The 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback was available in a wide array of paint colors, reflecting the vibrant and diverse aesthetic trends of the late 1960s. These ranged from conservative shades like black, white, and various grays, to more expressive options such as blues, greens, reds, and even yellows. Metallic finishes were also popular choices among buyers. Specific color names varied, often incorporating evocative terms popular at the time, descriptive of hues, or referencing natural elements. Original paint codes and detailed information about these colors can be found in period sales brochures, restoration guides, and online resources dedicated to classic Ford vehicles.
Knowing the original factory colors of a 1968 Galaxie 500 fastback is essential for collectors and restorers. Correct paint color is a crucial factor in judging a vehicle’s authenticity and value within the classic car market. The correct shade can also significantly impact the overall aesthetic presentation and historical accuracy of a restored vehicle. This level of detail contributes to preserving automotive history and appreciating the design philosophies of the era.
Further exploration of this topic could involve examining specific color options offered in different regions, the popularity of certain colors, how these colors reflected broader cultural trends, and the challenges of accurately matching original paint formulations during restoration projects.
1. Factory Paint Charts
Factory paint charts serve as the definitive resource for determining the available colors for any vehicle, including the 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback. These charts, produced by the manufacturer, provide a precise record of the colors offered during a specific model year, playing a crucial role in restoration, valuation, and historical research.
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Color Codes and Names
Factory paint charts list official color names and corresponding paint codes. These codes, often alphanumeric, are essential for accurately identifying and reproducing the original factory color. For the 1968 Galaxie 500, examples might include codes like “M” for metallic finishes, followed by a series of numbers designating the specific hue, such as “M-1427” for Brittany Blue Poly. These codes allow for precise communication about color and eliminate ambiguity.
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Paint Finish Variations
Beyond basic hues, paint charts often detail available finishes, such as gloss, semi-gloss, metallic, or matte. The 1968 Galaxie 500 offered various finishes, impacting the final appearance of the color. Understanding these variations is crucial for accurate restoration. For instance, a “Raven Black” could be available in standard gloss or a “Black Jade” with a subtle metallic sheen.
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Availability and Regional Differences
Factory paint charts can also reveal regional variations in color availability. Certain colors may have been exclusive to specific markets or offered for limited periods. Researching these variations provides insights into production and marketing strategies. A “Sunlit Gold” might have been a limited-edition color offered only in the western United States.
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Changes During the Model Year
Occasionally, manufacturers made mid-year changes to their color palettes. Factory paint charts can document these changes, providing valuable information for determining the correct color for a specific production date. A “Royal Maroon” might have been replaced by a “Burgundy Poly” halfway through the 1968 model year.
Consulting factory paint charts is crucial for accurately representing a 1968 Galaxie 500’s original appearance. This information not only informs restoration efforts but also contributes to a deeper understanding of automotive history, design trends, and manufacturing practices of the era.
2. Period Advertisements
Period advertisements offer valuable insights into the colors offered for the 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback. These advertisements, appearing in magazines, newspapers, and other media of the time, served as primary marketing tools, showcasing the vehicle’s styling, features, and available color options to potential buyers. Analyzing these advertisements provides a glimpse into contemporary color preferences and marketing strategies employed by Ford.
Advertisements frequently featured the Galaxie 500 in eye-catching colors designed to attract consumer attention. While not exhaustive catalogs of every available shade, they highlighted popular and fashionable colors. For instance, an advertisement might showcase a vibrant “Lime Gold” metallic fastback to emphasize its sporty appeal, or a sophisticated “Midnight Turquoise” to project an image of luxury and elegance. These choices reflect not only available colors but also how Ford positioned the Galaxie 500 within the market. Comparing various advertisements can reveal patterns in color representation, indicating potential regional or demographic preferences.
Furthermore, period advertisements often included descriptive language about the colors, adding to their allure. Phrases like “dynamic new hues,” “vibrant metallic finishes,” or “elegant and sophisticated tones” provided context and emotional connections to the colors. This language offers insight into the cultural perceptions of color during that era. Studying these advertisements in conjunction with factory paint charts and sales brochures provides a comprehensive understanding of the color options for the 1968 Galaxie 500 fastback and how these colors were presented to the buying public. This understanding contributes to accurate restorations and informed historical analysis of automotive design and marketing.
