BEAUTIFUL LOW OWNERSHIP DROPTOP, 352 V8, AUTO, DUALS, PWR STEER/TOP, GR8 CRUISER

Full-sized Fords represent one of the biggest bangs for the buck in the hobby right now, and you can pick up cars like this handsome 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible for a fraction of the cost of their bowtie competitors. With a smooth V8, room for five adults, and plenty of flash, this big red Galaxie suddenly starts to make a lot of sense. There's one repaint on the car and it fairly accurately replicates the original... Rangoon Red finish. The older paint job has a great shine and looks right on the squared-off bodywork and if we didn't know better, we might believe it was original. The full-sized Galaxie was totally redesigned for 1965, starting with a set of stacked headlights and an overall lighter, sleeker look. That's not to say it's smaller, because this is still a very big car, but the trim bodywork makes it feel a lot more maneuverable. We believe the 70,619 miles showing are authentic, and given that the car has been used regularly and never really restored, the sheetmetal is in fantastic shape with no nasty surprises underneath. The doors close easily and all the little details that make Ford's top-of-the-line cars so special are still there, from the stand-up hood ornament to the stainless rim running from nose to tail to the squared-off taillights that make it easy to recognize from a mile away. If you want a car that's ideal for just getting in and going somewhere, this Galaxie delivers. There's evidence that the two-tone red interior is original to the car, and that should give you a better idea of just how well-preserved this car really is. The first owner kept it for more than 30 years, so you know it was special, and while there's a bit of wear on the driver's seat, no reproduction covers can match the factory's level of detail. There's a bit of fading on the carpets, which isn't surprising with red, and the steering wheel is showing some age even with the red leather wrap. Factory gauges are bright and crisp, and we love the way the original AM radio is integrated into the design (although it's sadly not functional). The recent white power convertible top stows itself in seconds and includes a crystal clear rear window and the giant trunk includes a correct plaid mat and a full-sized spare. Power comes from Ford's reliable, rugged X-code 352 cubic inch V8, which we believe is the car's original powerplant. Still wearing Ford Blue on the air cleaner and valve covers, it's just a deep cleaning away from being ready to show off and there are plenty of indicators that all three owners were conscientious about maintenance. It starts easily, idles well, and pulls the ragtop around with genuine enthusiasm, all the while feeling rugged and eager, something that can't be said for a lot of other cars of the period. At a glance you can see things like fresh ignition components, new belts and hoses, and correct decals on the engine itself, all signs that the owners liked to keep it healthy. Power steering and power brakes are welcome additions and the heavy-duty 3-speed automatic transmission always seems to find the right gear (remember to use the green dot on the selector!). A recent dual exhaust system sounds suitably muscular without being annoying and it's extremely clean underneath, so no worries there. Stylish hubcaps look a lot like period mag wheels and carry 15-inch whitewall radials. We'll wager that this car won't last long. Big Fords are suddenly very popular, whether it's because of their great road manners or their reasonable prices, we can't say, but this big red Galaxie has enough of both to make it very appealing. Call today!