When the seller located this beautiful 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 XL, it had been parked since 1990. They worked through a meticulous revival process that consumed thousands of dollars. However, it has proved a wise investment because it is a turnkey proposition where a winning bidder could fly in and drive home behind the wheel of this rock-solid gem. It is listed for sale here on eBay in Michigan City, Indiana. Bidding sits below the reserve, sitting at $13,000, and there is time remaining for potential bidders to check their finances before making a play for this beauty.

Ford introduced the Galaxie badge as a trim level in 1959, with an entirely new model appearing on showroom floors in 1960. The appearance was more restrained than its predecessor, with the large fins consigned to history. The seller indicates this 500 XL, which rolled off the line in 1962, was parked in 1990. They purchased and revived the car, concentrating on the drivetrain and interior to transform it into a tidy and reliable driver. The Astro wheels were on the car when they purchased it, and it appears they have done nothing with these but treat them to a polish and wrap them in new tires. The original Chestnut paint holds a reasonable shine, but the poorly matched repaint on the driver’s side rear quarter panel might prompt some to consider a cosmetic refresh. The process should be straightforward because the panels have only a few small bumps and bruises, and it appears there is no rust requiring attention. The seller doesn’t mention any existing or previous issues, suggesting this classic is rock-solid. They suggest replacing the bumpers should form part of any cosmetic restoration, but the remaining trim is in good order. There are no glass issues, and the indications are that an exterior refresh could happen at the winning bidder’s leisure.

Part of the revival process for this Galaxie included refreshing some of the more expensive aspects of its interior. The seats sport new foam and custom-made covers, with a new carpet set gracing the floors. The remaining trim and upholstery are original, and the condition is admirable for a vehicle of this vintage. The only fault worth noting is a seam separation in the headliner. The wheel shows wear, but restoring this in a home workshop would be rewarding. The seller confirms the column-mounted tach was there when they purchased this car, and they saw no reason to remove it. There is evidence the Galaxie once featured air conditioning, but the compressor has gone from the engine bay. There should be no trouble sourcing a replacement, and working A/C would add to the luxurious impression created by the stunning plated trim, bucket seats, console, and power driver’s seat.

The seller doesn’t indicate whether this Galaxie is numbers-matching, but they confirm they have invested over one hundred hours and $6,000 in parts to return it to a roadworthy state. Its 352ci V8 kicks into life with the first turn of the key and should produce the 220hp and 336 ft/lbs of torque available off the showroom floor. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, while the driver benefits from power assistance for the steering and brakes. The list of replaced parts is extensive, and it is easy to see where all the money went. The braking system appears to be entirely new, and there is a new fuel tank, sender unit, fuel pump, water pump, hoses, and belts. The carburetor and generator received a rebuild, the radiator was serviced and sealed, and the transmission was serviced. That isn’t the end of the list because the battery, valve cover gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets, plugs, plug wires, battery cables, and some sections of the wiring harness are new. Potential buyers should consider this Galaxie a turnkey classic with no mechanical needs or shortcomings.

The current bid figure on this 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 Xl is modest, and it would be easy to think it will remain highly affordable. However, the fifty-three bids submitted confirm that potential buyers desperately want to park this beauty in their garage or workshop, and that could be a sign that the price might rise considerably before the hammer falls. It is easy to see why potential buyers are attracted because addressing its cosmetic needs would be a productive way to occupy the upcoming winter months. Doing so would have it shining like a new penny for next summer, allowing this old Ford to turn heads wherever it goes. I can’t think of anything bad about that scenario. Can you?