3. Sales Brochures
Sales brochures represent a crucial resource for understanding the color options available for the 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback. These brochures, distributed by dealerships, provided potential customers with detailed information about the vehicle’s features, specifications, and available options, including exterior paint colors. They often showcased the car in a variety of colors, highlighting their appeal and aligning them with the target market’s preferences. Unlike fleeting advertisements, brochures offered a more permanent and comprehensive record of available colors, often including actual paint chips or highly accurate color representations. This makes them invaluable tools for researchers, restorers, and collectors seeking accurate color information.
Brochures from 1968 might present the Galaxie 500 fastback in colors like “Meadow Green” to appeal to those seeking a nature-inspired aesthetic, or a bold “Candy Apple Red” to attract buyers wanting a sportier look. These brochures often included detailed descriptions of the colors, enhancing their perceived value and desirability. For example, a brochure might describe “Twilight Turquoise” as “a sophisticated and elegant hue, perfect for evening drives,” connecting the color choice to a specific lifestyle. Furthermore, sales brochures occasionally highlighted special edition models or limited-availability colors, adding to their collectible value today. A brochure might showcase a special “California Edition” Galaxie 500 in a unique “Sunset Gold” metallic, demonstrating how color contributed to marketing distinct model variations.
Utilizing sales brochures in conjunction with factory paint charts allows for a comprehensive understanding of the 1968 Galaxie 500’s available color palette. This combined approach facilitates accurate vehicle restoration, supports informed appraisals, and strengthens historical preservation efforts. The information gleaned from these materials clarifies not only what colors were offered, but also how they were marketed and perceived within the context of 1968. Understanding these nuances adds depth to automotive historical research and contributes to appreciating the design and marketing strategies of the era.
4. Restoration Guides
Restoration guides provide invaluable resources for individuals undertaking the meticulous process of restoring a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback to its original factory condition. These guides offer detailed information critical to achieving authenticity, including accurate color specifications. Determining the correct factory color is paramount in a restoration project, impacting not only the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal but also its historical accuracy and potential value.
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Paint Code Identification
Restoration guides often include detailed sections on decoding vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and trim tags. These codes contain information about the original factory paint color, allowing restorers to identify the correct shade for their specific vehicle. A guide might explain how to locate the paint code on a 1968 Galaxie 500’s door data plate and decipher its meaning, perhaps revealing a code “R” for Rangoon Red.
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Matching Original Paint Formulations
Restoration guides frequently offer insights into period-correct paint formulations and application techniques. They might discuss the types of paint used in 1968, such as acrylic lacquer or enamel, and recommend appropriate modern equivalents for achieving an authentic finish. A guide might explain the nuances of applying metallic finishes like “Silver Mink” to replicate the factory appearance.
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Addressing Common Paint Issues
These guides often address common paint-related problems encountered during restoration, such as rust repair, surface preparation, and color matching challenges. They may offer advice on repairing paint chips on a “Brittany Blue” Galaxie 500 or addressing fading on a “Lime Gold” metallic finish.
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Resource Recommendations
Restoration guides frequently recommend reputable suppliers of period-correct paint and related materials. They might list suppliers specializing in vintage Ford paint colors, enabling restorers to source accurate finishes for their 1968 Galaxie 500, whether it’s a “Wimbledon White” or a “Royal Maroon.”
By utilizing restoration guides, individuals undertaking a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback restoration can ensure the vehicle’s color accurately reflects its original factory specifications. This attention to detail contributes significantly to the vehicle’s authenticity, historical value, and overall aesthetic appeal. The meticulous research and accurate color matching facilitated by these guides play a vital role in preserving automotive history and honoring the design heritage of the Galaxie 500.
5. Owner Documentation
Owner documentation plays a significant role in verifying the original factory color of a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback. These documents, often retained by original or subsequent owners, can offer valuable insights into the vehicle’s history, including its original color. This information is crucial for authentication, restoration, and historical research. Original documentation can serve as compelling evidence, especially when other resources, such as factory records, are unavailable or incomplete.
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Original Build Sheets
Original build sheets, sometimes found tucked away within the vehicle, provide a detailed list of factory-installed options and specifications, including the paint color code. A build sheet might indicate a “Y” code for “Lime Gold” metallic, confirming the original color and adding to the vehicle’s provenance. These documents are highly valued for their specificity and direct link to the manufacturing process.
