In 1966, Ford introduced the 7-Litre for the Galaxie 500/XL to showcase the new 428 V8. Starting in 1968, Ford replaced the 7-Litre package with the GT Equipment Group for the XL fastback and convertible. Our Pick of the Day, a 1968 Ford XL-GT convertible, is one of these somewhat obscure full-size sporty cars. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Germantown, Wisconsin. (Click the link to view the listing)
The Galaxie 500/XL was introduced in mid-year 1962 to give sporty-minded folks a full-size Ford with buckets and console. That was the trend of the time and, besides, why let Chevrolet have all the fun with the Super Sport? Initially available as a two-door hardtop and convertible, Ford expanded the model in 1963 to include a four-door hardtop and, mid-year, a sleek Sports Hardtop that eschewed the Thunderbird-inspired roofline. The formal-roof coupe was put to rest for 1964 and, for 1965, the Galaxie 500/XL reverted back to only offering two-door hardtop and convertible body styles.
But, for 1966, Ford introduced a companion to the Galaxie 500/XL called the Galaxie 500 7-Litre. Included in the model was a standard 428/345, Cruise-O-Matic automatic (four-speed a no-cost option), simulated walnut steering wheel, buckets and console, low-restriction dual exhaust, and unsilenced air cleaner. Despite being created to highlight the new 428, a 427 was available as an option. The 428 also was available for other full-size Fords.
The 7-Litre model was discontinued for 1967, now becoming the 7-Litre Sports Package for the redesigned and newly renamed 1967 Ford XL. Included with the package was the 428, low-restriction dual exhaust, power front disc brakes, Wide-Oval “sports tires,” special suspension, and simulated wood-grained sports steering wheel; the 427 also was available for the last time in a full-size car. However, for the heavily facelifted 1968s, the package was changed to the GT Equipment Group. The biggest adjustment was the base engine being a 390 two-barrel, with a 390 four-barrel and 428/340 being optional. Other equipment included Wide-Oval tires, power front disc brakes, “maximum handling suspension” that included stiffer springs and stabilizer bar, 3.25 axle, low-restriction exhaust, longitudinal stripes, GT emblems behind the front wheels, and simulated mag wheel covers.
It was a fine-looking machine, but the XL-GT was not popular – only 1,855 XL fastbacks and 316 convertibles were built with the GT package. This Meadowlark Yellow 1968 Ford XL-GT convertible is one of those 316, but the numbers get even more interesting when you glance at the Marti Report: only 349 XL convertibles were built with the 428, of which 59 featured a four-speed transmission; of those, 21 had the GT package. That’s pretty nifty, innit? Other features black bucket seats with center console, and power top.
Perhaps Ford took a more casual approach thank Chevrolet to full-size performance in the late 1960s, but there’s no denying this car looks like a custom show car, what with the hidden headlights, stripe, and mag wheel covers. For $51,999, big Blue Ovals from this era don’t get better than this.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
nice car…fast!