Survivor Needs TLC: 1965 Ford Galaxie 500

During the 1960s and part of the 1970s, the Ford Galaxie competed head-to-head with the Chevrolet Impala in the full-size market. The 1965 model year brought a redesign to the line and the addition of the upscale LTD. Featuring stacked headlights for the first time, the Galaxie 500 continued to be popular, even if the Impala had record sales in 1965 (a million-plus units). This runner needs a little coaxing to get going and has some rust in the trunk to be eradicated. Hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana, this big Ford is available here on eBay. With an unmet reserve, the current bid is just over $1,580.

The first Galaxie arrived in 1959, and the model would adorn the Ford lineup through 1974. Its name was derived from the Space Race that several auto manufacturers would capitalize on. Ford sold more than a half million Galaxies in 1965, though a lot of the showroom traffic came in to check out the new Mustang pony car, which also delivered numbers in the same range. The 500 fastbacks like this one found their way into several garages, including this car’s original owner.

Under the hood resides a 352 cubic inch V8, which we assume is original. Though stubborn to start, it runs well after it warms up and might produce a teensy amount of smoke. The Ford’s automatic transmission has been freshly rebuilt, so there’s nothing to worry about there. We’re told the Ford spent most of the past 70 years in Montana, so it has very little rust – except in the trunk. The seller is including new pans for the buyer to have put into place.

On the plus side, the car’s upholstery and carpeting are new. But the buyer will need to redo the door panels and headliner, so there’s still some work to accomplish. If you like these big Fords, the ‘65s were some of the best-looking of the lot. This one has aftermarket wheels, but the seller has saved the original wheel covers should the next owner want to turn back the hands of time.