Vehicle Description
1963 Ford Galaxie 500
For those of you who used their formative years to educate and
mostly entertain themselves with the boob tube, you probably
catching an episode or two of Andy of Mayberry. A number of awesome
cars were featured in the Andy Griffith Show over its nine year
run, but Griffith's squad cars were always Ford Galaxie 500 sedans.
Fords were increasingly featured as the show reached its later
years, undoubtedly because of a sponsorship from the Ford Motor
Company.
For consignment a 1963 Galaxie 500 that I would classify as a
survivor. With 32,047 original miles, this car has spent some time
in storage in some far away land most likely a grandmother's
garage, whiling away its time. It now presents in above average
condition with a few faults, but mostly original in all its vanilla
optioned splendor.
Exterior
Heritage Burgundy in a respray covers straight steel panels, and
good gaps. Metal is not perfect as we can note some bondo put on
the left rear panel right below the rear window, and an area of
small bubbling on the top of the drivers rear quarter. Otherwise
paint is shiny and deep and is highlighted by an upper trim spear
that works its way to the rear, heads briefly downward, then
returns to just in front of the front quarter. In front of the
downward turn on the rear quarter, is a series of vertical
rectangles which add to the jet age mystique. Dual front headlights
within a well preserved egg crate grille has a nice badge in the
center. The front bumper is very nice. As we move to the rear round
jet engine style taillights have beautiful bezels and 4 spikes that
come to the center and form a circle around a backup light. More
egg crate on the rear below the trunk, and below is a nicely
preserved rear bumper. Not to be forgotten is a metal hardtop in
Corinthian white.
Interior
With a swing of the doors we greet several black vinyl covered
surfaces, all original and all in good condition. The front split
bench is black tuck and roll inserts and smooth black bolsters and
some white piping racing around the border of the two. The rear
bench copies this style. A very clean and shiny original dash and
steering wheel are noted as well as factory air hanging below the
dash. The instrument cluster has a spaceship styling to it, and we
see an original radio in the center. Black carpet floods the floors
and sitting proudly on the hump within reach of the driver is a
floor shifter which was totally unexpected. A nice tight headliner,
again original, is above all the passenger compartment. Bringing
out attention briefly to the trunk it has its original vinyl liner
and a spare and jack neatly tucked away in the front of the
trunk.
Drivetrain
Clean original with some nice patina is seen on the surfaces under
the hood, including the 390ci V8 which pumps out 300 horses. This
is complete with gold valve covers and a single Autolite 4-barrel
carb with a gold air cleaner cover atop. A T10 4-speed manual makes
this an original 4 on the floor. Way back is a 9-inch 3.50
conventional axle.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust for the usual suspects, but the car maintains
structural integrity with rust free frame, rockers and floorpans.
Independent coil springs for the front, and leaf springs for the
rear suspensions, as well as drum brakes are all around. A stock
dual exhaust is seen and will require muffler replacement in the
near future.
Drive-Ability
As expected from a car in this condition, she fired right up, and
with a lifting of my clutch foot, took off smoothly. This car is a
great large cruiser, smooth ride, and no creaking or squeaking when
turning the corners. Drives like a 32K survivor.
WIth just a few frowns on the rear exterior, the paint remains
nice, chrome is all good, and it is original from 1963. Not the
most powerful or unusual optioned car, but very respectable in
overall presentation. Noted is a NOS, (new old stock), tissue
dispenser that is included with the car.
VIN Decode
3N66Z159158
3-1963
N-Norfolk, VA Assy Plant
66-Galaxie 500 2 Door Fastback
Z-390ci V8 4bbl 300hp
159158-Sequential Unit Number
Warranty Tag
BODY 63B-2 Door Fastback
COLOR XM-Heritage Burgundy & Corinthian White
TRIM 66-Black Vahette & Crush Vinyl
DATE 05G-July 5th 1963 DSO-Washington DC
AXLE 5- Ford 9" 3.50 Gears
TRANS 5-4 Speed Manual
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.