There’s something special about the concept of time and its effect on knowledge. If you grew up when our Pick of the Day was built, you may have been familiar with a special package available for certain Galaxies. But then it seems that, over time, the package languished in obscurity until the advent of the Internet, and even then, it took a while for folks to learn about it — all it takes is a group of enthusiasts to find each other and then others tag along in appreciation. This story perfectly describes this 1967 Ford XL 7-Litre Hardtop listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Benson, North Carolina.
The redesigned full-size 1967 Ford series was much sleeker than the squared-off 1965-66s, ushering in a semi-fastback roofline for Galaxie 500 and XL two-door hardtops (the LTD shared the same greenhouse, but the C-pillar offered more formality with a much smaller rear quarter window). The vertical quad headlights remained, but they were raked forward with the grille also jutting forward from the center. Two grille designs were used, though the difference was subtle: The LTD and XL used a more delicate lattice-style grid versus what was used for the Galaxie 500, Custom 500, and Custom.
Power plants were mostly carry-overs from 1966. Ford called its 240ci six the Big Six, which was available on the Custom up to the Galaxie 500. The standard V-8 for the XL and LTD was the 200-horse 289 Challenger V-8 with a two-barrel. A 270-horse 390 Thunderbird V-8, which offered the torque of a big-block with economy via a two-barrel carburetor, was a popular compromise. Those who didn’t need to compromise could move up to a 315-horse 390 Thunderbird Special V-8 or the 345-horse 428ci Thunderbird 428 V-8, the latter introduced for 1966 and showcased in the Galaxie 500/XL 7-Litre model. Lastly, the final appearance of the 427ci Cobra V-8 in a Ford was available with one or two four-barrel carburetors, rated at 410 or 425 horsepower, respectively. Only 89 were built between the two, including several installed in LTDs.
You might have noticed I mentioned the XL with and without the Galaxie name — after 1966, it was just XL. Another change was that the 7-Litre that showcased the 428 was demoted to a package: The new 7-Litre Sports Package for the XL included the 428, special low-restriction dual exhaust system, power front disc brakes, Wide-Oval tires, special suspension system, simulated woodgrain steering wheel, and the choice of four-speed or Cruise-O-Matic. It’s somewhat enigmatic but, thanks to a devout group of enthusiasts plus Marti Auto Works, we now know that Ford built 813 hardtops (including 10 427s) and 255 convertibles (including two with the 427) with this package.
This Candyapple Red 1967 Ford XL Hardtop is one of 177 built with the 7-Litre Sports Package and the 428/four-speed combo. “The body is straight, while the chrome, stainless trim, and brightwork all present nicely and add to the Galaxie’s timeless styling. The Black vinyl roof complements the paint perfectly, giving the car an unmistakable muscle-era appearance,” says the seller. “Mechanically, the engine starts with ease, runs exceptionally smooth, and shifts effortlessly through every gear.” Glance at the Marti Report to see how this car was originally equipped.
So, the 7-Litre has gained obscurity over time, but it has also become less obscure due to the networking effect. Still think the 7-Litre needs a nudge for the world to see? Spend $59,500 on this car and perhaps you can do your part offline at every car show.
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