The Galaxie 500 XL was introduced in 1962 as Ford’s premium full-size car. It was their answer to the Chevy Impala Super Sport as it was equipped with buckets seats, a console, and spinner wheel covers, just like the SS. When the LTD came along later, the XL would be distinguished by its fastback styling versus the formal roof of the LTD when in 2-door form. And it later had hidden headlights, unlike the lesser 500 series. This 1968 XL was parked more than 30 years ago and serves merely as lawn art today, creating a major restoration project for someone. Located in Lexington, North Carolina, the Ford is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $2,000.
Barn Finds reader Larry D found this tip for us. This was not a rare car by any means when new. Out of total 1968 Galaxie production of nearly 735,000 cars, the 2-door XL fastback coupe accounted for just over 50,000 copies (the convertible version, however, was more limited at 6,000 units). The seller’s car was one of those “ran when parked” automobiles that folks never seem to get back to unless something changes. Like the owner passes away or the property goes up for sale. We don’t know what motivates this sale other than it simply may be time to get it out of the way.
The XL was sporty in appearance, even with its full-size package. While the rather mundane 302 V8 was standard equipment on this Ford, this one was ordered with the big block, 390 cubic inch engine that would have been good for 325 horsepower with a 4-barrel carburetion set-up. Under the surface rust, mildew, mold, dirt, and whatever else this car has accumulated in 32 years is a white paint job. There is visible metal-piercing corrosion in several places. And because the tires are flat, it’s been sitting on the ground so who knows what damage may be there that we can’t see.
The dark blue interior has met its match as well, with the upholstery falling apart and the headliner hanging down. It will have to be gutted and started over since we don’t know what the floorboards look like. The seller is adamant about this transaction being done at the DMV office and the wording sounds as though the car has some unpaid fees that must be settled before it can move on. This would be an impressive-looking car if restored, but there are likely better candidates out there to begin work with.
Hard to enjoy a find with no real information about it. I’d think a parts car is what is here unless magic happened underneath. One thing about them, my brother had one of these and they are real runners in good condition.
I believe the “Z code” 390 4V version fitted to the Galaxie in 1968 was rated 315 bhp and 427 ft/lbs torque.
Shame this one has been left to rot like it has. Looking at the shot of the engine it looks like it’s been pretty neglected generally even when it was driven. Not a highly valuable model so I’d fear this is more likely to be parted out that restored?
You’re right. What a shame to allow a nice car to slowly disintegrate like this. Why not give it away to someone or donate it to charity? This poor car would likely require more in restoration costs than is reasonable. A shame.
I would not expect the engine to be in any condition to run again. Usually when someone parks a car under a tree and walks away without covering it the problem was severe. I live in NC and our humid climate is really hard on cars. The trunk & floor pans are likely rusted out.
$500 parts car.
I would love to get my hands on this.
It wold be a labor of love no doubt.
I would love to get my hands on this car.
It would be a labor of love for sure.
Dude, what’s with the double posts???
I am sorry. I was posting not logged in on a new lap top.
When I posted the message, it disappeared if I posted another one so I posted it again.
I then remembered my login, so I was able to then get into my account. I didn’t know both messages would show up, as I couldn’t see any of them.
Good to see you back anyway Miguel.
Buy it to use the 390 4v in a mustang project then part out and scrap the rest.
These are so ugly…and what parts would anyone really care to remove? This is, likely, a 390 2-barrel which was, at best, a truck engine that was sufficient, I suppose.
Hurry, better buy this before the patina turns into rust!
PPl are getting into the XL’s! I’ve seen two 70s on trailers in 2 wks. Looks like they were rescued!
Parts for this car are easily available, so that makes this piece of junk not even a good donor. Pick a few useful parts off of it and send it to the crusher.
Just curious, Miguel, why do you post comments twice?
I am sorry. I was posting not logged in on a new lap top.
When I posted the message, it disappeared if I posted another one so I posted it again.
I then remembered my login, so I was able to then get into my account. I didn’t know both messages would show up, as I couldn’t see any of them.
Just curious, Miguel, why do you post comments twice in a row?
This gal may be over 50 years old but, she is going to need some really deep pockets for restoration or hot rodding or customizing/ restomod (my choice, if.. But, not at my age and my pockets are not that deep.
I think it’s pretty safe to assume that the frame is shot. This generation of Galaxies (65-68) is prone to frame rust-through, and sitting in the yard under a tree for 30 years could only make the issue worse. I like these cars, but I don’t see much of value here.
The frame on my grandfather’s 1968 Galaxie, which he bought brand new, was completely rotted by 1976.