1965 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Emerges After Two Decades in Storage

A third-generation Galaxie 500 XL hardtop has surfaced for sale in Kent, Washington, after reportedly sitting unused for roughly twenty years. The car wears Rangoon Red paint and carries an asking price of $6,500 — a figure that reflects both its promising cosmetic condition and the work that clearly lies ahead.

The 1965 model year marked a high point for Ford’s full-size line, with stacked headlamps and an upright grille giving the Galaxie a crisp, modern look. The 500 XL sat near the top of the trim ladder and, in two-door form, came with bucket seats, a center console, and a three-speed automatic transmission. This example retains its factory wheel covers, though the steering wheel appears to be a non-original piece.

Under the hood lurks an engine the seller describes only vaguely, mentioning “blue aluminum” components alongside new brakes, fresh electrical work, and replacement shocks. Commenters have noted five-bolt valve covers, which point toward an FE-series big-block rather than the 289 small-block that served as the base engine for this trim. The car was purchased by the current owner’s uncle 22 years ago, shortly after a rebuild, before being parked for two decades.

Buyers should look closely at the body: rust is visible around the trunk gasket, and the seller notes the rear window has been blown out. If the car has indeed been stored outdoors without rear glass, that significantly affects its value. A 289-equipped 500 XL hardtop in comparable condition carries a book value around $13,200, so this one’s pricing leaves room for restoration costs.