Loyalty for a particular marque is not popular anymore, but Bill Hottel has been faithful to Ford for many years.  And he likes the “classic” ones most of all.  As a mechanic at a Coors wholesaler, he spent his life working on vehicles and felt Fords were the best. When a salesman there was in danger of having this 1964 Galaxie XL 500 repossessed, eleven years ago, Bill was able to buy it for a good price.  

The Galaxie 500 was the top-of-the-line Ford for that year and the XL meant that it had bucket seats and a console.  Both classy and sporty.  With a Thunderbird 352 CID engine, auto trans and factory air, it was nicely optioned.  Having only 112,000 original miles, it is what is termed a “survivor,” or a car that has not undergone any serious restoration.

Although Bill has repainted it in the original baby-blue, done a little re-chroming and some upholstery repair, the car is still very original, down to the rare fender skirts.  As a mechanic, Bill has done almost all the work and is able to maintain this classic himself, so that he and his wife Ruth can enjoy cruising around in their beloved Ford.

Story by Ron C. © 2007 • Photos by Edie H.