Some cars possess a genuine presence, which is true with this 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 XL. It makes a positive first impression, from its coke-bottle styling to its sparkling paint. The impact is heightened by the V8 under the hood and its tidy interior. The Galaxie has generated plenty of interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Howell, Michigan. However, the auction action has left the bidding below the reserve at $7,601, with time remaining for interested parties to throw their hat into the ring.
Ford introduced its Third Generation Galaxie range in 1965, with the new model featuring more aggressive styling and “stacked” headlamps. It made a bold visual statement, and healthy sales figures throughout the Generation’s production run demonstrated that buyers liked what they saw. This Galaxie is a largely original vehicle, but the seller admits it features a repaint in its original shade of Silver Frost. It retains a healthy shine with no significant flaws or defects. There are a few minor marks and blemishes, but nothing requires urgent attention. That is where this classic comes into its own because the lack of perfection means a new owner could enjoy it untouched without fearing damage from the occasional errant stone. However, it allows a hands-on enthusiast to address its few shortcomings as part of a light cosmetic restoration. The panels are straight, and the car is rust-free. The trim is in good order for a survivor, as is the glass.
Buyers could order a ’66 Galaxie with the C-Code 289ci V8 under the hood, and with 200hp on tap, performance scraped the lower side of acceptable. The reality was that this car is a big and heavy beast demanding something special under the hood to unlock its potential. This car’s original owner chose the four-barrel version of the 390ci V8, adding a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The V8 generates 315hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque, allowing the 3,990 lb Ford to cover the ¼-mile in 15.8 seconds. However, outright performance at the local drag strip wasn’t the Galaxie’s strong suit. The 390 features mountainous low-end torque delivery, resulting in flexibility and the ability to provide impressive in-gear acceleration. The seller claims the car has a genuine 66,000 miles on the clock. While they mention some original documentation like the Registration and Warranty Card, they don’t indicate whether they hold supporting evidence for the odometer reading. This classic runs and drives well and is ready to hit the road with its new owner behind the wheel.
The seller describes this Galaxie’s interior as nearly perfect, and that assessment seems fair. The Red vinyl upholstered surfaces show no evidence of wear or damage, with the same true of the carpet and headliner. The foam on the front seat bases shows signs of beginning to collapse but replacing that section alone would not be challenging or expensive. The dash, console, and faux woodgrain are in good order, and the only aftermarket addition is the wheel wrap. The new owner won’t receive luxuries like air conditioning or power windows, but the factory AM radio should provide entertainment on long journeys.
Some enthusiasts find a restoration project irresistible, while various circumstances mean that others cannot tackle a project. This 1966 Galaxie 500 XL caters to both because its presentation is good enough to be left untouched, while some light cosmetic work would lift its appearance to a higher level. It is a case of “horses for courses,” and the final decision will depend on how deeply the new owner desires perfection. The car has attracted fifteen bids, but the current highest bid is relatively modest. Would that be enough to tempt you to pursue this Ford further?
Nice, nice, NICE!!! I wonder how many boxes on the order form, this car was from being a 7 litre. Perhaps just the motor, as this car was tastefully loaded to the hilt. All these 60s cars were just the best. It breaks my patriotic heart, when I hear of some folks trashing them. Please, save that for the 80s cars. I never cared for stacked headlights, but the rest of the car overshadows that, I mean, look at it. Ford had the nicest interiors, and you folks on your hard, flat Asian car seats, and drab gray plastic dashboards,, eat your heart out.
.. the the hilt, sans the most essential AC and PW ..
colors wise, love it, ive been looking fornone of these, and the colors are great, but without AC or PW ill have to pass.
That yellow one on here the other day, im still deliberating, buuut yellow :/
Install Vintage Air. Works better than original and then you do not need power windows.
Well said sir! I always loved these Galaxies, as well as the Fairlanes of this era, they just have a big, tough look to them. And who needs a/c or a bunch of frills when you’re cruising in a ride like this! Stellar car, it reminds me of a ’65 I wanted to buy many years ago, it was bright red with a black interior, and the guy was asking $6500 for it. Unfortunately I was needing a car to commute in, and with two kids to raise, I opted for something a little cheaper, a little newer, and quite a bit better on gas. It was also 390 equipped, and I have thought about that car many times, and whacked myself on the head for not buying it anyway! But I wasn’t making a great deal of money in those days, I definitely would have had to let a few bills go, and as with everything else, the kids came first!
I will echo some of Howard’s comments. There was just something about full-size 60’s cars, including the stacked headlight Fords, which was particularly appealing. They covered all the bases: large and practical and useful (family four-door sedans and wagons), yet they could also be sporty (like this example) or elegant (LTD). This one in silver/red is particularly striking, especially with the bucket seat/console interior. One nitpick: I think it would look better with period-correct whitewall tires.
Trivia: I found some data, the base price on a Galaxie 500 XL Hardtop was $3231.
