Ford Galaxie 1965-1973 - Buyer's Guide
Big and distinctive, the Ford Galaxie was a common sight on our roads
Models named Galaxie headed Ford’s U.S. range for many years before Australia adopted the designation. For 1963 our Galaxies mostly pillarless Hardtops, were imported as right-hand drive. The more bulbous shape introduced for 1964 came as a sedan and station wagon and was reputedly the widest car sold in the North American market.
From 1965, when Ford’s Homebush (NSW) plant began assembly, Galaxies became a common sight on Australian roads. Governments at all levels were big customers, with many of the cars sold and surviving being black.
The default engine was Ford’s 4.7-litre ‘289’ V8 which developed 168kW and struggled a little to haul the ’65 Gal’s 1700kg. Optional and vastly better suited was the 6.4-litre ‘390’ from Ford’s performance-oriented Thunderbird. With 208kW to play with, the Galaxie was a match for Chrysler’s 6.3-litre Dodge Phoenix and easily outpaced GM-H’s Chevrolets and Pontiacs.
Interior space and distinctive styling were hallmarks of late 1960s Galaxies. The first locally built cars came with ‘stacked’ pairs of headlamps, clean-line looks and minimal chrome.
| Market Review: Ford Galaxie/Sunliner/Fairlane 1957-1973
Broad bench seats and plentiful legroom ensured abundant space for families who could muster the $5570 price – $2200 more than a V8-engined XR Fairmont. Included in the Galaxie’s equipment were three-speed auto, power steering, a clock and heater-demister but a hidden attribute was significant to many owners.
Ford in the USA had spent a lot of time and money redesigning the car to minimise vibration and road-noise intrusion. At the time, Ford claimed its large cars were quieter than a Rolls-Royce.
| Read next: 1964 Holman Moody Galaxie racer
Locally built cars underwent their first major restyle for 1968, by which time disc front brakes had replaced all-round drums and radial ply tyres were optional. The ‘390’ V8 had become standard and the weight had ballooned to 1835kg and the car, from its HD Holden-style front mudguards to wrap-around taillights, measured more than 5.3 metres.
Galaxies with their all-coil suspension are renowned for their blend of ride quality and acceptable handling. Rural users were especially fond of their ability to maintain high average speeds over second-rate roads.
| Read next: 60 years of Ford Galaxie
Performance from the 6.4-litre engine feels stronger than acceleration figures indicate. Road tests of early ‘390’ engined cars recorded 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in 9.7 seconds, while those with 4.7 litres were almost three seconds slower.
Inside, the dash had a five-unit instrument cluster with a clock the same size as the speedometer. Seats were improved and came with huge central armrests.
Locally assembled Galaxies were four-door sedans, but private imports included convertibles, two and four-door hardtops and the Country Squire wagon with fake timber embellishments.
Australia adopted LTD badging in 1969 and debuted another new design that now featured hidden headlamps. Another restyle appeared for 1971, with a 6.5-litre version of the small-block Cleveland V8. The last Australian-assembled LTD was available as a pillared Hardtop but imports still came in a variety of styles.
Value range: Galaxie (1968-73 Four-door)
Fair: $8000
Good: $22,000
Excellent: $34,000
(Note: exceptional cars will demand more)
BUYER'S CHECKLIST
Body & chassis
These cars are all built on a hefty chassis and that’s the place to check first. Using a jack and stands or a hoist, examine the body-mounting points for deterioration, the rails for accident damage and corrosion, floor supports and the floor pans for rust. If the chassis is sound, move next to the rear quarter panels, wheel arches, window surrounds, door bottoms and leading edge of the bonnet. Leaky seals will allow the boot to fill with water. Most items of body chrome are being remanufactured and are available from US suppliers – bumpers cost US$300 each but check the freight costs before committing.
Engine & transmission
Just about the only endemic problem with Ford V8 motors is oil leaks which can occur just about everywhere. Smoke from the exhaust or crankcase breather points to worn piston rings and an overhaul or engine replacement. Complete 390 ‘crate’ engines can cost anywhere from US$6000-18,000 depending on their state of tune and you then need to ship it, so rebuilding the original is very likely less expensive. Exhaust manifolds crack around attachment holes and leak at the exhaust system joint. Automatic transmissions are very durable but when they begin to slur changes and shudder when downshifting, an overhaul is due.
Suspension & brakes
Worn ball joints and idler arms are common Galaxie problems and cars that groan audibly when turning at low speeds need work. Jack up the front end and lift each wheel to check vertical movement. Excessive free play at the steering wheel suggests steering box wear but new replacements are available ex-USA. Replacement parts for all-drum or disc/drum brake systems are freely available and not expensive. Make sure that the rear brakes are actually working as leaks from wheel bearings can coat the drums in grease.
Interior & electrical
Galaxie interior trim is basic and easily replaced. Seats can be trimmed using original vinyl or cloth and no one will be particularly upset if the material isn’t authentic because these cars aren’t especially scarce or valuable. An under-dash air-conditioner when working properly can deliver lots of cold air, but these ancient units will rarely be operational and are expensive to convert (if not already done) to modern refrigerant. The fuel gauges are notorious for showing empty when the tank is still more than a quarter full.
1965 - 1973 Ford Galaxie specs
PRODUCTION: 4.5 million (approx.) 1965-73
BODY: Steel, separate body/chassis, four-door sedan, two & four-door hardtop, convertible, station wagon
ENGINE: 4915cc, 6387cc, 6556cc V8 with overhead valves and single downdraft carburettor
POWER & TORQUE: 208kW @ 4600rpm, 537Nm @ 2800rpm (390)
PERFORMANCE: 0-96km/h 9.7 seconds, 0-400 metres 17.1 seconds (1965 390 ci)
TRANSMISSION: Three-speed automatic
SUSPENSION: Independent with wishbones, coil springs, shock absorbers & anti-roll
bar (f) live axle with coil springs & shock absorbers (r)
BRAKES: Drum or disc (f) drum (r) power assisted
TYRES: 8.15x15 cross-ply, 205/75R15 radial
From Unique Cars #473, Dec 2022/Jan 2023
Unique Cars magazine Value Guides
Sell your car for free right here
Get your monthly fix of news, reviews and stories on the greatest cars and minds in the automotive world.
Subscribe