Throughout the 1960s, Ford would chase Chevrolet in the sales game, except for the pony car segment (i.e. Mustang). Ford’s Galaxie 500 was like Chevy’s Impala and the 500 XL was akin to the Impala SS. This beautiful ’66 Galaxie 500 XL has been in the same family for more than 50 years and is said to have less than 22,000 miles on it. It comes with a big, powerful V8 engine and runs and looks great. Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, this gem is available here on eBay for $27,000.
The 500 XL first appeared in Ford’s sales literature in 1962, just as the Impala Super Sport was getting warmed up. It’s would stick around into the 1970s until sporty full-size cars began to fall out of favor. The big Fords were restyled in 1965 and gained stacked dual headlights, so the 1966 models were minimally changed. The 500 XL 2-door fastback would account for the production of 25,715 units, plus another 6,360 convertibles.
This ’66 beauty has likely been passed from one family member to another, seeing little road time over the duration. No mention is made of a restoration, so you must assume this Ford is largely original. The body is straight and the red paint shiny, complimented by a black vinyl top and tidy interior. Because the XL was a sporty car, this one came with bucket seats and center console and we’re all of it is as it left the factory 56 years ago,
This XL is powered by a 390 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel, though a 428 could also be had in the 7-Liter Series. We’re told it has some recent improvements, such as new Cooper Cobra Radial GT tires and front disc brakes. Paperwork includes the Ford’s original owner’s manual. This looks like a turn-key automobile that should turn some heads at Cars & Coffee.
Nice. The XLs were top shelf and came standard with a 390 and a special interior. One of these days I will get my ‘63.5 XL (factory 4-speed) up and ready to terrorize Denver…
Great color combination.I still can’t get used to
cars like this going for current prices.
Beautiful car. Probably cheaper than a comparable 390 Mustang or big block Camaro. I’d rather have this Galaxie than a Mustang, it would be a standout at any car show as opposed to a multitude of Camaros, Mustangs and Mopars. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all nice cars but I’ve seen enough of them to last me a lifetime. Give me the lesser seen cars any day.
In couldn’t agree more. I’m drawn to the lesser known or “desirable” (when new at least) makes and/or models. I have a 71 GMC Jimmy (not Blazer), 1968 Pontiac LeMans (not Chevelle) and 1974 Ford Ranchero (not El Camino). There’s something to be said for “different”.
this needs either double thin stripe white wall tires or narrow red wall tires
Not too many left in that original shape, if indeed it is original!
What a car.
Is that mirror glued on? That’s not original in ’66, is it?
Yes the mirror is glued on. My dad had a 65 LTD and the mirror came off and he had trouble getting it glued back. His was a blue two door hardtop with a 352.
Love this car and I am a GM guy! Finally someone asking the right money. Too bad it is not a 4 speed or I would be looking at it harder. Thankfully it is also NOT green or white. Although I have had WAY to many red cars! Retail/Resale Red. (I am just talking myself out of buying it !!! LOL!)
Upon my return from Viet Nam, I bought a 2 year old 66 Conv. It was a Beautiful car and I paid the huge sum of 1995.00 for it. I had 1 more year of Military service and after that My Honey and I drove it on our Honeymoon. It was Red, white top, white walls mounted on chrome reverse wheels with chrome baby moons to cover the lug nuts. I hated to sell it, but the offer was just too good and I had a deal working on a 442. If this was a Conv. I would be seriously looking.
I had a 1966 LTD with the 390 with a four-barrel. Green with a black vinyl roof. Ran like a scalded dog!! Finally died on me. My first and fastest car!!
8banger: XLs and LTDs got the 289 2 barrel as standard; the 7 Litre got the 428; everything else got the 240 six cylinder. I can copy the showroom brochure if you like.
I can’t imagine 56 years in Florida, and a/c was never installed! Snowbirds?
Is that red paint on the horns and hood latch?