Ford Galaxie LTD, Red, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $18,995.

In the mid-1960s, Ford performance was spelled GALAXIE. Full-sized cars could carry full-sized motors, and they were dominant on the big oval tracks of NASCAR, and were popular gentleman's hot rods for guys who needed a big car but craved more performance than a Cadillac or Lincoln could deliver. This very cool 1965 Galaxie coupe that was born as a very rare Galaxie LTD and still features its original 390 cubic inch V8 and a few subtle modifications to make it a car that will get second and third glances at the local cruise night car show.

Bodywork on this big cruiser is in great shape, and getting those massive quarter panels and fenders straight is no easy task. And just look how evenly everything lines up-the body crease that runs from front to rear is laser straight! Then you look a little closer and see that the door handles, rear trunk lock, and side moldings have been shaved, most of the emblems are gone, and only the real identification this car wears are the 390 badges on the front fenders and those big Ford taillights that look like jet exhausts. The paint appears to be a modern finish, and actually looks pretty close to a late-model Thunderbird or Mustang color, with a great glow and bright highlights that look great in the sun. When you look very closely you will see very subtle ghost racing stripes down the center of the hood, over the roof and continuing down the trunk lid. The chrome is all in good condition, and it's refreshing to not see a car with modifications also sporting painted bumpers, which always look like a shortcut. Even the bright rocker trim is in place and in great shape, clearly benefitting from a pass or two under a buffing wheel.

The handsome black interior is all about full-sized comfort with just a hint of luxury car style. Those seat covers are new, and seem to be a pretty good match for the originals with their patterned upper backrests front and rear. The original door panels are simply amazing, and even the wood grain insert looks crisp and undamaged by time and sunlight. Simple gauges with a wide speedometer are the only thing the driver has to look at, while the original radio is located up high and just to the right, although a modern AM/FM/CD stereo head unit hangs under the dash so nothing had to be cut. When driving you grab a thin-rimmed steering wheel that is effortless thanks to power steering under the hood.

Speaking of things under the hood, the engine is the original 390 cubic inch V8 that has been rebuilt and nicely finished. Chrome bits include an Edelbrock air cleaner and original-style valve covers, and they contrast appropriately with the bright Ford Blue engine paint. There's nothing radical going on under here, so it is just as reliable as it was when it rolled off the showroom floor, and every bit as potent on the street. It's backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission that's nestled into a clean, well-preserved chassis that shows years of easy living. A large-diameter dual exhaust system features ubiquitous Flowmaster mufflers, and high performance shocks have been added to tighten up the ride a bit, since the Galaxies were never known for their agility. Polished American Racing Torque Thrust wheels wear recent 15-inch white letter radial tires for a timeless look that's perfectly in tune with the mildly modified Galaxie.

Make no mistake, these were potent cars in the days before big block Mustangs and Camaros, and even today a well-driven Galaxie with a 390 is easily a match for an early Mustang. It's even more fun when you can bring five of your best friends with you, as well as all their luggage. With some tasteful modifications, this car shows and drives like a much more expensive vehicle, and it's a welcome change from the hundreds of pony cars that you see at every show. History is on the Galaxie's side, and the day is fast approaching when they become highly sought collectables in their own right. Take this nice example home today and get ahead of the curve. Call now!