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_347963-Mercury-Comet-Caliente-1967.html
&
https://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_345209-Mercury-Comet-Cyclone-GT-63H-1967.html
Worth buyin the complete series on DVD if u are a sci fi/old car fan.
The Invaders! Roy Thinnes! SP?
Never cared for the new creased square look body. Preferred the 63-64 Galaxies. Even the 63-64 interiors were better. The underside pics of this car are scary. I’d sure want to do an in person inspection before bidding.
I remember my father buying a white one new in 1966 with a 6 cylinder in it, my sister borrowed it one day and drove off the road into the river and that was that.
I always wondered on these – why 4 front parking lights/blinkers? Are 2 of them dummies? Or are their functions split – or duplicated?
No air, no thanks!