Over the years, Ford sold a lot of Galaxie 500s. It was their bread-and-butter car for quite some time, just as the Impala was Chevrolet’s. The most noticeable change for 1968 that the full-size cars went back to horizontal dual headlights rather than the stacked versions on the 1965-67 models. We’re told this ’68 500 was a runner when it was parked, but we’re guessing that was some time ago. It’s going to need a full restoration and is located in Soda Springs, California. The car is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,000.
When the third generation Galaxie (along with the rest of the big Fords) was rolled out for 1965, they were advertised as the “newest since 1949.” The new part included bodies, perimeter frames, technology (like slightly curved side-glass), and fashionable boxy styling. For the next three years, the cars would get annual updates and the ’68 models were no exception. The Galaxie continued to be flanked by the entry level Custom and the top-end LTD. Some 84,000 Galaxie 500s were built in 1968 in 2-door hardtop mode, both notchback and fastbacks. Most of the Galaxie’s were fastbacks as the notchback tended to find its way more into the upscale LTD.
The seller’s red fastback was reported to be in running condition when parked and it appears to have stayed dormant for some time. Long enough for the trees and shrubbery around it to begin taking over. The paint is faded, but there is no visible rust present, but there are plenty of places or it to be hiding in since not all of the vehicle is visible in the photos. The passenger side door looks to have some small amount of damage and the chrome and glass are likely salvageable.
Fortunately, one of those reflector shields was used across the dashboard from the inside, likely preventing further damage to the interior by the Sun. The front bench seat will need to be recovered, but the back seat and door panels may be okay. The headliner is possibly starting to sag, but once the passenger compartment is cleaned out, it may be possible that the carpeting is still presentable. The steering wheels has several visible cracks.
Under the hood is a V8, which the seller doesn’t identify by displacement. It could be the basic 302 cubic inch small block that replaced the venerable 289 in 1968. We don’t know what will be required to get this car running again and the status of the automatic transmission is unknown. The seller doesn’t have the time to dedicate to the car nor does he wish to continue allocating the space it occupies, so the car must move. Hagerty doesn’t seem optimistic on the value of these ’68 Fords. $4,300 is the estimate for one in Fair condition, so the seller looks to be in the right territory.
I have been looking for another project car, and I’m not afraid to take on some long-neglected old bomber if the price makes sense (well, none of this hobby makes sense, really).
My first mumbling comment to myself upon seeing this car was “Now there’s a decent project car if it’s priced at $750.00”. Then I see, of course, the ask is a preposterous 5 grand, to say nothing of the woefully lazy presentation.
Strange times indeed.
Way over priced, this car needs everything gone over and wouldn’t sell for much more than that in driving condition,,,,,Leaves and debris are ideal conditions for promoting and hiding rust. The floor pans and frame are probably toast…..
If something’s been listed for 8 weeks the seller should take that as a sign the price might be too high.
Steve R
Under the hood, where’s the famous Ford coffee can? I can’t remember what it was for, vacuum something. Possibly missing due to non power brakes?
It’s an FE, probably a 390.
There is a 390 emblem on the front fender. Doesn’t mean it is still there.
Nice touch with the sunshade to prevent dashboard cracks.
I really don’t know what people are thinking. People aren’t made of money. We have no idea how long this thing has been sitting or what it needs. It has some kind of huge gap between the passenger door & fender, at least the front seat needs to be redone. There’s some significant costly work here. If someone wanted to just get it running and use it to drive around in for fun, not fix all of the cosmetic stuff, it’s not worth it. $5000 is a huge investment, and you have no idea how much more you’re going to have to spend on this just to get it running. It will need new tires, the fuel system gone through, coolant system gone through, new brakes, and then the cosmetic work hasn’t been addressed. This is substantial $. I’ve gotten much nicer cars than this to fix up for a LOT less money. Yeah, it’s cool, but come on, be realistic. Then again I’ve seen worse cars for sale on Barn Finds.
Well, the Antenna is broken. Then I see the door handle and mirror missing..look deeper and there is r/r quarter panel damage.
Look close at front fender looks like it has a crease at top of it!
Had one just like this in blue. 390 2bbl. Nice car.
$5,000 ? He must think he,s at Barret Jackson and a bunch of drunks must be bidding. It will take alot of work and money to get this road safe to drive on. Plus its in California and they have a crazy law about taxes on a vehicles that has not been on the road in awhile and the back taxes .The new owner would have to pay. PASS
Why do people keep cars in hibernation like this then dig them out 20 to 30 years later all rites and charge all outdoors
That right side door shows all the signs of the classic backing up with the door open, and bending it backwards when striking an object.
“Hagerty…$4,300…in fair condition, so seller looks to be in the right territory.” Really? $5K for this is the right territory? That would suggest this is better than fair condition, would it not? Guess I’m missing something.
Probably, more than anything, is the fact that this model just isn’t particularly desirable. Oh, and I believe this era of Fords had a well-known problem with frame rust, which, given the storage this car has received, is likely.
None of it adds up to 5 grand. Dis-missed!!