1962 Ford Galaxie 500 XL

Description

What you're seeing in this 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 XL convertible is a big pile of money that only looks like a vintage ragtop. With an extensive list of newly restored and NOS components, this is a turn-key car that's ready to rock with all the hard work already done.

I can't explain why the Galaxies don't get the same love as the Impalas, because this is one heck of a good-looking car at a bargain price. The paint is a pretty close approximation of the original code F Baffin Blue (it's just a touch lighter), and if you want to stand out in a sea of red, black, and white Galaxies, this is an outstanding way to do it. The finish is a few years old, perhaps the oldest part of the restoration, yet it looks fresh and shines brilliantly, a testament to a job done well. Look how well the doors fit, how neatly the trim lines up from panel to panel, and just the ultra-clean look of one of Ford's better ideas. The list of new trim is pretty extensive, including the grille (a $700 item), all 4 headlight rings ($550 for just the outers!), the taillight buckets and lenses, the aluminum section between the taillights, and both of the front fender ornaments. The remaining stuff, including both bumpers, was sent out and restored to better-than-new condition, so the car looks like a million bucks.

The blindingly white interior looks simply awesome against the blue paint, and they did it right by using dark carpets and a color-matched dash to tie everything together. Bucket seats and a console are right for the sporting Galaxie, which was Ford's top performer in 1962. Obviously there's a lot of new stuff inside, and the pleated seat covers give it a sporting feel with plenty of room for four adults. The dash looks pretty original, but a pair of auxiliary gauges was installed underneath to keep a closer eye on the rebuilt 390 under the hood. The factory AM radio remains in the dash and thanks to a lot of new components like window felt, fresh cranks and regulators, and new door handles, it has a very complete, solid feeling. The white power top stows under a matching white boot. The trunk is upholstered in dark blue carpet and includes a full-sized spare.

The rebuilt 390 cubic inch V8 has a long list of new components. It's a period-correct block filled with a new crank, cam, pistons, valves, and springs, plus a rebuilt distributor and a fresh oil pump to keep it alive. A few chrome dress-up pieces give it some show car shine, and the original generator was rebuilt, not replaced. The radiator was upgraded to a 3-core unit to help keep it cool in parades (this car's natural habitat), and the Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission was rebuilt at the same time. The entire front end was rebuilt, including bushings, ball joints, tie rods, idler arm, shocks, and springs, plus a rebuilt steering box. The undercarriage is original and looks quite good, highlighted by a newer Flowmaster dual exhaust system. Shiny Cragar mags are a period-perfect upgrade and wear 205/70/14 front and 235/70/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials.

Extras include fender skirts, a few spare components, and a car cover, making this Galaxie a sure-fire bet for summertime fun. Call today!