96k Genuine Miles: 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Convertible
Many enthusiasts can, fortunately, reflect upon their childhood and pick a classic family car that was their favorite during those formative years. For me, it was a 1964 Galaxie 500 that spent an all-too-brief three years in the Clarke garage. It was anything but average because my father’s love for performance meant that although its engine bay only housed a 289ci V8, he’d had it built to K-Code specs with a few enhancements to squeeze out more ponies. That isn’t an issue with this Galaxie 500 XL Convertible because the 390 under its hood should satisfy most buyers. It presents superbly and has a genuine 96,000 miles on the clock. Its next journey could be to a new home, with the seller listing the Convertible here on eBay in Cleves, Ohio. Bidding sits below the reserve at $8,100, with the auction heading towards its conclusion.
I may be accused of bias because of my history, but I’ve always believed the 1964 model was the best-looking car to wear the Galaxie badge. Ford hit the styling nail on the head, producing a classic that was low and svelte, with a few subtle bulges suggesting there was performance lurking beneath that could match the looks. This 500 XL Convertible continues that trend, and its cause is aided by the original owner’s decision to order it in stunning Rangoon Red. Finding anything to criticize is challenging, although I am sure an in-person inspection would uncover minor flaws and defects. This gem has clocked a mere 13,000 miles since undergoing restoration, making its condition and presentation unsurprising. The paint reflects its surroundings beautifully, while the panels are as straight as an arrow. The beauty is more than skin deep because the underside shots reveal no evidence of rust or significant surface corrosion. The White power top is in as-new condition, with the same true of the chrome and trim. The glass is spotless, and the Galaxie rolls on its original steel wheels with the factory hubcaps and narrow whitewalls.
I’ve often lamented that modern manufacturers aren’t particularly daring with their interior trim color palette. Various shades of Gray dominate the new car market, with only the occasional splash of vibrant colors to relieve the boredom. You would struggle to find a car sitting on a showroom floor with an interior as bright as the Red vinyl covering almost every interior surface of this Galaxie. The impact could have been overwhelming when teamed with the exterior paint color, but Ford pulled off something genuinely special by adding lashings of plated trim to provide relief. The theme of spotless presentation continues inside this Galaxie, with the upholstered surfaces showing no signs of wear or other issues. The wheel is excellent, the bright trim is flawless, and there are no aftermarket additions. It may not be highly equipped by modern standards, but the bucket seats, console, power top, air conditioning, and factory pushbutton radio would make every journey a special occasion.
The Clarke family’s ’64 Galaxie may have had a 289 under the hood, but this Convertible’s original owner opted for the Z-Code 390ci V8. It produces a healthy 300hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, while power assistance for the steering and brakes lightens the driver’s load. This car is a surprise packet when the subject turns to performance. It tips the scales at 4,167 lbs, and while that isn’t particularly heavy, the Galaxie Convertible also can’t be considered a lightweight. Therefore, this car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 16.1 seconds on its way to 122mph looked pretty respectable in 1964. The positive news continues rolling in with this classic. The seller indicates it has 96,000 original miles on the clock, which is no idle boast. The car has comprehensive documentation supporting that claim, including maintenance receipts and the original Owner’s Manual. It runs and drives perfectly, giving the winning bidder the option of flying in and driving this baby home.
I have little doubt that my late father would have gazed longingly at the photos of this 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Convertible and given it his tick of approval. It is a stunning car and would suit someone seeking a high-end driver they can enjoy immediately. Ford sold 591,531 examples of the Galaxie 500 across all variants in 1964, with 15,169 of those selecting a 500 XL Convertible. That represents a take-up rate of around 2½%, which is extraordinarily low. This one is a gem, and with the auction rapidly heading to its conclusion, interested parties must act fast or risk missing out. Is this a classic you might consider pursuing further? I wouldn’t blame you if you do.
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Comments
1964 Galaxie’s were one of Ford’s best body styles.
That was the 64 Ford convertible I learned how to drive stick shift. Except it was black with red and white interior. It was a dream to drive. It was a 4 on the floor…390 engine…. Hurst clutch and absolutely nothing could beat me off the line!!! Even when I was pretty pregnant I would chew them up and spit them out. What fun…. Brings back Great Memories !!!!
I was working at a local gas station in the early 1980’s, trying to pay some of my college expenses and keep me in gas money, when I was sent on a road service call to jump start one of these bad boys with the shop mechanic (it was even the same color as this one). We arrive at the home with about a foot of un-shoveled snow in the driveway, with the car right in the middle of a sea of white (did I mention it was a bitterly cold February?). So we pop the hood, hook up the jumper cables and the mechanic says, “O.K., crank it!”. I turn the key, and complete silence! Not a buzz, a hiccup, nothing. We tried it a couple of more times, but still nothing. I walked back to where the mechanic was standing, by the battery, scratching his head in puzzlement. He said, “We’ll have to tow it.”. I said fine, let me close the door and I’ll help you hook it up. As I walked back around the car to the driver’s door, I noticed the backup lights were on (I had left the key on when I got out of the car). As I got to the driver’s door, I hollered to the mechanic to hold on a second, let me try something (he had already closed the hood). I got in, pushed the shift lever in the console forward, then turned the key. It fired right up! Whoever had parked it last, didn’t push the console shifter all the way into Park, the car was in Reverse! So when I pushed the lever forward, I put the car into Park, which closed the Park/Neutral safety switch, so the car could start! Note: We didn’t charge them for the service call, they were regular customers, the boss said it was customer goodwill.
