“Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” Okay, I’m not about to give up my day job for a musical career. Still, the sentiment reflects that the warmer weather is coming and that spending those days aboard this 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Convertible could be a pleasant experience. It is a tidy and solid survivor begging to be enjoyed by a new owner. It isn’t perfect, but it offers somebody the opportunity for some top-down touring immediately with the chance of performing a cosmetic refresh when the colder weather closes back in. Alternatively, that person may decide that retaining the Galaxie as an original survivor is more to their taste, and it’s an approach that seems viable. Whatever your preference, you will find the Convertible located in Granite Falls, Washington, and listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding has raced past the reserve and currently sits at $17,600.

The overall presentation of this Wimbledon White Galaxie is pretty respectable for a survivor. The paint has a few flaws, and the seller acknowledges some evidence of touch-ups, but this is hardly surprising for a fifty-eight-year-old car. The panels look straight, with no dings or dents worth noting. The White power top operates as it should, although the material has shrunk to the point where the buyer will probably consider replacement to ensure it remains weatherproof. Tops are easy to find, and prices vary depending on material type and whether the buyer prefers a plastic or glass back window. They start at around $480, although they can exceed $1,000 for a top-of-the-range item. The best news with this classic revolves around its lack of rust. There is nothing visible externally, and the underside shots reveal little beyond a dusting of surface corrosion. The trim and hubcaps appear above-average, while the new whitewall tires add a classy finishing touch to the exterior.

Frustratingly, the owner supplies no engine photos, but this underside shot suggests that the drivetrain has no significant fluid leaks for the buyer to consider. Any classic car with 300hp on tap can never be a bad thing, and that’s the figure pumped out by the Galaxie’s original Z-Code 390ci V8. For a relaxed driving experience, we can add a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes to the equation. At 4,170lbs, the Convertible is a relatively heavy beast. That makes its ¼ mile ET of 16.1 seconds look pretty impressive. Potential buyers could be handing over their cash for a car that is a turnkey proposition. As well as the new tires, the seller has recently installed a new carburetor and serviced the braking system. He says that the 390 roars to life immediately and that the car runs and drives beautifully. It sounds like the successful bidder might be able to fly in and drive this gem home.

One of the strong points of this Galaxie is that it features an original and unmolested interior. The factory AM radio remains intact, as does the clock. Adding to the appeal and comfort are the bucket seats and the console with the shifter poking through. It isn’t perfect, but it is serviceable for people focusing on instant enjoyment. Lifting it from its current presentation level to something eye-catching would not be difficult or expensive. A new set of seat upholstery would make a huge difference, and a complete set will cost around $650. New carpet would add a further $240 to the tally, but it seems that the interior needs little else.

The thought of spending a sunny summer day touring the country in this 1964 Galaxie 500 XL Convertible is attractive, and it is a classic that would suit somebody seeking immediate gratification. It is also a car that would seem to represent a straightforward restoration project, and there will be readers divided about whether to follow that path or retain it largely untouched. That begs the question of where the bidding is likely to head before the hammer falls. I found the car advertised on another site for $19,950. However, the bidding has been relatively sedate on the eBay listing, so there’s a chance that it may sell below that figure. Perhaps it could be worth watching this auction if you find yourself tempted.