In 1959, Ford added a higher-end version of the Fairlane 500. Dubbed the Galaxie, it capitalized on the trend toward naming cars after the burgeoning Space Race. Chevrolet had done something similar the year before with the Bel Air/Impala though that product had some of its own sheet metal. This ’59 Galaxie has been partially restored, retaining its original engine. It looks quite nice and may be one of the better examples left. From Delray Beach, Florida, this black beauty is available here on craigslist for $12,000. This tip comes to us via “Michael.”
For one year only, this car was known as the Fairlane 500 Galaxie. In 1960, the vehicle was simply called Galaxie (or Galaxie 500) with the Fairlane becoming the secondary series above the Custom. With an update in styling over the ‘58s, the ’59 Galaxie accounted for sales of more than 464,000 units, including the retractable hardtop, the Skyliner (which was in its third and final outing). The 2-door “Club Victoria” like the seller’s car was a big seller at nearly 122,000 copies.
We’re told this Ford only has 40,000 miles, but since restoring was done in the past, it could be 140,000. It’s powered by the 332 cubic inch V8 it left the factory with, paired with an automatic transmission (2-speed like Chevy’s Powerglide?). This car is said to run well and should be a dependable driver (should you decide to do more than take it to Cars & Coffee. The three-tone interior is known to have been made over.
Receipts are provided for a lot of work that has recently been experienced. The new parts comprise the front suspension and exhaust, plus it was given a tune-up and had the tranny resealed. This looks like a lot of automobile for the money and not necessarily one where you will have to pour in a small fortune after taking the plunge.
1959 was the last year that Ford would outsell Chevy, and you can see why (though I liked the gull-wing Chevy too). Except for the retractable hardtop, this was the top of the line offering from Ford. Nice automobile!
This car was on BaT no less than 3 times.
The first time it was bid to $8500, reserve not met; next, it was re-listed and bid to $8700, but the buyer didn’t pay; finally, it was listed again and only bid to $5200.
The poor car can’t catch a break. It looks like a nice car.
Nice car. Back in the day our neighbor had a black 59 but I don’t remember what trim level– I doubt it was this nice. What caught my eye is the three-tone interior. Can anyone say whether that is factory (I can’t quite tell from the brochure)? If so it is a far cry from today’s “you get an all-black interior and you will like it” approach.
Yes, that is original as my brother has my Dad’s 59 convertible and it is exactlythesame. I have sprayed it a couple of times over the years but unfortunately, a racoon got in her and wrecked the interior! 🥺 Body is still in great shape and motor just needs tune up
I read the craigslist ad and the seller said “leather” interior. Although it appears to look original and nicely done, it is NOT leather. Big flag and turn off for me when someone can’t tell the difference between butter and parkay.
Am I seeing No Air, p/windows, seat, etc
Zooming in on one of the steering column images reveals (I believe) the indicator window for a Cruise-O-Matic (3-speed) transmission.
The Craigslist ad says $10,000 OBO. Seems like a good deal to me. GLWTS.
A dead ringer for my 59 Edsel Corsair…except for the grill of course!!
Seems like a decent car for the money. Considering what people list these days as a classic, needing a “little” work, this one seems pretty tight. My buddy doesn’t like the look of the car, I think it’s cool.
I love the 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie, but not in black; thank you! And I would prefer the four door hardtop. Has anyone noticed the dents in the rear bumper, and that the front bumper appears to be pushed-in a bit at the middle-right? The price seems reasonable, however. Ford outsold Chevy in 1959, because the Ford was nice-looking in a classical way, and the rather avant-garde 1959 Chevrolet was HIDEOUS! What a bring-down, after their attractive ’58! Of course, for 1958, Ford had fronted the ugliest of face-lifts upon their beautiful 1957. Americans tended to buy new cars for looks in those days, and comparative sales-figures on similar classes of vehicles tell the story of which ones made us gag and which we idealised seeing in our own driveway. Sadly, to-day, you get utility without regard to aesthetics — take it or do without.
