1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Convertible Tropical Turquoise

1964 Ford Galaxie2 Door Convertible6.4L

Year of Manufacture: 1964
Body Type: Convertible
Engine Size: 6,400cc 390 cu in
Power BHP: 300 BHP
Gearbox Type: Automatic
Mileage: 113,900
Colour: Tropical Turquoise

The Ford Galaxie was Fords full-size model for the early Sixties and its name was used for the top models in production at the time in a marketing attempt to appeal to the excitement surrounding the Space Race. The 500XL denoted the highest in the series and it was designed to compete against the full-sized Impalas from Chevrolet. With the 352 V8, a 10 second 0-60 was claimed along with a 17.3 standing quarter mile, not bad for a car weighing over two tons!

Introduced in 1960, the fourth and final body design was produced for the 1964 market and featured a more sculptured design for improved aerodynamics with NASCAR racing in mind. The famous 427 cu in Fastback Galaxies from this racing era are now incredibly rare and sought after. The coupe versions can be seen at Historical race events such as Goodwood Revival and the Silverstone classic usually being chased by 60”s minis and Lotus Cortina’s. A fantastic sight to see these magnificent vehicles in full flight, any racegoer is usually filled with awe at this spectacle. As are the bystanders as this car passes!

We purchased this Galaxie 500 XL Convertible in Tucson Arizona from Mr Wayne Crawley who had owned the car for many years. He had purchased from a “good old boy” he said locally who had moved out to Arizona with the Galaxie in the late 70” s. The Galaxie has what is called in the states as “A” box signed mileage on the vehicle’s title, which means the 113,000 miles was warranted and signed for by Mr Crawley. The body was very sound, the soft top was very recent, the 352 cu in engine was described as having been rebuilt and a new radiator and exhaust had been installed. So we purchased this massive piece of American automotive history and shipped it back to the U.K.

Once back in our factory we decided to take the body back to bare metal for a full high-quality repaint. Only two small areas on each outer sill needed re metalling and two replacement sections were made up and welded into the rear inner wing drop-down sections, everything else was absolutely solid and required only minor dent removal and straightening.
We decided to keep it in the original colour Tropical Turquoise lacquer has been polished to a glass-like finish showing off the incredibly straight panels on this magnificent 60’s Cruiser. With the huge amount of chrome on this car, the Chrome Cragar wheels with white band tyres and the “Jet burner “rear lights we hope you agree that this iconic Galaxie looks stunning!

The interior was completely original but had suffered from the effects of the desert sun, so a new exact original handmade interior was ordered from Auto Interiors of America who did a fantastic job using the exact metallic finished vinyl’s in the correct colours even including the contrasting silver edging and badges and banding to the seats. They also made a completely new set of carpets in the original material and colour which fitted perfectly. New Scuff Plates and door rubbers have been installed along with new Boot Mat and Boards, the original tools are still present along with the original spare wheel.

The braking system has been entirely overhauled with new wheel cylinders, shoes and master cylinder and the braking performance was described as the best of any Classic car he had inspected by our local MOT examiner. We have entirely overhauled the front suspension and included an expensive upgrade to the front lower suspension wishbones that keep the suspension geometry correct once set up and prevents the original set up’s tendency to find it’s preferred position due to the cars considerable weight.

Our technicians have installed a new power steering control valve, power steering hoses and the system is performing as it should, the car rides beautifully with its huge wheelbase and is incredibly comfortable with new shock absorbers and springs fitted all round.

The rear bumper, a massive piece of iron, was sent for new chrome, all the other brightwork, most of which is stainless steel, is in great condition and the Galaxie now finished, looks stunning and is ready to waft you in sumptuous style to any car show or venue of your choice. Please note all fiends and relations will have weddings and proms that you will have to attend!

I think it is fair to say that this must be one of the best examples in the U.K. If not Europe.