How many 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 convertibles were made?
The exact total number of 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 convertibles produced is not published in a single official tally. Most credible sources place the figure in the low six-thousands, with estimates commonly ranging from about 5,800 to 7,000 units. This article outlines what is known, why estimates vary, and how collectors can verify a specific car’s provenance.
What the records show
Ford did not routinely publish body-style production totals for every model in 1968, and convertible tallies were not always separated in public releases. What remains accessible to enthusiasts are build sheets, dealer documentation, and private databases that compile factory data. Below are the sources most often cited by specialists in classic Ford literature and restoration catalogs.
Key sources and what they report
- Marti Auto Works: Specialist build sheets derived from Ford’s internal records; commonly cited range for 1968 Galaxie 500 convertibles falls around 6,000 to 7,000 units.
- Hemmings and other enthusiast databases: Typically list estimates in the 5,800 to 6,800 range, noting that counts can vary based on whether overlapping trim lines are counted separately.
- Archival and dealer literature (where available): Some references suggest precise totals, but access is limited and values can differ by year, model designation, and how convertibles are categorized within the Galaxie lineup.
Because no single public source provides a universally accepted, definitive total, these ranges reflect the best-available consensus among historians, restorers, and cataloguers rather than an official Ford tally.
Why numbers vary
The 1968 Galaxie lineup included several body styles and trim levels, such as the Galaxie 500 and Galaxie 500 XL, with convertibles existing in limited numbers. Differences in how sources classify a “Galaxie 500 convertible”—for example, whether certain trim packages or sub-variants are included—can lead to discrepancies. Additionally, the availability of factory build data to the public has long been uneven, and some counts rely on reconstruction from VIN data and factory option codes rather than a straightforward published total.
How to verify a specific car’s provenance
For an individual vehicle, the most reliable method to confirm its original configuration is to obtain a build sheet or National/European documentation that ties the VIN to the factory options. This is especially important for collectors seeking precise provenance or confirmation of originality.
Steps to verify a particular Galaxie 500 convertible
- Request a Marti Auto Works build sheet for the vehicle’s VIN to obtain factory options, assembly plant, and date codes.
- Inspect the fender tag or door data plate for option codes (engine, transmission, color, trim) and cross-reference with the VIN.
- Compare with period dealer literature or showroom catalogs that correspond to the model year and trim to corroborate configuration.
Following these steps helps establish whether a specific car is indeed a 1968 Galaxie 500 convertible and clarifies how its production history fits into the broader, sometimes elastic, counting of units produced.
Summary
The precise production total for 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 convertibles remains not universally fixed in public records. Most credible estimates place the figure in the low six-thousands, with commonly cited ranges from about 5,800 to 7,000 units. For buyers and collectors seeking certainty about a particular car, a VIN-specific build sheet (such as one from Marti Auto Works) paired with verification of option codes provides the clearest path to establishing its factory identity.
