Some classics are deceptive, meaning you must burrow below the surface to identify what makes them genuinely special. That is the case with this 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Convertible. It is a solid and complete vehicle that needs a birthday, and most people would accept that without question. However, the original owner’s decision to order it with the desirable P-Code V8 helps it stand apart from lesser mortals. If you crave a project car that could provide good looks, excellent performance, and an effortless wind-in-the-hair motoring experience, the Galaxie is listed here on Craigslist in Clovis, California. The price of admission is $22,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for referring it.

Ford rolled its latest generation of the Galaxie off the line in 1960, with the car receiving evolutionary styling updates until it was replaced for the 1965 model year. Our feature car is from the final production year, and while it no longer dazzles potential buyers, it has many positive attributes. The existing paint shade isn’t original, with the Door Tag confirming the original owner ordered the car in Skylight Blue. Considering its cosmetic needs, reinstating the original shade would not add significantly to the restoration process. The panels sport minor bumps and bruises, but none justify panel replacement. It seems the Convertible spent its life in a dry climate, helping to explain the lack of significant rust. There is some visible around the trunk opening, but careful work with a welder and patches should see those disappear. There is surface corrosion and a couple of tiny holes inside the trunk, but there are no signs of further penetrating rust. The White power top works as it should, and with the rear window still clear and no apparent rips, a deep clean should be all it needs. A few trim pieces are missing, but sourcing replacements shouldn’t pose a problem.

The Galaxie’s interior would have been a pleasant place to pass the time on a sunny day, with the bucket seats, console, and AM radio adding to the luxury impression. It remains presentable for a driver but needs love if the buyer seeks a high-end result. The driver’s seat has some outer edge wear, the carpet looks tired, and the pad is heavily cracked. Some upholstered surfaces are sun-faded, meaning a complete retrim would probably be the best approach. The process won’t leave any change from $2,000, but when you consider the results and the potential value of this car with the work complete, it could be a wise investment.

Lifting the hood reveals this Galaxie’s ace, helping explain why it is such a worthy restoration candidate. Ford offered buyers a wide selection of powerplants in 1964, and many selected the 390ci V8 producing 300hp. However, some craved more but couldn’t justify the expense or hard-edged motoring experience provided by the fire-breathing 427. However, the P-Code version of the 390 brought 330hp to the table, giving the car a performance edge in a civilized package. Few buyers pursued that path, but this Convertible’s original owner did. They left shifting duties to a three-speed automatic transmission, adding power assistance for the steering and brakes for an effortless driving experience. Was the expense justified? The additional power and 427 ft/lbs of torque meant the 4,167 lb Convertible could squeak in a sub-16-second ¼-mile. It wasn’t much faster than a regular 390, but it was enough to gain the owner bragging rights. The seller indicates the car remains mechanically original, although it requires work before being considered roadworthy. A new fuel tank and brake work will be at the top of the list, although any other tasks would appear to be little more than the tweaking and tuning the new owner could complete themself.

The asking price for this 1964 Galaxie 500 XL Convertible isn’t cheap, but several factors justify the figure. Its lack of significant rust means it represents a fairly straightforward restoration project. However, the P-Code V8 under the hood sets it apart from the crowd. Although values aren’t currently climbing significantly, that motor is the secret to this car’s potential. Few owners ordered their ’64 Galaxie so equipped, making this a relatively rare vehicle in the big picture. It means a high-end restoration should see it comfortably command a value above $60,000 in the current market, although a higher figure is possible. With that thought in mind, will you give this Ford more than a passing glance?