I am sure that every Barn Finds reader can reflect upon their youth and pick one vehicle that was their favorite family car. For me, it was a 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 4-door Hardtop. The Castle Clarke played host to many cars during my younger days, including a Thunderbird and a few Mopar classics. However, the Galaxie will always sit at the top of my list. Therefore, when my off-sider, Russell Glantz, spotted this ’64 Galaxie Convertible listed here on eBay in Gray Court, South Carolina, I found the lure of writing about it irresistible. It is an unfinished project, but most of the hard and expensive work is complete. That will leave the buyer to add the finishing touches. The seller indicates a BIN in their listing of $12,500 but states that they will accept $11,000. That makes this Galaxie worth a close look.

There are a few cars from the 1960s that stand out because their creators hit a sweet spot with the styling. The original Buick Riviera is one, as is the First Generation Mustang. I place the ’64 Galaxie in the same category because Ford produced a car that was low, stylish, and oozing class. Every derivative was stunning, and there wasn’t a bad apple in the box. The first owner ordered this Convertible in Sunlight Yellow, and traces of that shade are visible in various locations. This is a stalled restoration project, but it hasn’t progressed beyond the point where the repair quality is hidden. The car received new rear quarter panels and new floor pans, and I suspect that the door skins may also be new. There are a few visible unfinished exterior rust repairs, but there appear to be no hidden nasty surprises. What remains should be consigned to history utilizing well-crafted patches, and that should leave the vehicle rust-free. There is no supplied information on the state of the power top, and it appears some trim pieces may be missing. That shouldn’t present too many obstacles, because high-quality reproduction parts are readily available. The shopping list will also include a new windshield, but the state of the remaining glass is unclear.

The first owner was obviously aiming for a comfortable motoring experience because, apart from the factory AM radio and clock, this Galaxie features air conditioning, power windows, and a swing-away wheel. The dash and bright trim look reasonable, and may present acceptably once cleaned. However, the Black vinyl upholstered surfaces show their age, making the interior a prime candidate for a retrim. A kit will set the new owner back around $2,000, but since it should still present nicely for many years if treated respectfully, it represents an excellent long-term investment.

Don’t be phased by the empty engine bay, because there is plenty of good news for potential buyers. The VIN confirms that the first owner ordered this Convertible powered by a 390ci V8, which they teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The 390 produced 300hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque according to the company’s Sales Brochure, and those figures may not be far away in this case. The seller indicates that the car comes with a partially rebuilt 390 and transmission, suggesting that these are more items requiring the finishing touch. Once complete and reinstalled, this car should provide pretty impressive performance. As an aside, the Galaxie that was parked in our garage featured what many would consider the more conservative 289. However, my father had a love for pushing the boundaries and had the 289 rebuilt to K-Code specs. I can confirm that if you gave it a dig in the ribs, it could really move!

I admit that you are fortunate to be seeing this 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible because, under different circumstances, it would already be parked safely in my workshop. However, it remains a “Galaxie far, far, away” for me. You might be luckier than me, and be in a position to become its next owner. It deserves to return to its rightful place on our roads, and with the toughest tasks completed, it could be ideal for enthusiasts with DIY leanings. Are you up for that challenge?