Sure looks solid, except for the roof, right? Well, I’ll start by telling you that the seller is including a brand new black soft top; you just have to install it! The big Ford is located in Hamden, Connecticut and is being sold here on eBay. Bidding is starting at $2,000 and there’s a buy it now of $5,200 if you just can’t wait!
You can see the major issue with the body to the right in this shot; the rear bumper has been pushed in somewhat and is contacting the fender. The seller tells us that the rear frame rails have some rust. They also talk about removing some sheet metal patches and some U channel pieces that the previous owner installed and painted black to hide damage on the frame. The seller maintains that the damage is repairable but you have to wonder if that’s why they are passing this project on.
As you can see, the interior leaves something to be desired at the moment. It looks like you can get pretty much anything you want from suppliers, but remember, this is a big car and carpet and upholstery can come with big prices.
According to the seller, this is a 289 cubic inch V8, and it runs well. The engine is supposed to have been rebuilt not too long ago, but the seller has no documentation. The transmission is also supposed to have been rebuilt, but again there’s no records of it. You’re also going to have to fix the brakes and put some exhaust in place beyond the manifolds. However, I should add that there are two new door panels, door weather stripping and some convertible top seals as well. This looks like a reasonable project to me, depending on the frame rust. If you’re interested, the auction listing has some more pictures, including the underside, but they are pretty dark and it’s hard to see much. I’d want to know more about that frame damage before bidding too high. What do you think?
This looks like a lot of fun for $5000. A driving project is really something to think about. Buy it now, work on it over the winter, drive it all summer and then work on it some more next winter, but in the meantime you are taking the kids out for ice cream and not staring at a car in the garage.
Not far from me. I already have a ’65 Galaxie ragtop so for once I’m not feeling the urge to bring this one home.
These can be great cars for relatively low cost. The ’65 and ’66 cars can be had for much less than a comparable ’63 or ’64 Galaxie. I personally prefer the later styling, which is why I went looking for my ’65.
If you want a ’65 Galaxie, I would pass on this one. Really nice ones that you can drive immediately can be had for only slightly more than this asking price. The frame rot could be a problem – it’s pretty common on these cars and can be extensive on a northeast car. Any interested purchaser should look very carefully to make sure they know what they’re getting. Hopefully this one isn’t too bad and the car can be saved.
– John
How long has it been sitting topless in New England weather? It’s a wonder there’s any sheet metal left.
The noses like this, squared off and slanted, were my favorites. When the T-bird first showed up wit that slant nose I was stunned. And it just got better. Even the Fords for the rest of us had great styling and value. This is a true boulevard cruiser, or it would be here in Arizona.
1965 was one of my favorite years for the big Fords. This one needs a lot of help. At $2000 to $2500 I midge consider it, at $5200 not so much.