1962 Ford Galaxie 500XL

Advertising the new Galaxie as “American’s liveliest, most carefree car” of 1962 was Ford’s way of gearing up for the young-guy market. A forerunner to the muscle car, the Galaxie abandoned the garish, over-the-top decoration of the 1950s cars.

What came out was a sleek, futuristic car, clean-cut and low – what the boys wanted. The arrow-straight flash was a far cry from the florid sweepspears that adorned most ’50s cars.

The 500XL (XL standing for “extra lively”) came with a 223cid six or 292cid V8. But even with a powerful engine, the Galaxie had an especially quiet ride due to soundproofing at various points. The brakes in 1962 Forld Galaxie 500XL were self-adjusting. The car also cake with 6,000 miles lube intervals, and life-of-the-car transmission fluid.

Full-size line like the 500XL got a new bucket-seats-and-console. The 292 cu in (4.8 l) V8 was standard on the 500/XL. It had a sportier trim inside and out as part of the package in response to Chevrolet’s Super Sport option for the big Impala, which was introduced the previous year.

The 1962 models sported a more rounded, softer rear end look without the tailfins. Taillights were set lower into the rear panel and were partially sunken into the newly sculpted rear bumper.

The adjustable Mylar-trimmed bucket seats flanking the center console could be adjusted manually and electronically on a plush interior with padded dashboard and optional front seat belts. Large, round, taillight cluster is similar to the ones on the Thunderbird and appeared in 1962 on the Ford Falcon and Ford Fairlane.