West Coast Classics presents an exceptional example of this 1968 Ford Galaxie XL Fastback Door Hardtop with the 302 V8 engine and FMX automatic transmission.
The 1968 Ford Galaxie XL Fastback 2-door hardtop is a classic full size American muscle car and features a sporty sloping roofline, a wide full-width grille, and hideaway headlights.
The cars original specifications are as follows:
Body: 63D: Galaxie 500 XL 2-Door Fastback (Bench Seat)
Color: F: Gulfstream Aqua Poly (Metallic Paint)
Trim: 411: Black Luxury Cloth & Vinyl Bench Seat
Date: 21B: Scheduled Build Date: February 21, 1968
DSO: 32: Cincinnati, Ohio Sales District
Axle: 3: 2.80:1 Rear Axle Ratio (Conventional)
Trans:X: FMX Select Shift Cruise-O-Matic Automatic
The 1968 model year was highly significant for this drivetrain because it was the very first year Ford introduced the 302 V8, which replaced the older 289 V8 mid-year. Pairing this reliable, smooth-running small-block V8 with the stout cast-iron FMX transmission you have makes for an incredibly dependable, low-maintenance classic cruiser combo
The 1968 Ford Galaxie XL Fastback was a stylish full-size performance 2 Door Hardtop that blended muscle and comfort. As part of Fords upscale XL series, it featured a sleek fastback roofline and a sporty, refined interior.
Engine options ranged from a 302 small-block to the powerful 428 cubic-inch V8, delivering serious straight-line performance. Its wide stance and long body gave it road presence, while improved suspension made for a smoother ride. The Galaxie XL was a bold statement of late-'60s American design.
For 1962, the Galaxie name was applied to all of Ford's full size models, as Fairlane moved to a new intermediate and the Custom model was temporarily retired.
The new top-line Galaxie 500 (two-door hardtop, four-door sedan and hardtop and the Sunliner convertible) and the most desirable Galaxie 500/XL (two-door hardtop and convertible) models were also introduced; the 292 cu in (4.8 L) V8 was standard on the 500/XL with optional higher horsepower engines available. The 500XL (named after the 500 mile NASCAR races in which Ford was doing so well) was the first of the big performance Ford's and offered bucket seats and center console, as well as a sportier trim both inside and out. This model was Ford's response to Chevrolet's Super Sport option for the big Impala which was introduced the previous year and consequently saw a significant rise in sales for 1962.
Finished in original Gulf Steam Aqua' color paint with original spec trunk lining, spare wheel & jack & wheels. The floor boards, trunk and all the typical rust-prone areas are completely solid and rust-free and the car has no signs of any accidents - obviously an always garaged and cherished car since new.
This particular car drives extremely well - must be driven to be fully appreciated. The car has power steering and its original AM radio. The transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears, there are no noticeable oil leaks and the temperature always remains cool!
This is a great opportunity to own a great daily driving example of an obviously garaged and coveted rust free 1968 Ford Galaxie XL Fastback 2 Door Hardtop in very fine condition throughout!
Although obviously not a concourse example, this remains a very rare and highly desirable example of one of the outstanding sporty Ford designs of the late sixties, which has high repute for both it's beautiful lines and smooth fast performance for a 2 door hardtop, a very similar design to its Chevrolet Impala SS competitor.
