Well Maintained/Nice Interior/352ci V8/Power Top

1965 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible

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 Galaxie 500 Convertible that has been the beneficiary of a frame off restoration 30 years ago. Since that time some extra work has been performed in the form of A/C changed to R134, new brakes and cylinders, a rebuilt converter and transmission, a complete rebuild for the workings of the convertible top, and a rebuilt 4-barrel carburetor. So certainly, well maintained, and a nice example in working order.

Exterior
Paint code X (Vintage Burgundy), denotes a White respray during the frame off restoration 30 years ago. Some cracking and crazing areas are seen throughout due to the use of lacquer paint, although mostly in good condition. Chrome bumpers, trim and badging remain shiny and attractive with a mirror-like glow. An easy action top clamping system is released, and the durable 5 ply white vinyl top is electrically hidden in mere seconds, without getting out of the driver's seat. The top is in excellent condition, and as noted has a recently installed opening and closing mechanism, however the switch can be a touch finicky. Lake pipes are hanging from either side, and fender skirts are on this car. Dual exhaust peek out from the rear just below the rear bumper. Spotlights which will need to be manually operated are on both A pillars. Stock Ford steel hubcaps play frontman for 205/75 R15 tires with a thin whitewall highlight all around.

Interior
A swing of the doors and it reveals the door panels, and the iconic Ford chrome paddle door actuators on the head end of the door armrests are present, along with window cranks. The vinyl in the door panels has some slight wrinkling due to possible sag in the vinyl. Turning our attention to the seating a black vinyl front split bench and completely solid rear bench can be seen in good condition. These have chromed buttons attached to stitched panels on the tops of each of the seats. Instrumentation covered with pristine plastic shows all gauges in working and clear condition. An AM radio with push button actuation for the favorites is in the center of the metal dash. Wood appliqu provides covering on a horizontal band that houses wiper levers, a central clock and A/C and airflow levers. Black pile carpeting covers the floors, as well as having plastic protective mats on top at the foot areas of the floor. Hidden in the glovebox is the hazard flasher switch.

Drivetrain
A 352ci 250HP V8 circa 1966 is now within the engine bay. This is topped with a single 4-barrel Autolite 4100 carburetor and backed up by a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. A Ford 9-inch rear axle has 3.00 gears. All engine parts and attachments on the exterior of the block are clean and corrosion free.

Undercarriage
Plenty of nicely painted rust free black framing, floorpans, rockers and wheel wells can be seen underneath. These are all holding well from that earlier restoration. A like new H pipe dual exhaust system sports a glass pack style muffler setup. Power drum brakes all around, as well as power steering, and restored independent coil spring suspension up front and 4 link with coil springs for the rear are all looking good!

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and good driver that handled our test track very nicely. Smooth acceleration from that V8, and good handling despite it being a fairly large automobile. Good brakes and the top moved up and down very quickly, albeit slightly finicky with that new mechanism. Noted A/C blows but not cold and will need a recharge.

A 1965 Galaxie named after the group of stars and gas that Carl Sagan says there are billions of and reflecting our fascination with the space push at the time, is the name of this beautiful mostly original Ford. Well-kept and cared for, it has survived to be a nice convertible example that is a "driver" but shows nicely too. Great because you can put the top down, turn up WFIL on the AM radio, and cruise down the road without a care in the world, all the while wondering how the other half lives!

VIN Decode
5E65X188699
5-1965
E-Mahwah, NJ Assy Plant
65-2 Door Convertible
X-352ci V8 4bbl
188699-Sequential Unit Number

Warranty Plate
BODY 76A-2 Door Convertible
COLOR X-Vintage Burgundy
TRIM 66-Black Vinyl
DATE15B-February 15th 1965
DSO 14-Pittsburg
AXLE 1-3.00 Conventional
TRANS 4-Cruise O Matic

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 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.