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JULY 2025: YES—THIS 1964 GALAXIE 500 CONVERTIBLE PROVES YOU CAN STILL FIND A BARGAIN

Jerry Admin

Car guys always talk about how difficult it is to find classic iron at a good price in 2025–but that’s not a hard and fast rule.

Case in point—this 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible is a great example of what you can still find in 2025.

Jerry Sutherland

Doug Skarra is a hardcore Ford guy and he’s been around classic iron for decades, so he knew he wanted something to take to car shows. He found this Ford and learned it was a factory 390 cubic inch car—but the original 390 was a mess. Doug wasn’t worried—he bought the Galaxie 500 convertible for a great price so had lots of room to find a new 390.

That wasn’t a problem for Doug. He went on a search for a replacement engine and found one via an ad. The seller had two blocks for sale, so Doug grabbed the 390—only it wasn’t a 390. Doug learned he’d purchased a 428 big block because the seller had sold him the wrong engine. The seller told Doug the deal would stand—he just had to explain to his son why he sold his 428.

Doug was okay with that answer, so he plunked the 428 into the old Ford and solved his no-engine problem in a big way. The big block has some built-in leaks because when Doug found the engine it was sitting on its oil pan. That’s a classic way to beat up gaskets and other seals.

Unfortunately, the transmission was also a mess because Doug had to warm it up for ten minutes to get it to move and the drive selection was only a suggestion, more than a reality for the old Ford. A rebuild was definitely on the short-term stuff-that-needs-to-be-fixed list because Doug wanted a driver—not a basket case.

This Galaxie was heavily optioned because it even has power windows, but Doug said they’re a work in progress. The back passenger side needs convincing to go down and when it does do down, the driver’s front window also needs encouragement.

The car also has swing-away steering—Doug called it a “fat man’s wheel” because it gives more room to exit. There was a factory leather interior under the seat covers, but Doug said it had crystalized over the years, so that’s on the growing winter list. The carpet is brand new, so that item is not on Doug’s winter list.

Doug’s Ford also came with a wrap. He wasn’t a fan, but as he got used to it Doug said he started to like it. It’s also a semi-gloss look so he said it will be lower maintenance–plus the color is growing on him.

The goal with the Galaxie was to get it on the road and have some fun with it while the weather is still nice enough for a convertible. Doug has learned things about his Galaxie. For example, the car does 3000 rpm at 70 miles per hour, so he’s comfortable on the highway. George drove big rigs for years, so he definitely wants a passenger side mirror but overall, he’s not intimidated by his winter project checklist.

That workable checklist is proof you can still find a bargain in 2025.   

Jerry Sutherland

By: Jerry Sutherland

Jerry Sutherland is a veteran automotive writer with a primary focus on the collector car hobby. His work has been published in many outlets and publications, including the National Post, Calgary Herald, Edmonton Journal, Ottawa Citizen, Montreal Gazette, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Regina Leader-Post,  Vancouver Sun and The Truth About Cars. He is also a regular contributor to Auto Roundup Publications.

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