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Original Purchase Agreements
Purchase agreements or sales invoices can occasionally list the vehicle’s color, providing further evidence of its original appearance. While not as detailed as a build sheet, a purchase agreement might state “Color: Brittany Blue,” offering valuable corroborating information. This documentation can be particularly useful when combined with other sources.
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Dealer-Installed Options Documentation
Documentation related to dealer-installed options, if applicable, may mention the vehicle’s color. While less common, this type of documentation can occasionally provide additional confirmation, especially for vehicles with unique or special-order colors. A record of dealer-installed stripes might mention the base color as “Raven Black,” offering further supporting evidence.
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Maintenance Records
Early maintenance records, particularly those from the first few years of ownership, may include references to the vehicle’s color. While not the primary purpose of these records, a notation of paint repair work on a “Candy Apple Red” finish can inadvertently confirm the original color. These incidental references can contribute valuable information to the overall research process.
By carefully examining available owner documentation, researchers and restorers can often determine the original factory color of a 1968 Galaxie 500 fastback. This information is essential not only for accurate restoration but also for establishing the vehicle’s historical accuracy and potential value within the classic car market. The careful preservation and analysis of these documents contribute significantly to understanding and appreciating automotive history.
6. Popular 1968 Colors
Understanding the popular automotive colors of 1968 provides valuable context for determining the likely original colors of a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback. Analyzing broader color trends of the era helps narrow down the possibilities and informs restoration decisions. While factory documentation offers definitive answers, examining popular colors provides additional insights into consumer preferences and period aesthetics, enriching the research process.
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Influence of Contemporary Culture
Automotive color palettes often reflect broader cultural trends. In 1968, vibrant colors, influenced by pop art and a growing youth culture, gained popularity. Shades like “Lime Gold,” “Candy Apple Red,” and “Twilight Turquoise” reflected this trend, suggesting their potential availability on the Galaxie 500. Conservative colors like “Presidential Blue” or “Black Jade” maintained their presence, catering to a different segment of the market. Recognizing these influences aids in understanding the range of colors potentially offered by Ford.
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Emphasis on Metallic Finishes
Metallic paints gained significant traction in the late 1960s, offering a sense of luxury and sophistication. The 1968 Galaxie 500 likely offered various metallic finishes, mirroring this trend. “Silver Mink,” “Champagne Gold,” and “Gulfstream Aqua” exemplify popular metallic colors of the era, increasing the probability of their inclusion in the Galaxie 500’s color palette. This popularity makes it more likely for surviving examples to exhibit these finishes.
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Earth Tones and Natural Hues
Despite the rise of vibrant colors, earth tones and natural hues retained a degree of popularity. Shades like “Meadow Green,” “Autumn Bronze,” and “Desert Sand” offered a more subdued aesthetic. Their continued presence suggests that the Galaxie 500, marketed to a broad consumer base, likely included these options. These colors provide a contrast to the more vibrant options, reflecting a segment of the market that preferred a more traditional appearance.
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Model-Specific Color Schemes
Certain colors might have been associated with specific Galaxie 500 models or trim levels. “Royal Maroon” or “Brittany Blue,” for example, might have been more prevalent on higher-end XL or LTD models, while simpler colors like “Wimbledon White” or “Raven Black” might have been common on base models. Examining these potential correlations provides further clues about the original color of a specific Galaxie 500.
Considering the popular colors of 1968, alongside available documentation, provides a more complete picture of the color options likely offered for the Ford Galaxie 500 fastback. This broader perspective enhances the research process, informs restoration decisions, and contributes to a deeper appreciation of the automotive design trends of the era.
7. Regional Variations
Regional variations played a role in the color options available for the 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback. These variations arose from several factors, including regional market preferences, assembly plant practices, and distribution strategies. Understanding these regional nuances is crucial for accurately assessing a vehicle’s originality and historical context.
Market preferences often influenced color availability. Certain colors might have been more popular in specific regions due to climate, cultural influences, or local trends. A “Sunlit Gold” metallic might have been favored in the Southwest, reflecting the desert landscape, while a “Pacific Green” might have been more common on the West Coast, aligning with coastal aesthetics. Assembly plants sometimes received specific color allocations based on projected regional demand. A plant in California might have received more “Sunset Coral” paint than a plant in Michigan, reflecting anticipated West Coast preferences. Distribution networks also influenced color availability. Certain colors designated for specific regions might not have been readily available elsewhere. A “Cactus Green” Galaxie 500, intended for the Southwest market, might have been a rare sight in New England.
