Vehicle Description
1965 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible
For those of you who used their formative years to educate and
mostly entertain themselves with the boob tube, you probably
catching an episode or two of Andy of Mayberry. A number of awesome
cars were featured in the Andy Griffith Show over its nine year
run, but Griffith's squad cars were always Ford Galaxie 500 sedans.
Fords were increasingly featured as the show reached its later
years, undoubtedly because of a sponsorship from the Ford Motor
Company.
For consignment, a Galaxie 500 Convertible that has been the
beneficiary of a frame off restoration 30 years ago. Since that
time some extra work has been performed in the form of A/C changed
to R134, new brakes and cylinders, a rebuilt converter and
transmission, a complete rebuild for the workings of the
convertible top, and a rebuilt 4-barrel carburetor. So certainly,
well maintained, and a nice example in working order.
Exterior
Paint code X (Vintage Burgundy), denotes a White respray during the
frame off restoration 30 years ago. Some cracking and crazing areas
are seen throughout due to the use of lacquer paint, although
mostly in good condition. Chrome bumpers, trim and badging remain
shiny and attractive with a mirror-like glow. An easy action top
clamping system is released, and the durable 5 ply white vinyl top
is electrically hidden in mere seconds, without getting out of the
driver's seat. The top is in excellent condition, and as noted has
a recently installed opening and closing mechanism, however the
switch can be a touch finicky. Lake pipes are hanging from either
side, and fender skirts are on this car. Dual exhaust peek out from
the rear just below the rear bumper. Spotlights which will need to
be manually operated are on both A pillars. Stock Ford steel
hubcaps play frontman for 205/75 R15 tires with a thin whitewall
highlight all around.
Interior
A swing of the doors and it reveals the door panels, and the iconic
Ford chrome paddle door actuators on the head end of the door
armrests are present, along with window cranks. The vinyl in the
door panels has some slight wrinkling due to possible sag in the
vinyl. Turning our attention to the seating a black vinyl front
split bench and completely solid rear bench can be seen in good
condition. These have chromed buttons attached to stitched panels
on the tops of each of the seats. Instrumentation covered with
pristine plastic shows all gauges in working and clear condition.
An AM radio with push button actuation for the favorites is in the
center of the metal dash. Wood applique provides covering on a
horizontal band that houses wiper levers, a central clock and A/C
and airflow levers. Black pile carpeting covers the floors, as well
as having plastic protective mats on top at the foot areas of the
floor. Hidden in the glovebox is the hazard flasher switch.
Drivetrain
A 352ci 250HP V8 circa 1966 is now within the engine bay. This is
topped with a single 4-barrel Autolite 4100 carburetor and backed
up by a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. A Ford
9-inch rear axle has 3.00 gears. All engine parts and attachments
on the exterior of the block are clean and corrosion free.
Undercarriage
Plenty of nicely painted rust free black framing, floorpans,
rockers and wheel wells can be seen underneath. These are all
holding well from that earlier restoration. A like new H pipe dual
exhaust system sports a glass pack style muffler setup. Power drum
brakes all around, as well as power steering, and restored
independent coil spring suspension up front and 4 link with coil
springs for the rear are all looking good!
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and good driver that handled our test track very
nicely. Smooth acceleration from that V8, and good handling despite
it being a fairly large automobile. Good brakes and the top moved
up and down very quickly, albeit slightly finicky with that new
mechanism. Noted A/C blows but not cold and will need a
recharge.
A 1965 Galaxie named after the group of stars and gas that Carl
Sagan says there are billions of and reflecting our fascination
with the space push at the time, is the name of this beautiful
mostly original Ford. Well-kept and cared for, it has survived to
be a nice convertible example that is a "driver" but shows nicely
too. Great because you can put the top down, turn up WFIL on the AM
radio, and cruise down the road without a care in the world, all
the while wondering how the other half lives!
VIN Decode
5E65X188699
5-1965
E-Mahwah, NJ Assy Plant
65-2 Door Convertible
X-352ci V8 4bbl
188699-Sequential Unit Number
Warranty Plate
BODY 76A-2 Door Convertible
COLOR X-Vintage Burgundy
TRIM 66-Black Vinyl
DATE15B-February 15th 1965
DSO 14-Pittsburg
AXLE 1-3.00 Conventional
TRANS 4-Cruise O Matic
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
