Like Chevrolet’s Impala “Super Sport,” the validity of Muscle-car enthusiasts have different opinions about the Ford Galaxie 500 and 500 XL. However, we think that full-size sleds manufactured from 1962 to 1968, with a two-door design and the appropriate options (i.e. a 427 cubic-inch car, which used a V-8 engine for power, had every chance to be the ultimate hot rod.
Unfortunately, because of the extensive redesign that Galaxie underwent in 1965—one that was aimed at enhancing the overall ride experience (smoothness, NHV, amenities, etc. )—naysayers have a hard time giving these whips the true street-brawler status they deserve. Regardless of how non-believers feel, however, we say Galaxie 500s of the 1965 to 1968 era are hot rods, and every other appropriate label that can be applied (especially cars equipped with the race-proven 427 and a four-speed manual transmission).
Although they were bigger and better-appointed than many of Ford’s high-performance Mustangs and Fairlanes of the period, make no mistake about it, two-door Galaxie 500s—preferably XLs, but especially the 7-Litre cars of 1966—were badass rides.
With a 345-horsepower, 428 cubic-inch Blue Oval V-8 and other drivetrain modifications that are necessary for that status, this excellent example of the 1966 Galaxie 500 7-Liter earns the hot-rod merit badge. It has a sharp aesthetic and a refined ride and comfort level. It also has 459 lb-ft of torque, which quickly made things interesting when the driver slammed the hammer to the floor from a stop or a low-speed roll. This makes it the kind of car a business executive might have owned.
This understated hot rod was cared for by Boo Boo’s Garage of Stillwater, Minnesota, which sold it to a new owner at Mecum Auctions’ Kissimmee, Florida, bid for $55,000. That’s a pretty good offer, in our opinion.
Source: https://www.motortrend.com/