Recognizing regional variations is essential for accurate restoration and historical analysis. A “Tropical Turquoise” Galaxie 500 found in a northern state might indicate a special order or subsequent owner modification, while the same color in Florida would align with regional expectations. Researching these regional patterns provides valuable insights into the automotive market dynamics of 1968, enhancing understanding of production and distribution strategies. This knowledge adds depth to vehicle appraisals and strengthens historical preservation efforts by accurately reflecting the diversity of color options within specific geographic areas.
8. Special Order Paints
Special order paints represent a unique aspect of the 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback’s color palette. While standard factory colors comprised the majority of production vehicles, Ford offered a special order system allowing customers to select non-standard colors for an additional fee. This system expanded the range of available colors beyond the standard factory offerings, catering to individual preferences and creating unique vehicles.
The special order process allowed customers to choose colors not listed on the standard factory charts. These colors could range from subtle variations of existing hues to completely unique shades unavailable to regular buyers. A customer might request a specific shade of “Brittany Blue” slightly lighter than the standard offering, or a custom “Copper Metallic” unavailable through regular channels. This system resulted in Galaxie 500 fastbacks finished in colors rarely, if ever, seen on other examples. Documentation of special order paints is often scarce, relying heavily on original owner records or surviving dealer paperwork. A surviving build sheet noting “Special Paint Code: XXX” provides strong evidence of a factory-authorized non-standard color. The rarity of these special order cars increases their value and historical significance within the collector car market.
Understanding the existence and implications of special order paints adds another layer of complexity to researching the colors available for the 1968 Galaxie 500. While standard factory charts provide a foundation, they do not capture the full spectrum of possibilities. Recognizing the potential for special order paints encourages more in-depth research when encountering a Galaxie 500 in an unusual or undocumented color. This awareness contributes to accurate vehicle identification, informs restoration decisions, and enhances appreciation for the individual customization options available during that era. The existence of special order paints underscores the importance of meticulous research and attention to detail when investigating the history and originality of these classic vehicles.
9. Automotive Paint Codes
Automotive paint codes serve as the Rosetta Stone for deciphering the original factory colors of vehicles, including the 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback. These codes, typically alphanumeric sequences, directly correlate to specific paint formulations used by manufacturers during a given model year. Understanding these codes is essential for accurate restoration, historical research, and vehicle appraisal. The 1968 Galaxie 500, like other Ford models of the era, utilized a paint code system documented in factory paint charts and other period documentation. Locating and interpreting these codes unlocks precise information about a particular vehicle’s original color.
For example, a 1968 Galaxie 500 fastback with a paint code of “M-1427” on its data plate signifies Brittany Blue Poly, a metallic blue popular during that period. Another example, code “W”, represents Wimbledon White, a common non-metallic option. These codes eliminate ambiguity surrounding color identification, as period color names sometimes varied or proved insufficiently descriptive. Using codes ensures precise communication and eliminates potential misinterpretations when discussing or replicating original colors. The absence of a documented paint code can suggest a non-factory color, prompting further investigation into the vehicle’s history, potentially uncovering a special order paint or later respray.
Accurate color determination relies heavily on correlating these codes with period documentation. Factory paint charts, sales brochures, and restoration guides provide the necessary context for interpreting these codes. Challenges arise when documentation is missing or when vehicles have been repainted. Forensic analysis of existing paint layers can sometimes reveal underlying original colors, aiding in code identification even when data plates or other documentation are unavailable. This process underscores the importance of preserving original documentation and the value of expert analysis in unraveling a vehicle’s history. Ultimately, understanding automotive paint codes provides a critical link to a vehicle’s past, preserving its authenticity and enhancing its historical significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the colors available for the 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback. Accurate color identification is crucial for restoration, appraisal, and historical research. These questions and answers aim to clarify potential uncertainties and provide further insight into this aspect of the vehicle’s history.
Question 1: Where can one find definitive information regarding factory-original colors for this model?
Factory paint charts, sales brochures, and restoration guides dedicated to 1968 Fords offer the most reliable information. These resources often include paint codes, names, and sometimes even visual representations of the colors.
Question 2: How can one determine the original color of a specific Galaxie 500 fastback if the vehicle has been repainted?
Examining the vehicle’s data plate or trim tag can reveal the original paint code. If these are missing or unreadable, consulting owner documentation, such as the original build sheet or purchase agreement, might offer clues. In some cases, a professional might analyze underlying paint layers to determine the original color.