I love the 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie, but not in black; thank you! And I would prefer the four door hardtop. Has anyone noticed the dents in the rear bumper, and that the front bumper appears to be pushed-in a bit at the middle-right? The price seems reasonable, however. Ford outsold Chevy in 1959, because the Ford was nice-looking in a classical way, and the rather avant-garde 1959 Chevrolet was HIDEOUS! What a bring-down, after their attractive ’58! Of course, for 1958, Ford had fronted the ugliest of face-lifts upon their beautiful 1957. Americans tended to buy new cars for looks in those days, and comparative sales-figures on similar classes of vehicles tell the story of which ones made us gag and which we idealised seeing in our own driveway. Sadly, to-day, you get utility without regard to aesthetics — take it or do without.
I love the 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie, but not in black; thank you! And I would prefer the four door hardtop. Has anyone noticed the dents in the rear bumper, and that the front bumper appears to be pushed-in a bit at the middle-right? The price seems reasonable, however. Ford outsold Chevy in 1959, because the Ford was nice-looking in a classical way, and the rather avant-garde 1959 Chevrolet was HIDEOUS! What a bring-down, after their attractive ’58! Of course, for 1958, Ford had fronted the ugliest of face-lifts upon their beautiful 1957. Americans tended to buy new cars for looks in those days, and comparative sales-figures on similar classes of vehicles tell the story of which ones made us gag and which we idealised seeing in our own driveway. Sadly, to-day, you get utility without regard to aesthetics — take it or do without.
I love the 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie, but not in black; thank you! And I would prefer the four door hardtop. Has anyone noticed the dents in the rear bumper, and that the front bumper appears to be pushed-in a bit at the middle-right? The price seems reasonable, however. Ford outsold Chevy in 1959, because the Ford was nice-looking in a classical way, and the rather avant-garde 1959 Chevrolet was HIDEOUS! What a bring-down, after their attractive ’58! Of course, for 1958, Ford had fronted the ugliest of face-lifts upon their beautiful 1957. Americans tended to buy new cars for looks in those days, and comparative sales-figures on similar classes of vehicles tell the story of which ones made us gag and which we idealised seeing in our own driveway. Sadly, to-day, you get utility without regard to aesthetics — take it or do without.
STOP. Please stop!
Though not a Ford guy, I’ve always thought the ’59s beautifully designed, especially when compared with the following year’s models.
Harrison, you may have hit a new record with a three-peat post! I’m kidding, I know there have been issues with “did it really post – or not”, me too. I don’t usually like black or dark color cars for the safety reason of not being seen at dark or low light. Last year I almost hit a dark motorcycle that was in a shadow late one day. I do like the way this 59 Ford looks though. Maybe those big round taillights would help. The Craigslist ad, as Carbob mentioned, says $10,000, which seems fair if it runs well and a southern car.
Yep, I love the tail-lights too. The front end, in black, does kind of make it look like one of those grim Russian Party Staff cars, like a “Zil” or something.
Hi, Dave in PA! Didn’t you say that you have experience with Lincoln Town Cars? One concern I have with Gabe’s is, the “check engine” light is on. I wonder what THIS could turn into?? I hadn’t thought of black as an “invisibility” problem — I’m just not crazy about the LOOK of a black car, unless it is prior to 1949. And, 1959 cars came in all sorts of cheerful colours; DIDN’T they?
Hi, Dave in PA! Didn’t you say that you have experience with Lincoln Town Cars? One concern I have with Gabe’s is, the “check engine” light is on. I wonder what THIS could turn into?? I hadn’t thought of black as an “invisibility” problem — I’m just not crazy about the LOOK of a black car, unless it is prior to 1949. And, 1959 cars came in all sorts of cheerful colours; DIDN’T they?
