Vehicle Description
It's no secret that RK Motors Charlotte has worked hard to become
your headquarters for all kinds of first-class Mustangs. But most
folks are a little surprised to learn that we also have a choice
smattering of full-size Fords. You know, stuff that, back in the
'60s, might've been considered a little more "mature" than
whimsical pony cars. Today, it's not hard to see why offerings like
this awesome Galaxie XL are cherished by hardcore Ford enthusiasts.
Pairing a stout FE V8 with a 'row-it-yourself' 4-speed and tasteful
Champagne on Silver aesthetics, this old school bruiser is what we
like to call a 'must-have classic'!
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 that newfound aerodynamic prowess allow Ford racers more
success, it also gave production units a more substantial
appearance. This drop-top's handsome looks are the product of an
acute, body-on restoration that was completed sometime in the not
too distant past. That carefully planned reboot was finished with
correct Champagne 2-stage, and capped with a fresh, power-operated
canvas. And that classy pigment has been carefully maintained and
proudly paraded!
That parade begins with a broad stainless grille, which centers a
detailed hood pull between a mirrored bumper, amber parking lamps
and four clear headlights. Above that grille, a curved bonnet
centers bold "F O R D" lettering between stylish fender toppers and
factory-tint glass that's founded in clean stainless trim. At the
sides of that glass, classy mirrors reflect an ornate fuselage
that's detailed with polished door handles, flashy fender emblems
and tasteful quarter louvers. And at the back of the car, a second
mirrored bumper frames jet-like taillights, a broad "G A L A X I E"
script and intricate trunk trim that's anchored by a cool "500 XL"
emblem.
ENGINE
Befitting the Galaxie 500 XL's origins as Ford's first full-size
muscle machine, this flashy convertible is motivated by a 352 cubic
inch FE V8. That mill, cleverly disguised as a 390, is dominated by
a royal gold air cleaner and "THUNDERBIRD" branded valve covers.
Between those components, a big 4-barrel carburetor feeds a cast
iron intake while a traditional points distributor fires High Temp
Static Suppression Cables. Beneath those cables, correct exhaust
manifolds make quick work of cooked dinosaurs. Cooling is provided
by a shrouded and tanked radiator, which cycles water through
FoMoCo-tagged hoses and modern screw clamps. And, aesthetically,
the car's satin engine bay looks good enough to show off to anyone,
centering the Ford Blue block in high quality ancillary
hardware.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
At the bottom of this vintage drop-top, solid floors wrap requisite
undercoating around a beefy frame that's finished in traditional
satin skin. The reliable FE power is transmitted rearward through a
tough Borg Warner T-10 that, with the flick of a wrist, spins a
buff, 9-inch axle. At the front of the car, old school manual
steering mixes smooth turns with good feedback. At the center of
the car, a free-flowing, true-dual exhaust system utilizes
glasspack-style mufflers to give the big engine its deep vocals.
And at the corners of the car, old school drums ride behind
traditional steelies, trick 'spinner' covers and meaty 8.00-14
Goodyear Custom Super Cushion 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 interior and enjoy
endless hours of cruising. At the center of the car, cushy vinyl
buckets are the perfect place for you and your family to spend
sunny afternoons seeing the sights. In front of those seats, a
color-keyed dash hangs ornate gauges between a chrome-trimmed
steering wheel, an old school tachometer, an AM/FM radio and
stainless-trimmed foot pedals. Below that dash, a wide console
seats a small shifter in textured stainless. Opposite that console,
stainless-trimmed door panels hang bright handles above petite
armrests and 2-tone courtesy lamps. And behind the cockpit, a fully
finished trunk traps a full-size spare tire.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
A vintage Owner's Manual
A vintage Convertible Top Repair & Adjustment Manual
Vintage radio instructions
A wiring diagram
So, let's recap, shall we? A torquey V8. A tough 4-speed. And
head-turning aesthetics that proudly reflect something way more
interesting than 'resale red'. This XL isn't just a cool cruiser,
it's a cool cruiser that's both unique and fun. If you're a fan of
full-size Fords, you've found your next classic!
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of an acute, body-on restoration
352 cubic inch FE V8
Borg Warner T-10 4-speed manual transmission
Correct Champagne paint
Power convertible top
Vinyl bucket seat interior
Ford 9-inch rear axle
14-inch steel wheels
