Vehicle Description
Over the past few years we've certainly seen some nice full-size
Fords. But this 1963 Galaxie 500 XL, with its 406 cubic inch
tri-power V8 and tough Borg Warner transmission, is definitely one
of the best! Fully sorted and ready to hit the road, this awesome
Ford combines the stump pulling torque of its muscle car offspring
with the kind of old school Detroit comfort that's classy enough to
parade half the neighborhood down Main Street. Today, thanks to a
high quality restoration, the car is not only a reliable and
exceptionally roomy place to spend the summer sightseeing, it's
also a vintage slice of Americana that'll be welcome at virtually
any car show in any town. If you're looking for a solid classic
that's stylish, powerful and has a lot of history, who says you
have to buy a cramped, high maintenance muscle car? This awesome
Galaxie will look just as cool rolling down the road, turn just as
many heads at the local drive-in and, thanks to its thorough
rebuild, provide many miles of carefree cruising!
BODYWORK/TRIM
For 1963, the Galaxie line featured a sculpted profile that was
designed to make the car more competitive at the track. Not only
did this newfound aerodynamic prowess allow Ford racers more
success, it also gave production units a more substantial
appearance. This drop-top's substantial aesthetics began with
all-original sheetmetal that was stripped bare, mounted to a large
rotisserie and thoroughly worked by Michael's Auto Restoration of
Winter Haven, Florida. Three years later, when that sheetmetal
displayed excellent alignment, correct Chestnut Metallic lacquer
was buffed to a buttery, show worthy shine. When the buffers
stopped, that clean single-stage was fitted with tinted glass,
topped with a power-operated roof and decked in original trim that
had been stripped, polished and anodized by Extreme Metal Works of
Debary, Florida. And, in the summer of 2014, this high quality
full-size rolled out as a timeless trophy chaser that delights both
on the road and at the show!
ENGINE
Befitting the Galaxie 500 XL's origins as Ford's first full-size
muscle machine, this flashy convertible draws its motivation from a
rare, 405 horsepower version of Ford's big-bore FE V8. Wearing a
correct C3AE-6015-V casting number, the 406 cubic inch block is
dominated by a finned aluminum air cleaner and big Holley
carburetors, which are wedded to a correct aluminum intake and
clean stainless fluid lines. At the front of that intake, a
traditional points distributor sequences spark through eight high
quality Belden plug wires. At the sides of that distributor, gold,
"THUNDERBIRD" stamped valve covers hang correct 406 decals above
restored, header-style exhaust manifolds. Cooling is provided by a
shrouded and tanked radiator, which cycles water through pliable
FoMoCo hoses and a combination of old school screw and tower
clamps. And, aesthetically, the car's glossy engine bay looks good
enough to show off to anyone, with a subdued block perfectly
centered in high quality ancillary hardware that includes correct
horns, a rebuilt generator and a large Autolite Sta-Ful
battery.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
At the bottom of this vintage drop-top, solid floors back a beefy
frame that was stripped all the way to bare metal during the car's
detailed restoration. The muscular 406's power is transmitted
rearward through a correct Borg Warner T-10 that, with the flick of
a wrist, transforms a would be boulevard cruiser into a drag strip
battle ship. Behind that gearbox, a large-diameter driveshaft spins
a buff Ford 9-inch, which, thanks to correct 3.50 gears, is ready
to supply its new owner with years of hard launches. At the front
of the car, old school manual steering mixes surprisingly tight
turns with modern, responsive feedback. At the center of the car, a
free-flowing, true-dual exhaust system gives the big engine deep
vocals. And at the corners of the car, power-assisted drums ride
behind traditional steelies, fresh stainless center caps and meaty
225/75R15 Uniroyal Tiger Paw whitewalls.
INTERIOR
One of the best virtues of this Ford is the fact that you can pop
its doors open, stretch out across its huge, fully restored
interior and enjoy endless hours of cruising. At the center of the
car, correct Medium Chestnut crush vinyl seats are the perfect
place for you and your family to spend sunny afternoons seeing the
sights. In front of those seats, a freshly finished dash hangs
ornate gauges between a chrome-trimmed steering wheel, an electric
clock, a vintage AM radio and stainless-trimmed foot pedals. Below
that dash, a wide console frames a small Hurst shifter. Opposite
that console, stainless-trimmed door panels hang bright chrome
handles above pliable, curved armrests. And behind the cockpit, a
nicely finished trunk features a new mat, a full-size spare tire
and a correct jack assembly.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
To illustrate the authenticity of this Galaxie's current form, I'll
go ahead and break down both its VIN and Warranty Plate:
VIN: 3W69GXXXXXX
3: 1963 model year
W: Assembled in Wayne, Michigan
69: Galaxie 500 XL convertible
G: 406 cubic inch high performance V8 that's fitted with three
2-barrel carburetors
XXXXXX: Production sequence number
WARRANTY PLATE
76B: Galaxie 500 XL 2-door convertible
V: Chestnut Metallic paint
89: Medium Chestnut crush vinyl trim
02B: Manufactured on February 2nd, 1963
33: Detroit DSO
5: 3.50 gears
5: 4-speed manual transmission
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
An album of restoration photos
When it comes to maximizing the amount of car your money will buy,
you simply can't go wrong with a big Detroit cruiser. A scant
fraction of Ford's 1963 Galaxies were powered by the mighty
406/4-speed drivetrain, and it's probably a safe bet that even
fewer were equipped with a convertible roof. Add in this car's
rotisserie restoration and you have a head turning classic that's
fun, historic AND rare. If you're looking for a stylish,
comfortable, and reliable piece that commands a lot of respect on
the highway, and feels right at home at the show, this hot drop-top
is your ticket!
SUMMARY
3-year rotisserie restoration that was completed in 2014
Correct 406 cubic inch FE V8 / Correct tri-power carburetion
Correct Borg Warner T-10 4-speed manual transmission
Correct Chestnut Metallic lacquer paint
Correct Medium Chestnut interior
Our sale includes an album of restoration photos
Original body panels / Original stainless trim
Power convertible top
Correct Ford 9-inch rear axle / Correct 3.50 gears
Power drum brakes
