Vehicle Description
1963 Ford Galaxie Fastback
In 1959, the US and USSR were the two big players in the space
market. Each tried to outdo the other by sending bigger and better
things to space - like dogs and chimps. Everyone was gearing up to
be the first man on the moon, and the space race was on. So, the
Ford Galaxie utilized these sentiments and turned the eventual need
for space, (not speed at the time), into a nameplate with rather
patriotic fervor. Of course, till Neil Armstrong finally happened,
USSR was winning hands down in the Space Race, despite not having a
Ford Galaxie. In 1969, with Apollo 11, the US upped the game for
the USSR.
For consignment, a 1963 version of the Ford Galaxie 500. This
example has been modified to look and act a bit more racy than the
stock version, but still retaining its mostly original looks. A
nifty interior, more power and racy wheels, and white lettered
tires, it looks a tinge like NASCAR, side exit exhausts and
all.
Exterior
This baby, bathed in blue has all its original badging and trim
spears. In front the electric shaver styled grille in chrome is
looking good with the dual headlights and rear scooped hood. Below
the bumper is suffering from some rust invasion and has dulled just
a bit. Nice trimmings for the glass and fastback rear glass to the
trunk deck which is long and thin. On back are the jet age inspired
taillights looking much like twin turbines that will propel you
down the highway. Dual trim spears for the sides, one at the belt
line, and the other mid door, culminating with a Galaxie 500 badge
on the front quarter. Black American racing 15-inch wheels are
wrapped by Cooper Cobra raised white lettered radial G/T's on all 4
corners. Chromed pipes are seen exiting the undercarriage just
before the rear wheel wells. The rear bumper shows some pitting and
dimpling on the chrome.
Interior
Swinging the simple smooth black vinyl doors with silver paint on
their sills, we enter a world of more NASCAR inspired
accoutrements. Here we see high back buckets in black vinyl, an
original aircraft inspired dash instrument layout, and some extra
aftermarket gauges hanging from the bottom to indicate various
vitals to the driver. Also, a shift light tachometer is on the dash
top. An aftermarket AM/FM/single CD player now sits in this dash
front. A billet style drilled rally steering wheel replaces the
original, and on the hump is now a B&M shifter sporting silver
Ford branded tape covering the original hole for the transmission.
Black carpeting with some fading and staining is seen throughout,
and above a black and white paneled headliner with some waviness
and minor sags is seen.
Drivetrain
A lift of the hood and some noted peeling of the paint is seen. The
engine bay is clean and unrestored. Sitting within this space is a
souped up 352ci V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor atop covered by a
small round chrome air cleaner holder. Chromed valve covers and red
wiring and other red accenting is peppering this space throughout.
A C6 3-speed automatic is now strapped to the back of this modified
mill, and way back a Ford 9-inch 3.00 gear ratio rear axle takes
care of the wheel spinning business.
Undercarriage
Sprayed black steel is making up the solid structure of this car.
Seen are neatly maintained floorpans and rockers. Independent coil
springs are upfront along with power disc brakes in front, and
power drums with leaf springs suspension on back. A clean rust free
Flowmaster exhaust exits stage right and left just prior to the
wheel wells.
Drive-Ability
This car fired right up and on the test track did a nice job. It
has wonderfully smooth acceleration, bias free panic stopping, and
good handling for this very heavy car. Interior is comfy and I
noticed the A/C blower is not working, as is the horn not blowing.
The temp gauge has a tendency to jump around as well, but all else
is fab!
Reminiscent of the space race and inspired by the jet age that was
coming like a jailhouse on wheels. this futuristic styled large and
in charge car, now a bit racy looking is here for the taking. I
know we won the space race but look at all the technology that all
that money brought with it!
VIN DECODE
3N66X144478
3-1963
N-Norfolk, VA Assy Plant
66-2 Door Hardtop Fastback
X-352ci V8 2bbl
144478-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 63B-Galaxie 500 2 Door Hardtop
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM 95-Red Vinyl
DATE 24D-April 24th
DSO 26-Washington
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 4-Cruise O Matic
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.