Love the 60’s Fords. From the 60 & 61 Starliners to the 63 & 64 fastback and on to the 65/66 & 67/68’s. Beautiful Galaxies all of them. Had a 63 1/2 in Robin’s egg blue with a slight rake to it. Loved it but had to sell when I got my draft notice. Picked up a new 70 Mustang fastback w/351 Cleveland when I got home from VN. I think I mentioned it here before. Don’t mind me, just remembering some fond memories.
God Bless you and thank you for your service.
My favorite Galaxies are the 61, 63 1/2 & the 65. But I would have no problem with this 64!
When I first read this I thought Cleves Ohio was a typo. I live in the Cleveland area and I was like come on. But sure enough there it was on Google maps just outside of Cincinnati. I could very well get a ride and be there in a few hours and drive this bad boy home. Beautiful car, but my Mustang would be jealous.
Possibly named for Anne of Cleves?
Anne of Cleves?
Anne of Cleves (28 June or 22 September, 1515 – 16 July 1557), Married Henry VIII as his fourth (4th) wife, from 22 January 1540- 12 July 1540. The marriage was annulled and she eventually outlived old Henry, one of only two (2) of Henry’s brides to be so lucky. The second wife who evaded the headsman and outlived Henry was Catharine Parr, who was Henry’s sixth (6th) and last wife. His first wife, Catharine of Aragon, died of old age while Henry was still alive, the other three (3) all got the “short haircut” on the Tower Green!
I made one (1) mistake in my previous reply. One (1) of old Hank the Eighth’s wives didn’t get the short haircut, Jane Seymour died shortly after giving birth to Henry the Eighth’s only legitimate son, Edward VI, in 1537.
Just last year a close friend bought a ’64 two door hard top, pure white and beautiful. As said, the ’60s through ’64s were some of the best looking cars Ford ever made. Nice one here.
Ohio is a bit of a hike for me. It’s a Galaxy…far far away…
Beauty of a car tho
One of my favorite Fords. I feel like if you stood next to it long enough you’d get some helpful advice from Hazel.
Oh, Mr. B!
I would live to bring this beautiful 😍 automobile home.
A friend in high school had this same car but maroon. On the road to school there was a 4 way stop then a long straight headed to school. As luck had it the first road on the right was exactly 1/4 mile. His car would register 88 mph. Did not matter if top was up or down windows up or down stairs or full of gas or almost empty it would register 88.
Gorgeous car! Would love to bring it home. My 1st car was a white 64 Custom 2-dr post sedan with a 6 cyl and stick on the column that was so bare it didn’t even have a radio. But my 2nd one was a dk blue 64 Galaxie 500 2-dr hdtp with a 352, 4 bbl, dual exhaust, auto, ps & pb. And a radio!! Loved that car, but always wanted an XL convert. Good luck to the new owner. Wish it was me!
WOW what memories, I bought a 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL as a senior in high school in 1966.It had a 427 ci with 425 hp dual quads borg warner T-10 4 speed. it was all black with red interior. Beautiful car that would pass almost anything EXCEPT a gas station. lol… Had to sell it before entering Navy in 1967. OH to have one again……
The XL’s and later LTD’s had beautiful standard interiors intil about ’67 or’68–then you had to pay extra for the fancy decor groups.
I have always loved the ’64 Impala SS but I would mind having this gorgeous beauty sitting in my driveway. The ’59-67 were some of the prettiest Fords that was produced IMO.
I wish it was a 1966. for me everything is correct on my list except the year! trying to regain my youth!!!!
My favorite Galaxie is the 63.5 fastback. One of my late uncles had one in red that I loved. 64 would be my second choice, as is a convertible, but this one is close enough! Someone is getting a nice car!
As much as I love GMs, I have always had a soft spot for ’64 Fords.
Going back to when I was in grade school in the early 70’s there were 2 memorable Galaxie 500s that stood out in my memory.
First was my music teacher & later grade 6 teacher, who owned a pale yellow convertible with black top & taupe bench seat interior. 352 (entry level V8 on Canadian cars) Cruise-O-Matic. It was a little rough in 1971 due to life in the rust belt. She wanted a new purple Plymouth Duster but held onto that convertible until it was a hoopty by 1974. A clean used 70½ Falcon coupe replaced it.
The other in town was a Galaxie 500 fastback coupe, Vintage Burgundy with white 2-tone roof, 390 4V & h.d. 3-speed column shift. All stock with whitewalls, wheel-covers, and dual exhausts with resonators. Circa 1971.
My earliest recollection of a big ’64 was a bright turquoise base Custom 4-door a block from my house. The guy who owned it seemed about 80. This was circa mid-60’s.
Dang, reserve at $8,100 and not met yet and almost to close. I wish it were me but somebody is going to steal this gorgeous car!
Almost $25,000 and ended with that reserve not met. Wonder what reserve even was now.
A glorious car! My ’64 XL was a 352 automatic, red like this one but with a black top and a black interior…and, wonder of wonders, a glass rear window! Until this car, this year, convertibles all had flexible plastic rear windows, which, in case you’re a youngster, was a real PITA…In the summer, before the top went down, a thorough, careful wash and dry was in order to prevent scratching…and clearing that sheet of plastic of ice and snow in the winter without scratching it was a real accomplishment…certainly one of the best-looking cars I’ve ever owned…