Z-Code Project: 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible

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The Ford Galaxie was created in the late 1950s to compete with Chevy’s Impala. By 1962, all full-size Fords wore the Galaxie badge, with “500” and “500/XL” denoting the higher series. Some say this was to tie into the space race as well as the growth of NASCAR (“Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday”). This ’64 Galaxie 500 is stamped a Z-Code car, meaning it came from the factory with a 390 cubic inch V8 good for 300 horsepower. It ran a couple of years ago but will need some coaxing to do so again. Located in Denver, North Carolina, this drop-top is available here on eBay where the Buy It Now price is $6,795 (the Make Offer function is also available).

Ford included the Galaxie in its portfolio from 1959-74, being top dog for the first several years and back-up to the LTD after 1965. The car’s second generation ran from 1959-64, so the seller’s ragtop was produced toward the end of the platform’s lifecycle. The car had smoother lines in 1964 compared to 1963, with the exterior featuring a more sculpted look which was actually designed to make the car more aerodynamic for racing. 2-door hardtops were only available in fastback style. In a big change for previous Ford owners, the ignition switch was moved from the left side of the steering column to the right like most other cars had adopted.

There is no mention by the seller if this Galaxie is a XL, so the convertible would be a Sunliner by default, which comprised more than 37,300 units built for 1964. As we understand it, prior to possession by the seller, this car spent its time indoors in a barn in Virginia, but we don’t know how long it lived there. While the Ford is painted aqua blue now, the door jambs indicate it may have been red in color when it was built. We’re told the frame is nice, along with the fenders, rocker and quarter panels, and doors. The only rust may be the crusty parts on the undercarriage. The rear bumper is detached from the car but present. The convertible top, which no longer has material, is set to be power-actuated.

The interior is in some form of transition. The seats are said to be from a Lincoln Continental, a newer edition than the seller’s car, and they’re not bolted down – just sitting there for looks. There are no door panels, no carpeting and the dash pad has that melted look about it. The floorboards will need to be replaced and the trunk floor patched, at a minimum.

Powered by the big Z-Code V8 with a 4-speed transmission, we’re told the car ran as recently as a couple of years ago. Right now, it’s more of a roller with a drivetrain in place. But since the motor does turn over, perhaps a rebuild can be avoided. The seller says “we can help with shipping” which sounds as though the buyer will be accepting the car from a dealer. The closest thing we could find regarding resale value was a NADA listing for the 1964 Galaxie 500 coupe, with a range of $4,700 to $17,000. That’s sounds as though it might be a bit off but also puts the seller’s car at the lower end of the spectrum.

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Comments

  1. 370zpp 370zpp

    Beautiful car. But why not take the time to put the damn bumper back on before the photo session?

    Like 12
  2. DanaPointJohn

    The 1964 Galaxie 500 convertible is a great looking car, and when equipped with the 390, a fun cruiser. However, not this one! $6,700+ for a car that needs everything? Nah!

    Like 9
    • David Taylor

      Other than a motor that turns over (!?!) all I see is a very attractive shell. Thanx but no thanx

      Like 2
  3. Jerry Lewis

    Truly worth about 3500 to 4500. Needs at minimum 5,000 worth of work to restore.
    Lincoln seats might be ok if they matched the color.

    Like 0
  4. Jon.in.Chico

    An XL would have the star at the end of the chrome strip on the rear fenders … my dad had a ’64 Galaxie XL …

    Like 2
  5. Tom Bell

    That door may be a junkyard replacement from a red wreck. Blue on the floor panels would appear to be the original color.

    Like 2
  6. Dean Bradford

    In 1964 not all full size Fords were Galaxies. You could also get the Custom and the Custom 500 as lower end sedans.

    Like 1
  7. gaspumpchas

    It would cost a fortune to get this one back to where it should be, it would cost a chunk of change to get all the interior parts to get this back to where it should be. Love the 390 4 speed combo. Good luck and stay safe.
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 1
  8. Johnmloghry Johnmloghry

    I’ve seen this car advertised before. It will take a lot of work and cash to put this one back to driveable condition. Those seats are disgusting so a complete new interior is needed plus a new top just to get started. I personally would rather just pay the $25,000.00 or so to get one already in nice condition. I’ve owned several 64 Galaxies in different trim levels over the years. They are my favorite body style from that era.
    god bless America

    Like 1
  9. chrlsful

    same yr they hada 429 in? ‘vert might B nice fora change? much more;n seats done on the interior? Give it a closer look for interest, but no room for a purchase…

    Like 0

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