Vehicle Description
Ford's big Galaxie was luxury muscle before such a term even
existed. This pretty 1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL Convertible proves the
point with a big 390 cubic inch V8, an awesome black-on-red color
combination, and a spacious interior that's about the coolest place
you'll ever sit. Sleek and smooth, it's easy to love this big Ford
droptop.
Code A Raven Black is this car's original color, so it's easy to
understand why they went back with basic black when the time came
for a respray a few years ago. It's a great look on something like
the big Galaxie, making it look deadly serious and very much like
the piece of luxury/muscle that it is. It's got a great shine
that's holding up well even though the paint job is older and the
overall look is that of a car that's been loved its whole life,
including being driven when conditions were right. There are a few
touch-ups here and there, but those super straight panels reflect
well and there's no place for shoddy workmanship to hide. The
quarters in particular are about a city block long, but you can see
the crisp, clear body lines and arrow-straight trim that all lines
up just right, indicative of a car that has never needed major
surgery and since fins had totally disappeared by '64 it has a very
clean, sleek profile. Details like the neatly folded grille and
fender ornaments make the Galaxie 500 special and all the
brightwork is in good condition and shines up well. And you simply
can't beat the profile of a long, luxurious American classic with
the top down. Sweet!
The Code 85 Red interior was also given a full makeover a few years
back and is the perfect complement to the blacked-out livery on
this droptop sled. That includes the vinyl seat covers, matching
door panels, plush red carpets, and that gorgeous red dash. There
are modest signs of use throughout, but everything has a consistent
look, and you don't see any sunbaked parts that are typical of
older convertibles. With a wide bench in back, there's room for the
whole family and the wonderfully ornate door panels remind everyone
on board that this was Ford's top-of-the-line model. The steering
wheel has a simple 2/3 horn ring that recalls the past and the
silver-faced gauges are not only attractive, but suddenly very much
back in fashion. A center console splits the seats, and it houses
an ornate shifter for the automatic transmission below, while just
ahead of it there's an under-dash A/C unit (although it needs a
service). For entertainment, the original AM/FM stereo is still in
place, while that gorgeous white convertible top is power-actuated
and seals the cabin up nicely, and folds neatly out-of-sight under
a red vinyl boot cover behind the rear seat. It also offers a
massive trunk with both a correct plaid mat and a matching spare
tire and jack assembly.
Ford's Z-code 390 cubic inch V8 was a favorite performance choice.
Effortlessly smooth and torquey, not to mention durable, it moves
the Galaxie without working very hard and has a nice V8 burble from
the twin tailpipes out back. Wearing factory-spec gold Thunderbird
valve covers and a matching snorkeled air cleaner, plus a lot of
correct parts, the engine has a correct look inside the clean,
blacked-out engine bay. There's a 4-barrel carburetor under that
original air cleaner, so it starts easily and runs smoothly under
any circumstances. Backed by a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic
transmission and a 9-inch rear end with 3.00 gears inside, it's
really at home on the highway where it can stretch its legs a bit.
Power steering is probably mandatory on a convertible this size,
same with the power brakes, and the recent dual exhaust with
glasspack-style mufflers is a great choice. Flashy 18-inch American
Racing chrome wheels are wrapped by a set of sporty 235/45/18
radials that still have a lot of life left in them.
Handsome, fast, and fun to drive, this Galaxie 500XL droptop is the
kind of car that attracts big attention everywhere it goes. Call
today!
