Vehicle Description
One of 42 P-code Galaxies built in 1964. 390 cubic inch V8 with 3x2
barrel carburetors (documented). 4-speed. Heavy-duty police-spec
suspension, upgraded disc brakes, ultra-rare Kelsey-Hayes wheels.
An incredible performance Ford for the discerning collector.It's
quite possible that you're unfamiliar with the P-code Galaxies,
which is understandable since most sources believe that Ford only
built 42 of them. See, the P-code was for police cars and usually
ended up on base model sedans. It included a heavy-duty 390 cubic
inch V8 that was rated at 330 horsepower, up 30 over the standard
Z-code's 300. The package also included a heavy-duty suspension and
larger brakes, which were housed in unique steel wheels made by
Kelsey-Hayes. The P-code option was so rare that it wasn't even
mentioned in any sales literature-the only place it appears is in
the actual owner's manual with an admonishment that the warranty
was only good for 90 days or 4000 miles unless the car was owned by
a municipality. Additionally, you could add the 6V induction system
to any 390 or 427 cubic inch V8, which boosted horsepower by a
reported 10 horsepower but that was certainly an understatement.
The 6V induction setup was available both by factory order or from
the parts department, with the standard line being that on factory
orders the carburetors and camshaft were stashed in the trunk for
installation before delivery. Whether that's true remains unknown,
but the fact of the matter is that this particular Galaxie 500XL
came from the factory with the P-code 6V engine already in place,
because it's right there on the original window sticker.With the
P-code option being primarily for police cars, the fact that it
ended up in a top-of-the-line Galaxie 500XL hardtop seems rather
remarkable-someone knew what he was doing when he filled out the
order form. In reviewing the original window sticker, we see that
in addition to the aforementioned Hi Performance 6V 390 cubic inch
V8, the original buyer also selected a 4-speed manual transmission
with center console, fender skirts, left and right mirrors, an AM
radio, rocker panel moldings, and rear bumper guards. It was
finished in stunning Guardsman Blue, the same color that Shelby
Cobras wore into combat in the early days of 1964. This has always
been a known car, with a 'Car Review Magazine' article published in
1985 highlighting not only this car's history, but it's incredible
preservation. At that time it was still wearing original paint, but
in the intervening 35 years, it has undoubtedly been repainted
because it's just spectacular today. The finish is deep and
lustrous with a gloss that just can't be 60-year-old enamel. In
1985 it showed just over 52,000 original miles and today the number
is 64,740, a number we have no problem believing is authentic.
You'll note that the car is still pretty much as-delivered, with
the only addition being a set of ultra-rare front bumper guards to
match those that were delivered new on the rear. The chrome and
stainless trim is in excellent condition throughout, again probably
restored not original but just superb, and that accessory hood
ornament is probably worth a small fortune all by itself. There has
been a huge amount of money spent on this car over the years.The
Galaxie 500XL came with one notable upgrade over its more
pedestrian siblings: the interior. With bucket seats flanking a
wide console and luxurious two-tone blue upholstery, this was
unquestionably Ford's top-of-the-line machine. The cream-colored
instrument faces are elegant and cover the basics, and there's an
accessory Ford tach mounted on top of the dash-not a bad idea with
this engine. The big steering wheel is color matched to the rest of
the interior and it makes the big coupe easy to handle even without
power steering (which apparently wasn't available with the P-code
engine). You'll note the original AM radio has been upgraded to a
correct AM/FM unit and everything works, more evidence of the
quality of the restoration work. We believe the seats and door
panels are original and in fantastic condition, further evidence of
the car's mileage and care over the years. The carpets have surely
been replaced at some point, but that's probably the original
headliner overhead. Sliding behind the wheel, you can't help but
feel like someone important-this is a very special car. The Galaxie
also includes a massive trunk, which is correctly outfitted with a
plaid mat, cardboard bulkheads, and what very well may be the
original spare tire.Under the hood you'll find the burly 390 cubic
inch P-code V8. Designed for police applications, the engine had
beefier internals, special header-style cast iron exhaust
manifolds, and an upgraded valvetrain. It added up to 330
horsepower and 427 lb-ft. of torque. Thanks to the original window
sticker, we know this car also came with three two-barrel
carburetors, which official numbers said only added 10 horsepower
but just a few years earlier this exact combination was making 401
horsepower, so you be the judge. Regardless of the number, it's a
fantastic sight to see the big oval air cleaner on top, the special
aluminum intake with three Holley carbs on top, and all the other
go-fast hardware. This one is beautifully tuned so it starts easily
every time, idles nicely on the center carb, and is happy to
trundle through traffic without complaint. Lean on it, however, and
the outer carbs come on line with the most wonderful intake moan
and a pretty substantial thrust of torque. The engine bay is
beautifully detailed with correct hardware, fittings, finishes, and
markings and shows very little evidence of use over the years. This
car has always been loved.Finding a 4-speed manual transmission in
a full-sized luxury car like this is a fantastic surprise, but it's
really the ideal choice behind the performance-oriented 390. It
also includes 3.50 gears in back, so this sucker is still punchy
off the line and pulls hard on the roll-exactly what you'd expect
in a police cruiser. Fortunately, this Galaxie has been augmented
with modern power disc brakes up front, which really adds
confidence when you're running it hard. You'll note the chassis is
clean and nicely finished but not quite detailed for show-we
believe it's mostly original. There's a reproduction exhaust system
that sounds muted but powerful, a beefy front sway bar, and
ultra-clean floors that have never been rusty or cut. A newer gas
tank hangs out back and the wheels are special 15-inch Kelsey-Hayes
steel rims designed for heavy-duty applications-just try to find a
set of those today! Even the tires are accurate 7.10-15 whitewalls
for a period-perfect look.Documentation is EXTENSIVE, with two
large binders full of information. We have the original owner's
manual, original window sticker, thousands of dollars' worth of
restoration receipts, magazine articles, appraisals, and period
advertising literature.This is a remarkable car. One, it probably
shouldn't exist, given the unusual collection of options. Two, it's
a blast to drive. And three, it has a bulletproof pedigree, awesome
history, and presents in absolutely spectacular condition. Don't
compare this stunning Galaxie 500XL to the garden-variety Galaxies
at $30,000. This is a special car. Look at the history, the
specifications, and the condition, then give us a call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.
