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1968 Ford Galaxie

The full-sized Ford Galaxie was built for the North American market from 1958 through 1974, in Australia from 1964 through 1968, and in Brazil from 1967 to 1983. The styling introduced in 1960 would continue, albeit with updates along the way, through 1964. The wheelbase measured 119-inches and the length at 213.7-inches, shrinking slightly a year later to 209.9-inches. 1961 was also the year the Galaxie gained a new 390 cubic-inch version of Ford's FE series pushrod V8 engine, offering either a four-barrel carburetor or three two-barrel carbs. The latter delivered 401 horsepower making it one of the most potent engines available. In 1962, the Fairlane was moved to the intermediate line and the Galaxie became the only full-size model, with the Galaxie 500 being the top-of-the-line full-size car. Styling changes were minimal for 1963, but for 1964 its exterior was given a more sculpted appearance to help improve aerodynamic efficiency to aid in enhancing its performance in NASCAR competition. 50 lightweight fiberglass-equipped cars were given the 427 cubic-inch V8 engine for drag racing.

The Ford Galaxie received new styling in 1965, with vertically stacked dual headlights, a new suspension setup, and a new interior instrument panel. This styling theme would continue, albeit with yearly updates, through 1968. 1969 would usher in new styling resting on a new platform with a 121-inch wheelbase.

The base six-cylinder engine was an overhead valve unit displacing 240 CID and delivered 150 horsepower. It had seven main bearings, a cast-iron block, a Holley one-barrel carburetor, and a compression ratio of 9.3:1. This new six-cylinder engine replaced the previous 223 'Mileage-Maker' six which had been in use since the 1950s. Eight-cylinder engine options included the 289 CID Windsor, the 302 CID Windsor, the 352 CID FE, the 390 FE, 427 CID FE, and the 428 CID FE. These engine options were the same as the previous year, except the 352 CID V8 was now fitted with dual exhausts and a four-barrel carburetor. All V8s had overhead valves, a cast-iron block, and five main bearings. The High-Performance 427 CID V8 with two Holley four-barrel carburetors and 11.5:1 compression delivered 425 horsepower at 6,000 RPM. The 'SOHC' 427 with Hemispherical combustion chambers, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, and 12.1:1 compression produced 616 horsepower at 7,000 RPM. The 'SOHC' 427 with two Holley four-barrel carbs and 12.1:1 compression produced 657 horsepower at 7,500 RPM. The 289 CID V8 delivered between 200 to 271 horsepower depending on the configuration, the 352 with a Holley four-barrel produced 250 hp, and the 390 CID V8 produced 300 to 330 horsepower depending on the setup.

The 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 Series
The 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 Series was offered as a sedan, hardtop sedan, Fastback Coupe, Hardtop Coupe, and convertible. They were Ford's intermediate trim level and fitted with all the trim found in the Custom series plus stamped aluminum rocker panel moldings. The name 'Ford' could be found in block letters on the passenger side of the car and the vertical section of the trunk lid. The name Galaxie 500 could be found on the rear fenders, just in front of the taillights.

In the front was a new grille with the headlights arranged horizontally, but the rest of the body was essentially the same from the windshield back. The base six-cylinder engine was an overhead valve unit displacing 240 CID and delivered 150 horsepower. The base V8 engine had increased from 289 to 302 cubic inches. Standard equipment included a cigarette lighter, a suspended gas pedal, courtesy lights, and padded front seatbacks. Additional safety features included shoulder belts (on cars built after December 1st of 1967), and side marker lights. The prior year's large steering wheel hub was replaced by a soft 'bar' spoke that had a plastic horn ring.

Along with various body styles and engine choices, buyers could purchase the Galaxie 500XL trim level. This was a sportier version available as a convertible or a fastback coupe. Pricing began at $3,100 for the fastback and rose to $3,325 for the convertible. Just 6,066 examples of the convertible were sold and over 50,000 of the 500XL Series coupe. Standard equipment included a 302 CID V8 offering 210 horsepower and mated to a Select-Shift Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. They had hidden headlights, special 'XL' crest in the center of the hood, bucket seats, front console, and automatic courtesy and warning lights in the door panels.


by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2016

1968 Ford Galaxie Vehicle Profiles

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1968 Galaxie
$3,320-$166,900
1968 Ford Galaxie Price Range: $2,865 - $3,320

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1968 Ford Models
$2,455 - $3,030
$2,600 - $2,812
$4,715 - $4,925

Galaxie

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
564,098
119.00 in.
6 cyl., 240.00 CID., 150.00hp
8 cyl., 390.00 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 390.00 CID., 330.00hp
$2,625 - $3,425
597,002
119.00 in.
6 cyl., 240.00 CID., 150.00hp
8 cyl., 390.00 CID., 275.00hp
8 cyl., 390.00 CID., 315.00hp
8 cyl., 390.00 CID., 335.00hp
$2,660 - $3,845
426,941
119.00 in.
6 cyl., 240.00 CID., 150.00hp
8 cyl., 278.00 CID., 200.00hp
8 cyl., 428.00 CID., 345.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 425.00hp
$2,740 - $3,495
734,638
119.00 in.
6 cyl., 240.00 CID., 150.00hp
8 cyl., 302.00 CID., 210.00hp
8 cyl., 302.00 CID., 230.00hp
8 cyl., 390.00 CID., 265.00hp
8 cyl., 255.99 CID., 350.00hp
$2,865 - $3,320

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