After fifteen years, Ford decided to end production on the Galaxie 500 after 1974, making this oddly named “Pillared Hardtop” the last of its line for American production. As such, production numbers weren’t terribly impressive, with the luxurious LTD lines outpacing the poor, neglected “last of the Galaxies,” but that makes this example all the more interesting. The seller says that it has its original paint and original interior, and while neither are perfect, they’re both in “good shape.” Barn FindsĀ reader Jack M. found the Galaxie on craigslist in Chesapeake, Virginia, and with an asking price of $5,950, it would make an excellent ’70s cruiser for those who like their collector cars big and broughamy.
Fortunately, the standard engine in the 1974 Galaxie 500 was something that could get out of its own way, a 351 two-barrel. Although Ford made three different 351s, this is the Windsor, a good engine that’s easy to find parts for. While Ford didn’t advertise power numbers in their sales materials (1974 wasn’t a great year for power, after all), the most oft-quoted number I have been able to find is 163…not too bad for the era. By 1974, power front disc brakes and power steering were standard on the Galaxie, while this example also has air conditioning (no comment on whether or not it works).
The interior matches brochure images, and the trim color is Medium Green. When combined with an exterior that appears to be a shade of yellow, it’s an interesting combination, but it makes me think that the exterior color is “Medium Lime Yellow.” Aside from a crack in the dashboard and an unfortunate parts store steering wheel cover, the interior indeed looks to be in great shape for being 52 years old, and though the ad doesn’t expand upon it, the odometer reading is listed as being 79,000, which might be accurate given the overall condition of the big Ford.
The back seat, unsurprisingly, looks even better than the front.
They don’t make gigantic (222.5 inches in length) sedans (ahem, pillared hardtops) like this Galaxie anymore, so if you like this kind of car, this has to at least pique your interest at the price. The seller says that it has new tires, brakes, shocks, exhaust, and battery, so it’s ready to cruise. While it probably doesn’t have enough power to perform the stunts you might have seen big Fords perform in ’70s cop shows, you could certainly play the part of the small-screen hero in this nice full-sizer from 1974.
Oh wow, that’s gorgeous! Great write-up, Aaron, and nice find as always, Jack!
So, what do we have here…. A common, anonymous car in its day, it has four doors, it isn’t at all stylish, it is a dull yellow with a dull greenish interior, it has malaise-era power and driveability, it has big bumpers. So, no one would ever want something like this?
On the other hand…. it is cheap, it has some new parts, it is in good overall condition, when the water pump goes out AutoZone probably has one on the shelf, you won’t worry about a rock chip, you and three friends can comfortably go to the community event, and you would end up having fun conversations everywhere you went.
Good job Aaron. “Broughamy”, I like that word.
As the great Bud Lindeman would
say, “Ring the bell Quasimoto, this
one checks all the boxes for me!”
And boy, does it ever! Room enough for my tribe, ad a soft cushy ride for me! A win win proposition all ’round. The only bad thing I can find is that 351 V-8s of this era are known for weak
valve guides and seals that wear
out early, causing the engine to
burn oil and foul plugs. And folks
lemme tell Ya’, that plug behind the master cylinder on the driver’s
side is a pain in the ass to get at
and change. Other than that, it’s
a really nice car for the money.
Too bad I don’t have the cash to buy it right now. If I did, I and my
family would take the train up there and drive it back to Florida.
But not before going to the Rent A Bay where I would change all the fluids MYSELF to make sure
that everything’s in apple pie š„§
order before the trip home. Can
anyone say road trip?!!!
Oh man, Bud Lindemann! Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Speedvision (the cable channel) would rerun Mr. Lindemann’s Car & Track, and I loved watching the old racing footage and contemporary road tests. His test drivers sure wrung out those cars.
Bud’s Road Tests are available on YouTube. Great, short watches.
I had the 1973 2 door Coupe version of this Galaxie 500….bought in 1986 for $750 with 65k miles on it. Drove it on several long trips in the west. Just a nice comfortable cruising car, easy to work on. I’d take this yellow one in a second if I had the room. Great everyday cars…..
i miss these big cars they ride so nice compared to what they build today
Back when every house with a kid or two seemed to have one of these or an Impala. The ubiquitous family car. These are responsible for the “two too many doors” outcry we so often see here. Station wagons weren’t the only cars causing trauma. Myself, I like it a lot in all its cream and green glory.
Bud Lindemann!!! He was great. I used to watch the Car and Track show too, probably on Speedvision. I used to love the ( kind of corny) background music playing while their test driver would put cars through their paces. It was neat watching cars from the 70’s being pushed to their limits!! Thats a great memory I haven’t thought of in years. Thanks M
Ken and Aaron!!! I’m now going to go look amd see if I can find any clips on YouTube!!!