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 Finds 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.