Question 3: Were all colors equally available across all regions?
No, regional variations existed due to market preferences, assembly plant practices, and distribution networks. Some colors were more common in certain areas, while others might have been exclusive to specific regions.
Question 4: Could a customer order a 1968 Galaxie 500 fastback in a color not listed in standard factory documentation?
Yes, Ford offered a special order system that allowed customers to select non-standard colors for an additional cost. These special order paints significantly expanded the range of potential colors, although documentation of such orders can be scarce.
Question 5: Why is it important to know the original factory color of a classic car like the 1968 Galaxie 500 fastback?
Original factory color significantly impacts a vehicle’s value within the collector car market. It also plays a crucial role in ensuring historical accuracy during restoration projects and contributes to preserving the vehicle’s authenticity.
Question 6: What are some common misconceptions about 1968 Ford colors?
A common misconception is that all available colors are fully documented. Special order paints, regional variations, and mid-year production changes complicate the picture. Another misconception is that period photographs always accurately represent colors. Film technology and printing processes of the era could distort color representation.
Accurate color identification requires careful consideration of various factors and reliance on reliable sources. These answers provide a starting point for further research and emphasize the importance of meticulous investigation.
Exploring specific examples of documented 1968 Galaxie 500 fastback colors will further illustrate these points. This examination will provide a more concrete understanding of the diverse color palette available for this iconic vehicle.
Tips for Researching 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 Fastback Colors
Determining the original factory color of a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback requires careful research and attention to detail. The following tips provide guidance for navigating the various resources and considerations involved in this process.
Tip 1: Consult Original Documentation: The vehicle’s data plate, build sheet, and any surviving owner documentation, such as the original purchase agreement, offer invaluable clues about the factory color. These documents often contain paint codes or direct references to the color name.
Tip 2: Utilize Factory Resources: Factory paint charts and sales brochures from 1968 provide definitive information on the available colors and their corresponding codes. These resources are essential for accurate identification.
Tip 3: Consider Regional Variations: Color availability could vary based on region due to market preferences and production logistics. Researching regional trends can offer valuable context and help narrow down possibilities.
Tip 4: Account for Special Orders: Ford offered a special order system, allowing customers to request non-standard colors. Keep in mind that a unique or undocumented color might indicate a special order, requiring further investigation.
Tip 5: Decode Automotive Paint Codes: Learning how to interpret automotive paint codes is essential. These codes, often found on the data plate, provide a direct link to the original factory color formulation.
Tip 6: Examine Period Advertisements: Period advertisements can offer visual representations of popular colors and marketing trends. While not comprehensive, they can provide valuable context and visual cues.
Tip 7: Refer to Restoration Guides: Restoration guides dedicated to 1968 Fords frequently address color identification and offer advice on matching original paint formulations. These guides are invaluable for those undertaking restoration projects.
Tip 8: Consult with Experts: When facing challenges or uncertainties, seeking advice from experienced classic car appraisers or restoration specialists can provide valuable insights and ensure accuracy.
By diligently following these tips and cross-referencing information from multiple sources, one can confidently determine the original factory color of a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback. This knowledge is fundamental for accurate restoration, informed appraisal, and historical preservation.
This detailed exploration of 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback colors concludes with a summary of key findings and a final perspective on the significance of this information within the context of automotive history.
1968 Ford Galaxie 500 Fastback Colors
The available colors for the 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback represent a significant aspect of the vehicle’s history and identity. This exploration encompassed various facets, from factory documentation like paint charts and sales brochures, to period advertisements, owner documentation, and the influence of regional variations and special order options. Understanding period color trends and the significance of automotive paint codes provides essential context for accurate color identification. The research process often requires cross-referencing multiple sources and considering various factors that influenced color availability and selection during the 1968 model year. Accurately determining original factory colors is paramount for preserving the vehicle’s authenticity, informing restoration efforts, and establishing its value within the classic car market.
The quest to determine a 1968 Galaxie 500 fastbacks original color underscores the importance of meticulous research and the value of preserving historical automotive documentation. Each vehicle represents a piece of automotive history, and its color contributes to its unique story. Continued research and preservation efforts ensure that future generations can appreciate the nuances of automotive design and the cultural influences reflected in the colors of classic vehicles like the 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 fastback. This pursuit contributes to a deeper appreciation for automotive history and the enduring legacy of these iconic vehicles.
