Ford treated its full-size cars to a styling refresh in 1961, although the design had been redone in 1960. Small fins incorporating the taillights were used instead of flat wings along the lines of the big 1960 Chevrolets. The seller has a nice 1961 Ford Galaxie that was restored in the 1980s. It’s in great shape, though the seller admits it’s not perfect. And it has four doors, not necessarily the first choice with collectors. Located in Naches, Washington, this Ford is available here on craigslist for $13,900. “Curvette” gets an attaboy for this tip!
Chevrolet continued to beat out Ford for the top sales spot. But the Dearborn company still built nearly three-quarters of a million full-size automobiles in ‘61. 40% of sales were for cars badged as Galaxies, and 142,000 of those were 4-door sedans like this super sweet white-over-red example. We’re told the mileage is 81,000 and the car was treated to a restoration back in the 1980s. So, it has held up well for the last 40 years.
This Ford looks like a great family car with seating for six. Under the hood lies an optional 352 cubic inch V8 (no engine photos, so the carburetion is a question mark). That’s flanked by a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. We assume power steering and brakes were selected on the options list, so the big Ford wouldn’t be hard to manhandle.
The limited photos offered by the seller don’t help us find any visible flaws. The two-tone paint looks good, and no mention is made of any rust issues. It’s a good running machine, as well, for you’d have no trouble taking the tribe out on a weekend cruise or to Cars & Coffee where a Galaxie like this will seldom be seen.
A Ford with Dodge wheel covers. Don’t see that very often.
Interesting how an (incorrect) detail like that jumps off the page.
Looks like a good Galaxie.
Sorry, not Dodge wheel covers…4 bar spinners available online…I know, as I bought them and I once owned this car.
’62 Dodge Lancer.
I don’t know of any paint that would hold up better than the baked enamel on these.
Park it next to that LeSabre wagon. I’m always amused by way that cars of this era had a name for various gadgets and features.
Not my favorite Galaxie, but I wouldn’t kick it out of my garage for eating crackers
I think my neighbors had one of these.
I can tell you this Galaxie is a great car as I owned and sold it to the folks now selling it on barn finds…all original but paint redone a few years ago…runs and drives great and gets comments where ever you go….you would not go wrong with this one…great ride! By the way Bob, those are not Dodge hubcaps….4 bar spinners from the 60’s purchased online! Larry
Too many doors = a great bargain!
Unless it has been upgraded, the 352 should be a 2 barrel only from 1961 to 63.
Naches is on the East side of the Cascades, so doesn’t get Seattles infamously incessant rainfall. Should be a good solid car. I live 1/2 hour away, and would be willing to go put eyes on it for a prospective purchaser. GLWTS!
Bunky, Car was originally bought new in Wenatchee and I bought it from the original owners family…I owned it for about 5 years on the westside where it was always garaged and only drove in summer months….very solid car these folks are selling after buying from me about 3 years ago..Larry
Joe Welty Ford dealership in Wenatchee. My dad bought a 1959 Galaxie, 1962 Galaxie and a 1970 Maverick from him. He almost bought a 1961 Galaxie Sunliner (convertible), but my mom was afraid that us kids would fall out of the back window.