Ford Galaxie, Green, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $13,595.

In 1959, the party was still in full swing in Detroit, with automakers using bigger, wider, flashier designs trying to top one another and their own previous efforts. The 1959 Ford is a notable exception, using a restrained and downright clean shape for the full-sized Galaxie. You can find hints of the Thunderbird in the roofline, and somehow Ford avoided the tailfin craziness that was running rampant over at General Motors.

Finished in what appears to be code ED Colonial White over Indian Turquoise, there are few more appropriate color combinations on a big '50s cruiser than this. Bodywork is decent, and the way the doors on cars of this era open and close is impressive. Especially cool is how the swept-forward trim and rear quarter panel extends into the back doors, blending them into the shape and making this car look sporty and lean. Of course, there's still plenty of chrome, and getting it into the condition it's in today probably cost well into five figures, including the massive front bumper, intricate grille, and wrap-around rear bumper. Brushed aluminum trim behind the rear wheels was a common addition of the period, probably first found on the 1954 Eldorado and quickly duplicated by other automakers. If you're looking for a trip back to the '50s, few cars can do it better than this Galaxie.

Wearing the original style woven inserts and matching two-tone vinyl, the kitchy '50s are alive and well inside this Galaxie. The seatcovers are probably not original, but have a nice patina that matches the rest of the car and gives it a period correct vibe inside. The original gauges remain, but there's a custom built and upholstered center consolette that houses a modern Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo unit and a quartet of Autometer gauges keeping an eye on temperature, oil pressure, voltage, and fuel levels. The funky door panels appear to be original and in excellent condition, which is a good thing, because replacing them probably costs a fortune. And if road trips are your fancy, then the massive trunk will carry everything you need for weeks of cruising.

Ford's 292 cubic inch V8 supplies full-sized power that's smooth and effortless. A few smart upgrades under the hood make it more reliable, including an alternator in place of the original generator, and a giant aluminum radiator to keep it cool. The original air cleaner remains in place, and has been painted bright red to match the Ford-logo valve covers. The engine fires up easily and runs with that silky smoothness that only engines from the '50s seem to possess. And yes, that's a rare 3-on-the-tree manual transmission setup, which was highly uncommon in full-sized four-door sedans. 215/75/14 whitewall radials on the original steel wheels definitely improve ride and handling.

This is a cool old Ford with a few tricks up its sleeve, and it has been set up perfectly for cruising. Call today!