Sandwiched between the Galaxie 500 and the LTD in 1968 was the Galaxie XL. Ford’s marketing people hyped the XL fastback as the “top choice for active people” with its sweeping good looks and powerful V8 choices. This ’68 XL looks like a project that hasn’t progressed and the seller doesn’t have the time to complete it. And it might not need all that much to finish, especially if the buyer borrows from the 500 parts car that comes with the deal. Both autos are located in Blackfoot, Idaho and are available here on craigslist as a package deal for $5,000. The seller isn’t interested in separating them.
From the windshield back, the 1968 full-size Fords were very much like the 1967 full-size Fords. But from the cowl forward, they were different looking, mainly for the use of dual horizontal headlights instead of stacked ones which had been the case since 1965. And on the XL models, those peepers were concealed behind trap doors and the XL was available only as a fastback coupe and convertible. The XL would carry some upgrades in trim levels to further separate it from the standard Galaxie 500.
Stored indoors and out of the elements is the seller’s ’68 XL with a cream-colored paint job that could very well be original. There are no noticeable problems with the body other than some missing trim pieces. But we don’t know for sure because the car serves as storage shelf for all sorts of things kept in the garage. We’re told it’s a running and drivable car, except for the brakes and carburetor. It has a 390 cubic inch V8 which may have been good for 325 horsepower. It also has an automatic transmission
The XL’s companion, a Galaxie 500, is situated in less desirable elements, outside in a field with the grass and snow. It’s gray (maybe blue) in color and no longer has an engine, transmission or third member. The seller acquired it to use as a donor for the primary car, the cream-colored XL. It has some accessories that may have found their way into the XL, like power windows and a power bench seat.
The XL was one of 50,000 XL fastbacks built in 1968, while the 500 saw more action at 84,000 copies. Although the seller says both cars are restorable, I’d be inclined to focus most of the attention on the nicer one. According to Hagerty, a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 is worth $4,300 to $6,400 in Fair to Good condition, and the desirable XL would likely be worth more. If you have the room for both cars, this would seem like a viable project to see to the finish line.
The cream colored XL does look like an interesting project if rust isn’t an issue. Apart from some trim, it appears to be mostly complete. The interior is pretty well shot with torn seats front and back, a cracked dash and a grungy carpet. Some engine pictures would have been nice. The blue 500 doesn’t look too bad either but it’s hard to tell with only two pictures. The price is pretty reasonable for the pair and maybe there are some extra bits in the boxes that are sitting on the XL. All the seller needs is someone who is a Galaxie fan and is willing to haul away two cars.
Owned a few (20 +-) 67’s, 69’s n 70’s and a couple 64’s and out of all the galaxies with the 390 only one 64 had a factory 4 bbl. I had better luck getting the N code 429 in the newer cars. The rear window is different from the 67 also.
Owned a few (20 +-) 67’s, 69’s n 70’s and a couple 64’s, and out of all the galaxies with the 390, only one 64 had a factory 4 bbl. I had better luck getting the N code 429 in the newer cars. The rear window is different from the 67 also.
Wonder how difficult to restoration parts for these cars. My favs are ’63-’64 but do like this body style.
You can see how original they are – Worth Every Cent
I will be heading back home to Great Falls, MT from Dallas, TX next month it only adds 4 hours to the trip to go by and take a look. I was debating going home by way of Amarillo, Albuquerque, Farmington, NM, Price, UT to I-15 as I have never been that way. If it is still available, I will take some pics and update on rust issues. I may even make an offer, if the car has A/C.
Some may remember my story, of the kid just out of HS( 73) had a white ’68 XL just like this, except it had a factory 4 speed. His dad worked for Ford in some capacity, got the ’68 new with a then, very rare 4 speed, and gave it to his son, along with a ’68 KR500 Shelby to use. I know, some kids. Personally, I didn’t like the 4 speed Galaxie, it just wasn’t the kind of car you want snapping the necks of your passengers and every green light, it was more of a luxury car. Shame these projects start with the best intentions, but turn into a workbench for many.