To capitalize on the “space race” that was taking hold at the time, car manufacturers started using catchy names like the Galaxie 500, an upper trim add-on to the Fairlane series in 1959. So, for a time, the Fords would be called Fairlane Galaxie 500 before dropping the prefix by 1962. This 1959 edition in 2-door sedan form is said to be mostly original and well preserved. Until recently, the car was still owned by the family that bought the Ford new. Located in Polk City, Florida, this 500 is available here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $24,500.
Ford’s cars were redesigned in 1957 and – after a mild facelift in 1958 – the automobiles received even more visual changes to carry the platform until another redesign would come along in 1960. Examples like the seller’s car are referred to as “2-door Club Sedans” of which 53,000 were built in ‘59. This one only has 54,000 miles on the odometer, was mostly kept indoors, and only driven on Sundays (like the Little Old Lady from Pasadena?).
According to this car’s VIN, its engine is Ford’s 332 cubic inch OHV V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor rated at 225 hp. It was a step up from the 292 motor at the bottom of the supply chain. Manufactured in Atlanta, Georgia, this car also has a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission and we’re told the drivetrain performs well, especially for being original to the automobile. There are no mechanical issues that require any attention, such as unusual leaks or noises. The tires have the majority of their tread life remaining.
The paint and interior are not perfect, as the seller rates them being at least 8 or 9 on a scale of 10. The glass and chrome both look good, although there are a couple of dings in the latter. Word is that rust has never given this Ford any trouble. It’s obvious this car has been babied and – if it’s truly a survivor – then its owners took special care of the auto for the past 63 years. And it’s wearing a set of wire wheel covers more commonly found on mid-1960s Fords. More information about the vehicle is provided on its listing here on eBay, as well.
Nice,wouldn’t change a thing:-)
I would rather “buy it now” on eBay for $18,000 It looks to me that the seats were recovered and whomever picked the upholstery was color blind. I might break up the paint a little with some chocolate brown, perhaps the roof. Not being (too) critical it’s a beautiful car as is.
The upholstery on that model would have had metalized thread running through it.
http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Ford/1959_Ford/1959%20Ford%20Galaxie%20Prestige%20Brochure/image9.html
“Silver strand” that thread was called.
I remember it from the one my parents bought for my older brother.
Nile green and white, 4 bbl ans auto.
This is not a “Galaxie 500.” There were no Galaxie 500s until 1962. This is a Galaxie, which in ’59 still had “Fairlane 500” badging on the rear deck, but was in fact a separate top line series introduced partway through the ’59 model year. The ’60 and ’61 top line series was also the Galaxie (not Galaxie 500). For ’62, the top line series got the new Galaxie 500 name while the Galaxie name without the 500 was moved down a notch to what had been the Fairlane 500 level and the Fairlane/Fairlane 500 name was moved to the new intermediate models introduced that year.
Beautiful.Learned how to drive in parents 1959 Galaxie…red and black 4dr.
“This one only has 54,000 miles on the odometer, was mostly kept indoors, and only driven on Sundays (like the Little Old Lady from Pasadena?).”
Or like the crazy and kookie Manson family. They drove a 4-door version of this to the Tate and LaBianca murders in August 1969.
They drove Johnny Swartz’s car, license GYY-435.
Originally Inca Gold and white two-tone.
Ford won the Gold Medal for Exceptional Styling at the 1959 Brussels World’s Fair for this year’s Ford cars. Or did they? I have also heard that there was no such award and it was all dreamed up by the Ford marketing dept.
Ford won the Gold Medal for Exceptional Styling at the 1959 Brussels World’s Fair for this year’s Ford cars. Or did they? I have also heard that there was no such award and it was all dreamed up by the Ford marketing dept.
A 1959 white with blue interior was my ‘first’ car. I seem to remember Fairlane 500 in gold trim somewhere on the vehicle. Been too long for me to remember. Ah, to be a teenager again!
My Dad had a 59 Galaxie 2 door hardtop this color, but with a white roof. His had the 223 six and I assume a 2 speed Fordomatic, being so young. The 332 seems like an orphan engine, only being made 1958 and 59. Hopefully, 352 parts will fit, for the most part.
My uncle Garfield had a 59 4DR hard top! I was 8 , we had a good time going to the beach house!
My mom drove us to school in one of these absolute piles of junk. It broke down every month and this was in 1962. Dad finally had enough repair bills and bought a new 62 Pontiac. End of problems. I wouldn’t give you 10 cents for one of these turds. Sorry Ford guys.
George. sorry your Mom & Dad had such a weak vehicle. Maybe yours came down the assembly line just before the end of a shift. On a Friday. The 13th. Before a holiday. Mine was reliable and a comfortable ride. And since it weighs more than a frigate it was about the safest car on the road.
I like the color; very Fifties!
Yes, “Bathroom Tile Beige”.
Mom and Dad bought a 10 year old 59 for my older brother. Nile green and white 2 door sedan. V8, of some size. 4 BBL of that I am certain. You could hear them open up.
Clean. The guy who sold it had babied it.
All that name: Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie.
It had leaks around the windshield but it was in beautiful shape. It likely had around 90,000 miles at the time.
Another car my parents provided my older brother who proceeded to tear up.
I owned close to a twin. Very durable. Not much left when I sold it. Big motor. Automatic. If I could retrieve it I would restore it. Great car.
I love the 59’s
Someone had better snag this beauty! The BIN has dropped to $14,500! Can’t go wrong at that price IMHO. Perfect for Spring time drives, or a daily grocery-getter! Classy looking Ford!