Ford styling really hit the spot for its 1964 models, everything from the restyled Falcon compact to the top-drawer Galaxie 500.
The Pick of the Day is a 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL convertible in restored condition, and looking primo in bright red with a black top and bucket-seat interior. The full-scale Ford is motivated by a 390/300-horsepower V8 with automatic transmission.
“These are the great boulevard cruiser bruisers from Ford,” says the Hilton, New York, dealer advertising the convertible on ClassicCars.com. “Big engine power, sleek in appearance, sought after for both.”
The Galaxie 500 was the top model of Ford’s full-size cars, starting out in 1959 and playing into the era’s fascination with everything space age. The 1964 models showed the influence of NASCAR racing with a sculpted style and fastback roofline for improved aerodynamics.
“You could always tell where our good ‘ol USA was in history from the styling of the American automobile,” the seller says. “Check out the space-age styling on the Galaxie… turbine taillights! Turbine-look wheel covers, horizontal-finned grille with protruding headlight buckets, streamlined and smooth long sides with additional stainless moldings.”
The nameplate is not a simple misspelling of galaxy but is derived from an earlier Ford show car with the French name LaGalaxie. The La was dropped for the production model. The Galaxie XL was a sport/luxury version that included such things as chrome-trimmed bucket seats.
This Galaxie looks very nice in the gallery of photos with the ad, showing its restored to stock at a high level. Oddly, the letter R is missing from the Ford letters on the hood; that seems like a super easy fixing before putting the car up for sale.
“This is a car that has been professionally restored a few years ago,” the seller says. “Previous owner spent thousands over what we are offering it for.”
That asking price is just $24,995, which seems reasonable for a stock-restored Galaxie convertible in sharp-looking condition, missing R or not.
As a side note, I can’t think about these cars without remembering an offbeat line from Kurt Vonnegut’s novel Breakfast of Champions. In it, struggling science-fiction writer Kilgore Trout is picked up hitchhiking by a traveling salesman. When he sits down inside, he says to the driver, “What’s it like to pilot an entire Galaxie?”
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Very Nice thanks for the info and pictures. Still looking for a 63xl
I have a 63 xl 500 it not a convertible would be willing to sell at the right price!
Beautiful car and great article! Just as awesome as the 63 and a half. I’m looking to restore either one.
Bob,
You do really nice presentations…
Thanks!
Jeff Whitaker Dreamccarsellers.com
What is so “stock original” about that aftermarket air cleaner and other weirdness going on under the hood?
I was going to say the same thing. Wrong air cleaner.
That’s what is considered restored?
It appears more of a lightly retouched survivor with plenty of space for many needed improvements.
and, without undercarriage pics the asking price is at least double what its really worth.
Don’t get me wrong,I like the car a lot, it is just that upgrading it to local weekend car show quality will
be very time and money consuming.
Amen… Check the gaps on the images.
What a beauty!
I love these cars. I owned several back in the 60’s and 70’s. If I ever am in a position to buy one again it must have 406 or 427 engine with 4 speed manual transmission.
God bless America
Hi johnmloghry, I am looking also I owned a 1961 ford galaxie 500 2 dr back in the day in detroit put in a 390 tri power 401 hp , 4 speed I missed that car . If I am ever in a position to buy one it has to be 1961 thru 1964 , 390,406,427 4 speed.
Good buddy of mine in high school (84-86) had a 65 xl convertible. I was a chevy guy then, but that car was amazing! I showed him how to power brake in the student parking lot for the first time. Lets just say that 390 would spin those tires easily. I do like the styling of the 64 better( head light configuration) Ford built a solid car back then. I remember how nice the doors closed and latched. None of that Gm door sag. Anyway seeing this red 64 brought back some great memories. I think this red 64 is beautiful and 24k doesn’t seem super excessive.
I had a White Galaxie with red interior. 354 I think was the stock engine.
I had 63 w/427 no toploder had super T10 not good still had 425 hp
Where is the Galaxy located?
I had a ’65 coupe for a few years till l wound up with too many cars and not enough garage space.
This car looks great – from 20ft or more but the missing R is symptomatic of other short cuts and omissions. What else hasn’t been attended to – in terms of ‘looking after’ this vehicle?
I’ve always been a Ford enthusiast, with the Galaxie being among my favorites. Especially the 65-66 2-door hardtop model. 7 Litre anyone?
only interested in is 1964 galaxie 500 xl with a 390 or 427 convertible
If you come up with a stock air filter and still have it I`m interested.
Interested.
Generally, you have to follow the links in the story to reach the seller but, in this case, the story is from 2020 and the vehicle has been sold.