Harrison, I had an 86 and then an 87 Town Car about 20 years ago, and an 85 Grand Marquis before that. I did not have any that had the “check engine” light come on, but by coincidence today Hagerty Insurance site for car collectors, free to subscribe to, mentioned old tools and should we save them or throw out as antiquated. I don’t remember the modern electronic diagnostic tool that is used today (others on here will know), that is just plugged in to cars starting in 1996 for check engine light. It reads the codes, usually for free at car parts shops. Then it narrows down the issue. HOWEVER, there is a tool that can read one for the 89 Lincoln, I believe, one that Hagerty said we should keep if we have it just for vehicles like the one you are interested in. Many places no longer have it. Do you have a mechanic that works on your Grand Marquis that may be able to diagnose? It is likely something that would cost less than a few hundred to cure, but there is no guarantee if you buy the car, and it is more serious. I think Gabe should encourage your discovery efforts, including having the car on lift to check for rust and things like front end issues, etc. Whether you want to buy and if you do, the price may be affected accordingly. Best wishes. Others here may have experience and reply.
Beautiful car. Too the bumpers are askew front and rear.
Both 2 speed and 3 speed automatics were available with the 332FE engine. I’m betting on the 3 speed with this highly optioned car. Unfortunately, the PRNDL doesn’t indicate which one it is. The
PRND21 indicator didn’t come until later with “Selectshift”. Only way to hold 2nd gear was to wait for the 1-2 upshift, and then pull the indicator down to L, which then held it in 2nd, because the transmission wouldn’t go back into low at the speed. Old street racer trick. Tranny shops loved it. 😏
Thank you, Dave in PA!
Thank you, Dave in PA!
Harrison,u only have to hit “”Post Comment” button once .But do it right.Then wait while the line goes across the top.Took me awhile to learn that.
Harrison, I found the article about tools we don’t use anymore from Hagerty Insurance, and I forwarded to your email. The second or third down on the list mentions “Pre OBDII diagnostic tool”, used by OEM (dealers usually) for specific vehicle makes from 80’s thru to 1996 when they became standardized. So, the 89 Town Car should have had an electronic device for reading the engine fault codes. It is possible that your mechanic or a dealer may still have this tool.
“For one year only, this car was known as the Fairlane 500 Galaxie.”
Nope. The Galaxie was not a Fairlane 500 and Ford didn’t market it as such. It was its own series introduced partway through the ’59 model year. If you doubt that, check the Galaxie brochure — nowhere is it called a “Fairlane 500 Galaxie” — it’s just a Galaxie. The “Fairlane 500” badging on the rear deck confuses the issue a bit but Ford apparently was stuck with that for ’59 as it was part of the design.
“In 1960, the vehicle was simply called Galaxie (or Galaxie 500)”
No Galaxie 500 until ’62.
Also, this car has the 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic judging by the shift quadrant.
Not to be negative, but I grew up in a red 59 Ford. Mom hated that POS. I remember clearly that heap breaking down constantly and this was in the early 1960s. Every time I see a 59 Ford I want to vomit.
I bet it didnt have a strait 6 – i’ve had several pre-emissions sixes from ford & chevy that ran real good when they escorted their rusted out car bodies to the junkyard. lol
They always got me where i needed to go – even in snow.
To George Mattar: sorry for your mother’s experience. Do you happen to remember specifically WHAT broke down? — and WHICH ’59 Ford it was that she had?
You got it
Harrison, I tried to reply to you, but my post went below about the Town Car. I have been having computer problems, so it can be confusing. By the way, your method of saving 78 records with cracks, using super glue, has worked well with some totally, others not due to crack showing light, and others partly. I put tape on where I can set the needle on some records where damage is too great in that area. For instance, I have “i can’t give you anything but love, baby” and “The joint is jumpin” by Fats Waller, that I can play the part that is not as damaged.
Have never been able to find out why they called them Fairlane 500’s (or Custom 300’s) for that matter.
No one has ever been able to explain what those numbers mean.
Jay, Fairlane was the name of Henry Ford’s estate, and maybe the Indianapolis 500, so Fairlane 500. Taking a guess at the 500 part.
My grandfather had a brand-new, black ‘59 Galaxie four-door sedan. I can’t remember the interior color, but I do remember we all considered it a classy car. (Sorry, those of you who dislike black, but I thought it worked on that car.) He wasn’t happy with that Ford, however. Three years later he traded for a red, plain- Jane, compact Buick Special four-door sedan, V-6 and two-speed automatic.