Gorgeous cars. Big 390 w the console, lots of torque to the Ford Cruise-O-Matic, 3.00 rearend.
Hwy dream. 😎
This car needs personalized license plates reading “NASCAR”.
“…this 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 XL. It makes a positive first impression, from its coke-bottle styling to its sparkling paint.”
Coke bottle styling for Galaxie’s arrived in 1967. Just saying.
Yeah, I’m not sure about “Coke bottle” styling. Seems kind of light in that area. Maybe “Tab”. Just about every Corvette and the 68-70 Chargers were “Coke bottle” styled. I see a big difference between those and this. I do like this year and all the options available. I’d leave the body alone, get the drivetrain real hot and sneak up on someone at a stop light, then wave in the rear view mirror.
Of course I’m grown up now . . .
I love it! Had a 66, 4 door Galaxie with a 352/auto and it was a fine car until the wreck. If this one had AC i’d be tempted to bid even with my limited financial situation.
352 was the interceptor or abductor pkg lol… they called it something..also a great motor.
All the FEs were good motors in my opinion. Had a 67 and a 68 xl both with 390s.
Technically, this would be a 4th generation Galaxie, as the model first appeared in midyear 59. This is a nice one, and seemingly very reasonably priced, but, like the old saying goes here lately, “if I only had the room for another one”
Nice car and I agree with mick, I’m all grown up now (wink wink, heh heh).
I had a ’65 w/289. My brother had a canary yellow ’66 w/390 & air (which was huge underneath the dash). I wanted to trade but he wasn’t having it. That was back in ’74 or so. Good grief!
This 390 was rated at 275 horsepower. FoMoCo had a practice at this time of using 2 barrel carburetors on relatively large engines. I believe the intention was to provide low speed torque and improve “economy”, probably while using regular gas. The higher performance engines had 4 barrels (4V in Ford-speak) and higher compression. Nice looking car, though.
The article says that this has the 4v Carberator.
Good point supported by what appears to be an original dual exhaust.
A very nice looking car, especially the roof line.
My grandmother had a 66 LTD w/390 4 barrel and a posi rear end. My Uncle had a 65 Polara convertible w/383 Magnum 4 barrel that he thought could whoop it and taunted grandma’s Ford mercilessly until the day came they met at a red light one summer evening! My uncle left that Ford alone after that and after a few months of grandma poking back at him my uncle sold the Polara. Her Ford was a Burnt Orange Color I believe they called “Emberglow” with a Black top & interior. She got a new Ford every 2 years until this one, she kept that 66 till October of 1972 and stepped up to the Mercury’s Flagship 1973 model.
I would’ve love to have seen that. 😄😄
Possible she was from Pasadena, CA?
65 Dodge would not be a Magnum. If it was the tables would have been turned.
Has gone up to nearly 12K since posted, still hasn’t made reserve. I must say this is an excellent looking car. I’d maybe fix the seats and drive it pretty much as is. It’d be a great cruiser.
Since I’m more familiar with Falcons ( not by choice!) it looks kinda strange to see a Ford V8 without those damn spring towers getting in the way.
Hi Chris, struts were a few years away for us, and even though there was more room, the motors were so big, some still had to be lifted off the mounts to change plugs.
Nice car … for me, the 63 Galaxy represents the pinnacle.
*ends in “ie” not “y”
The grammar Nazi that thinks a coupe and a fastback are mutually exclusive.
BTW genius, the ’70-92 Camaro is a fastback.
Always correcting people, never taking responsibility for errors.
My grandfather on mom’s side had a 65 Galaxie 500 XL in this color, had matching interior. 352 auto trans, 2 door, as they were quieter. Don’t remember if had AC or PW. Was a solid vehicle, the low end torque made it a pleasure to cruise sensibly. Being heavy without high HP would hurt the strip times, but that’s not the spirit of the vehicle imo.
Was in the service when the vehicle went somewhere, always wanted the car.
Well, now’s your chance . . .
I had the 66 fastback in ’71. I ran 15.22 in the quarter at PBIR (MOROSO) in ’71. I broke motor mounts doing a burnout at a friends house. Saw the speedo needle disappear into the dash as it went past 120 on I-95. Sweet ride. And, as usual, wish it was still mine.
Based on magazine tests of that time this car could not run a 15.8 quarter mile if you through it off the Grand Canyon. It is a nice car and these were one of my favorites during that period. Nice cruiser.
My mom had a 1966 Galaxie, by 1973 the frame was rusted out.
Great cars otherwise, but need to check the frame
As a 390 owner this car has “cruiser brute” written all over it. Not bad colour choice combo.
Nice Galaxy! Only things it needs is a 67 or later dual master cylinder and a Vintage Air AC unit, then go cruising. These make great road cars with a smooth ride. Wish I had room for another toy, I’d be considering a bid on this one.