Wikipedia

 

The 1965 Galaxie was an all-new design, featuring vertically stacked dual headlights in what was becoming the fashionable style in a car somewhat taller and bulkier than the previous year's. The new top-of-the-line designation this year was the Galaxie 500 LTD. Engine choices were the same as 1964 except for an all-new 240 cu in (3.9 L) six-cylinder and 1965 289 cu in (4.7 L) engine replacing the 50s-era 223 "Mileage-Maker" six and the 352 being equipped with dual exhausts and a four-barrel carburetor.

Suspension on the '65s was dramatically redesigned. Replacing the former leaf-spring rear suspension was a new four-link system, featuring all coils. Not only did the ride improve, but handling also got a boost, and this system was used for NASCAR in the full-size class. Interiors were like the '64s, but a new instrument panel and two-way key system were introduced.

1966 saw a new model, the Galaxie 500 7 Litre, fitted with a new engine, the 428 cu in (7.0 L) Thunderbird V8. As the name suggests, this engine was also available on the Ford Thunderbird and was a response to a demand for a more docile, tractable engine than the racing-built 427. The 1966 bodystyle was introduced in Brazil (Ford do Brasil) as a 1967 model; it had the same external dimensions throughout its lifetime until Brazilian production ceased in 1983. In response to safety concerns, U.S. Government regulations for 1966 required seat belts front and rear to be fitted to all new cars sold domestically.

In 1967, the 7 Litre model no longer carried the Galaxie name; it was to be the last year of it being separately identified. That identification was mainly trim such as horn ring and dashboard markings as well as the "Q" in the VIN number. The 7 Litre in '67 was basically a trim and performance option on the XL model. Little else changed except for trim and the styling; the same engine range, from the 240 six-cylinder to the 428 V8. Modifications to the styling included adding a major bend in the center of the grille, and making the model less "boxy" than the 1966 model. The 1967 LTD dropped the Galaxie name, a harbinger of changes to come.

In 1967 all Fords, including the Galaxie, featured a large, padded hub in the center of the plastic steering wheel. Safety again took a forefront for 1968, resulting in a number of occupant-protection and accident-avoidance features, including an energy-absorbing steering column, safety steering wheel, shoulder belt anchors, lane-change turn signals, and soft interior parts. 1967 safety changes included the dual brake master cylinder used on all subsequent Galaxies (and other Ford models).

The 1968 model had a new grille with headlights arranged horizontally, although the body was essentially the same car from the windshield back. The 'long hood, short deck' style was followed too, as was the new trend for concealed headlights on the XL and LTD. Added safety features included side marker lights and shoulder belts on cars built after December 1, 1967. The '67's large steering wheel hub was replaced by a soft "bar" spoke that ran though the diameter of the wheel. A plastic horn ring was also featured. One other change for 1968 was that the base V8 engine increased from 289 to 302 cubic inches.