Vehicle Description
1965 Ford Galaxie 500
For those of you who used their formative years to educate and
mostly entertain themselves with the boob tube, you probably
catching an episode or two of Andy of Mayberry. A number of awesome
cars were featured in the Andy Griffith Show over its nine year
run, but Griffith's squad cars were always Ford Galaxie 500 sedans.
Fords were increasingly featured as the show reached its later
years, undoubtedly because of a sponsorship from the Ford Motor
Company.
For consignment a 1965 Galaxie 500 that I would classify as a
survivor. While our consigner was dating the apple of his eye in
high school, there was a car in the girlfriend's neighbors back
yard that also caught our consigner's eye, that being this very
1965 Ford Galaxie 500. Of course, he approached the elderly man who
did not want to sell so our consigner moved forward with his second
favorite car, a Ford Mustang. Time passed, and his girlfriend
became his wife, and was unfortunately involved in an accident with
the Mustang. As fate would have it, the old boy across the street
was ready to sell the Galaxie, and so began a 40-year labor of love
to bring the Galaxie back to shooting star status. Read on for the
efforts put forth to have this super low original mileage, buttoned
up as needed car which can now be classified as a survivor.
Exterior
Raven Black, in a respray covers straight steel panels, and 4 doors
with well minded gaps. Paint has slightly dulled and has some
battle scars in the form of scratches and a few dents. The rear
wheels sport shiny polished stainless fender skirts, which adds
some nice highlighting to this black. Side panels are highlighted
by a mid car straight trim spear that begins at the headlights and
runs straight to the stern as it thins to an arrow point at the
rear quarter. Galaxie 500 is badged just behind the dual front
stacked headlights within a well preserved egg crate grille and has
a nice badge in the center. The front bumper is very nice and
shiny. As we move to the rear, we find squared off taillights with
a center round backup light and some starburst trimmings reaching
out to each side in shiny chromed points. More shiny trimmings for
the rear on the trunk, and just below is a nicely preserved rear
bumper. Not to be forgotten is the roof in body matching black.
Thin whites wrap standard turbine styled wheel coverings with a
blue cloisonne hub and white Ford badge.
Interior
With a swing of any of the 4 doors we greet several yards of red
broadcloth and vinyl covered seats and door panels. All newly
covered, in plastic wrappings as they were since this car was
bought back in 1965 and all in great clear condition for the
plastic. Within the door panels which are all vinyl, reside the
door actuator, armrest/pulls, and window cranks which are nearly
pristine. The front split bench is made up of red striped tuck and
roll inserts and smooth red vinyl bolsters and some red piping
racing around the border of the two. The rear bench copies this
style. A very clean and shiny original dash looking like it was
pulled from the Millennium Falcon with its central white numbers on
black horizontal shaped background is flanked by the arrow turn
signal indicators on either side. The original steering wheel is
noted. Red carpet floods the floors A nice white headliner, good
and tight floats above their stunning red interior with seats that
may never have been sat on without plastic coverings! Bringing our
attention briefly to the trunk it has its original speckled spray
liner and a spare, and jack neatly tucked away in the front of the
trunk.
Drivetrain
Clean original with some nice patina is seen on the surfaces under
the hood, including the 289ci V8 which pumps out a consigner stated
200 horses. This is complete with gold painted valve covers and a
single 2-barrel carb with a gold painted single snout air cleaner
cover atop. A 3-speed manual with overdrive transmission makes this
an original 3 on the tree. Way back is a 9-inch 3.50 conventional
axle.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust for the usual suspects, but the car maintains
structural integrity with a slightly surface rusted frame and floor
pans. Independent coil springs for the front, and a 4-link system
with coil springs for the rear suspension, as well as drum brakes
are all around. A stock style single exhaust is noted and rust free
style shows nicely.
Drive-Ability
As expected from a car in this condition, she fired right up, and
with a light lifting of my clutch foot, took off smoothly. This car
is a great large cruiser, smooth ride, and no creaking or squeaking
when turning the corners. Drives like a mechanically
well-maintained survivor. Only the clock would not tell time, but
A/C blows nice and cold thanks to a R134a upgrade, and all other
functions are working perfectly.
With just a few frowns on the exterior bodywork, the paint remains
good and a bit dulled, chrome is all good, and a few special parts
have been re-plated. Not the most powerful or unusual optioned car,
but very respectable in overall presentation with a snappy
interior. Meet George Jetson....Jane his wife... daughter
Judy...well you get it! Now cue the whistling and grab your fishing
pole! (Gosh wasn't TV great back then?!) Just like this consignment
and a great story to boot!
VIN DECODE
5E62C212289
5-1965
E-Mahwah, NJ Assy Plant
62-Galaxie 500 4 Door Sedan
C-289ci V8 2bbl
212289-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 54A-Galaxie 500 4 Door Sedan
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM 55-Red & Black Vinyl
DATE 19D-April 19th Build
DSO 23-Philadelphia
AXLE 5-3.50 Conventional
TRANS 2-3 Speed Manual W/ Overdrive
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.