Anytime I review vintage film footage or documentaries from long ago, I always notice all of the full-sized cars. Fords, Chevies, Pontiacs, and Plymouths abound – everywhere. And why not, that’s what people drove. Even after the Arab Oil Embargo of ’73, full-sizers bounced back, though they were eventually downsized. Following that trend, they were often replaced with even smaller Japanese models – you know the historic drill. Full-sizers are mostly a memory now and if you’re younger than a certain age you won’t be able to recall a time when they were the everyman’s car. But, they continue to live on, just like this 1967 Ford Galaxie 500, a model that vied back and forth for first-place sales with Chevrolet’s Impala. Let’s look this one over and see if we can determine why they were so popular. Located in Evansville, Indiana, this big two-door hardtop is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $4,625 with the reserve not yet met.
Ford came in number two in the ’67 domestic production race with 1.7 M copies – a huge year and a lot of that success was due to the Galaxie. They were big, attractive, durable cars, reasonably priced with available options out the Yazoo. This example and I must apologize in advance for the images, they were difficult to work with but this Ford appears to be in reasonably sound shape – at least what’s photographed. There’s obviously something going on with the driver’s side fender and there is primer on the hood and passenger side quarter panel but I’m basing my soundness statement on what is visible and the listing images of the trunk. I can’t make out the hoops, they’re some sort of modern, chrome-plated large-diameter rollers.
The VIN and Marti report reveals that this is a pretty ordinary Ford. It has a 270-gross HP, 390 CI V8 engine, fed by a two-barrel carburetor, spinning an FMX three-speed automatic transmission and trying to reach escape velocity with a 2.75:1 axle ratio. All of this in a 4,000+ car adds up to no great shakes. Adequate? Sure, and then some, but this is not a performance variant in spite of that swoopy, fastback roof line. Two concerns here, the seller states, “Runs and drives great. Fuel sending unit not working“, which I guess means the fuel gauge is on the fritz. If that’s all it is, no big deal. More troubling, however, is the notice, “One of the freeze plugs is leaking“. Depending upon which one, that could be a big job to sort out.
The off-white, optional, all-vinyl bench seat upholstery looks dingy but intact, and the seller adds, “Interior original with no tears or cracks” – a deep cleaning would probably due it wonders. There’s nothing remarkable to report on here, this is a non-A/C equipped car and is a pretty standard set-up. There are multiple images, or snippets, of the interior posted in the listing, be sure to check them all.
What made this car the sales success that it was? Well, I hate to repeat myself but, “They were big, attractive, durable cars, reasonably priced with available options out the Yazoo“. And so they reigned until times changed and a better mousetrap was born. No idea where the reserve is on this Galaxie and the auction is getting ready to end but this could prove to be a good buy if you’re looking for a ’60s full-size driver/cruiser. I do recommend getting more complete images before taking the plunge however, wouldn’t you agree?
If anybody is looking for a ’65-’67 Galaxie, I don’t know why anybody would want this car when the ’65 Galaxie Ron Denny wrote about recently is a turn-key example. You’ll have more money into this one than the ask for the ’65 when you’re done. Maybe somebody looking for a project will be interested but it will be a labor of love and probably not financially viable by the time you’re done restoring it.
Might not be a freeze plug. These 390’s had an issue with poor casting of the block.
And don’t forget about the frames.
I hate to say this but check the frame. Inspect it in person. About 30 yrs ago I was looking for a Summer driver as a 3rd car, a friends uncle had a small car lot. ’67 Ford same body style but a 6 cyl. only 30,0000 on it, a really nice clean car, not a spot of rust, for only 1000 bucks. 1 look underneath and it had about an 18″ section of the frame rusted away. Years before I had ’67 Mercury Monterey also in good shape, but over 100 thou. on it rusted away in the same spot but that was a 250 dollar beater. Not saying this one is bad, but if it’s a northern car, better safe than sorry.
Possibly a good project for someone but they’d make it look 150% better by losing those RIDICULOUS clown wheels.
Be careful of cracked block by the freeze plug. Common on a 390 back then.
As mentioned, Ford had a 390 problem of the block being porous not cracked. I’ve got a 67 in the garage with this problem. There was a recall. The frame rails had a tendency to rot. In NY a metal fabrication shop had the rail length all marked out on their chop saw because so many were being replaced. For some reason the top of out 67 left front fender rusted out. Wonder what happened to this one.
If the frame is solid I would retromod. Coyote engine and a 6speed. Four wheel disc brakes. Leave the Ford 9inch alone just run a good 3.55 gear. Ford mustang front suspension. Laid down a dark charcoal paint. That would make a killer ride with killer looks
“project” or “roller” = I found a major problem or made one. And figured out this project is actually project money pit. Why you’d want another’s headache at a premium price is beyond me. People really need a reality check on the price of these USED CARS. That’s all they are.. used.
My favorite is … Previously owned by… Insert famous name… Big deal it’s still just a used car.