Perfect Body and Paint: 1964 Ford Galaxie
When a classic car has more than five decades under its belt, it is a brave owner who states that any aspect of that vehicle is perfect. However, that’s the case with this 1964 Ford Galaxie. The seller describes its panels and paint using that term while saying the chassis has clocked less than 30,000 miles. They have decided to part with this beauty, listing it here on eBay in Sebewaing, Michigan. Their auction opened at $21,500, although there are currently no bids. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this gem.
The seller supplies limited photos of this Galaxie that leave us wanting more. Describing its physical condition as perfect is brave, but it could be well-founded. The Wimbledon White paint shows no evidence of flaws and defects, shining impressively. I can’t spot any matte areas or evidence of repairs. The panels are equally spotless. There are no dings or dents, with the gaps looking tight and consistent. The new owner won’t need to wage war on rust because this Galaxie is as solid as the day it left the factory. The exterior is clean, while the floors and frame continue that theme. The damage-prone hubcaps and remaining trim pieces are in as-new condition, and the glass looks flawless. An in-person inspection would reveal whether the seller’s claim is accurate, but it shows promise.
I’m disappointed the seller provides no interior shots, but this one of the underside confirms the car’s rust-free status. The lack of inside photos means we can’t assess the seller’s claim that they rate the interior as 9/10 or whether there are any aftermarket additions. It features Black 500 XL trim with a White headliner, but that’s as much as can be deduced from the listing. There’s a good chance it features an AM radio and factory clock, but we know it misses out on luxury appointments like air conditioning.
If this Galaxie hasn’t already produced enough mysteries, the engine bay houses more. Ford’s iconic 390ci V8 sends 300hp to the rear wheels via a manual transmission, although it is unclear whether it is a three or four-speed unit. The original owner equipped the car with power steering but skipped the optional power brakes. The Galaxie wasn’t a big or heavy car by the day’s standards, making its ¼-mile ET of 15.9 seconds unsurprising. Where the water becomes muddy with this classic is when we consider the question of its mechanical originality. The seller doesn’t state the car is numbers-matching, and they emphasize the chassis has less than 30,000 miles on the clock. That suggests a possible engine change at some point, which is a point worth investigating. For those less concerned about originality, the news is positive. The 390 received a rebuild a few years ago, with the seller recently adding a new dual exhaust, a new clutch, new steering gear, and other components. They use the word “amazing” when describing the driving experience, meaning this Galaxie is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
I was fortunate to grow up in a house full of classic car enthusiasts, which probably explains my life-long passion. One of my favorite cars from my childhood was a 1964 Galaxie, which was our daily driver for some years. Its engine bay didn’t house a 390, but the K-Code 289 under the hood provided memorable performance. That is why I find this car so appealing and would happily park it in my garage if I had the money. You may be in a better position than me, and if you are and make a play for this classic, I wish you luck and years of happy motoring.
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Comments
Looks like a very nice XL. I always thought the 64’s came across well, cleanly styled but with enough trim to make it more attractive. I always liked those spinner-look wheel covers.
As Adam points out, the ebay ad sure could use more pics and a better description.
The ’64 XL interior was unique with a console, front “strato buckets” and really super cool door panels with spun aluminum inserts.
Why would you suspect an engine change on a 390 with 30k miles? My mom’s 69′ Rideau with a 390-4bbl put 300k miles on it without issues and she didnt drive “easy” :P (yes miles..was before we went metric up here…lol)
The engine I would not be suspicious of but the statement… The gaps are tight and consistent….. That’s something to be careful about. ZERO cars of age came from the factory with perfect gaps\lines … ZERO.
But hey maybe this is special HhhhaaAa
The 1964 Galaxie’s were some of the best looking body styles.Really want a SW though.
Could you get the XL as a 4 door hardtop? Think I saw one in my younger days!
I had a 2 door Galaxy 500 XL, and I know someone who had a 4 door 500XL, same Vintage Burgandy as mine. One thing took me by surprise big time was when I discovered after owning the car for a month was that it had a Swing-a way steering wheel, I had though those were only available on T Birds.
As as a car crazy teenager in 1969 I worked at a local garage as a parts gopher, tire changer and kibbitzer. For parts runs I used the boss’ 64 Galaxie XL with the bucket seats, console and slushbox. I’m guessing this one is similarly outfitted. I also used his Sunbeam Tiger! Just used cars then. Amazing.
Across the road at another garage was a ’46 Packard (complementing my ’50 Ultramatic), though I like the pre ’48 body much more , and a ’37 (?) Brewster Ford.
I feel badly for the young folks who came of age in the post Sixties automotive world. There’s just darn little to get excited about imho. Tesla Schmesla. ( OK old guy)
Adam mentions that his families ‘64 Galaxie had K-Code 289 power. That’s not possible Adam. A C Code 288-2bbl. was the only 289 available for the big Galaxie. The K-Code High Performance 289/271 hp was available to a Fairlane buyer in ‘64. And to the Mustang buyer also. The K-Code HP289 was introduced in mid ‘63 for Fairlane only. The HP289 remained an option for Fairlanes into ‘65.
I’m sure your families Galaxie was a snappy performer but its 289 didn’t have the solid lifter cam, dual point distributor, 4-bbl. Carb and a host of many other HP features. And an automatic transmission was not available for the HP289 until late ‘65. Again for Fairlanes and Mustangs only.
We had a black 64 convertible w289 and three on the tree. It indeed was a great running car but was not a K-code. Those k- code motors were not common in daily drivers as they require more maintenance.
I find on comment in the ad perplexing. It says the frame has less than 30K. Doesn’t say the car nor the drivetrain have less than 30K on them. So, was the body moved to a different frame or what? I can’t see a 30K engine needing a rebuild.
Just some concerns on my part.
Exactly… The engine I would not be suspicious of but the statement… The gaps are tight and consistent….. That’s something to be careful about. ZERO cars of age came from the factory with perfect gaps\lines … ZERO.
But hey maybe this is special HhhhaaAa
To the author: If you had a K-code Galaxy, you had one of one
Nice car. Looks really clean.
BF: “However, that’s the case with this 1964 Ford Galaxie.”
There were no “Galaxies” in ’64. Just Galaxie 500s and Galaxie 500/XLs.
there were also Galaxie 300 which had a post at the door opening.
Seller states that the vehicle is a Galaxie, not a Galaxie 500 XL, and that he has owned it since 2006. Also says the vehicle is restored. This is NOT a 30,000 mile car, although some components may have just 30,000 miles on them. I would suggest this one started life as a Galaxie 500 and when the extensive restoration was completed there were upgrades made to turn it into a Galaxie 500 XL. How totally unlikely is it that this vehicle travelled fewer than 500 mile per year since 1964? Completely.
Very nice looking restoration, though.