Vehicle Description
The early sixties ushered in a new automotive design style that
left the Jet Age tailfins behind with smoother, cleaner body lines
coming to the Space Race forefront. At Ford Motor Company, the
Galaxie continued to be the top-of-the-line offering, with a
Galaxie 500 and 500XL introduced in 1962 to represent top end
luxury. The XL was advertised by Ford meant "Xtra Lively" which
included bucket seats and center console along with 500XL badging
on the exterior.
Offered here is a Los Angeles built 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL Hardtop
finished in classic Corinthian White over Red Vinyl interior!
Powered by always dependable Z-code 390ci V8 4-barrel engine
factory rated at 300 horsepower mated to the Cruise-O-Matic
transmission! It sold from the Phoenix area DSO optioned include XL
trim with bucket seats, console, and deluxe trim work; Selectaire
air conditioning, power steering, AM pushbutton radio,
heater/defrost, 14" wire spoke wheel covers with spinners,
whitewall tires, 2-speed wipers with windshield washer, remote
fender-mounted outside mirror, and carpeted floor mats.
Our example was restored beautifully in frame-on fashion by Mikes
Classic Cars based in Blair, NE beginning in 2009. They located
this super solid and rust-free example in New Mexico and performed
a full restoration to the cosmetics and mechanicals with
outstanding results! This included all new exterior paint, new
chrome & trim, all new interior, rebuilt drivetrain, new exhaust,
radial whitewall tires, and much more. The engine was overhauled by
Willard Auto Machine in Omaha, NE and dyno-tested for peak
performance. It received .030 over Speed Pro hypereutectic pistons
& rings while keeping the factory intake, 550cfm carburetor, stock
heads & exhaust manifolds, along with factory style cam & valve
specs, but does have Pertronix electric ignition. Its finished
presentation under the hood is spectacular with factory style hoses
and tower clamps, along with expert detailing and stickers all in
place. It would be completed in 2010 and stayed with the
restoration owner, Mike Patak, for the next 3 years largely
undriven used as a promotional vehicle as he continued to expand
his business. He would come to sell this Galaxie 500XL in June 2013
in an effort to purchase a larger facility and move his restoration
company to Elkhorn, NE and be slightly closer to the Omaha
area.
This 1963 Galaxie 50XL has now been with the same, current owner
for the past 8 years and shows just 83,951 miles on the odometer,
of which 4,800 miles were added during his care. He had the modern
radio installed with a single slot CD player hidden under the
driver's seat (original inoperable AM radio included); added front
seat lap belts; installed a new air conditioning compressor and
clutch with conversation to R134a refrigerant; upgraded the brakes
with a power booster; and had the factory clock repaired although
it continues to work only "sometimes". He was faithful to general
maintenance like oil changes, replacement of the voltage regulator,
rebuilt generator, exhaust gaskets, thermostat, etc. and provided
all service receipts in a 3-ring binder. Also included will be 3
sets of keys, owner's manual, advertising brochures, Galaxie 500XL
literature, two partial build sheets, and copies of the New Mexico
registration. We have this car priced to sell and encourage
prospective buyers to call with questions or to schedule a chance
to review the car in person. It will be sold with a clear Iowa
title. Thanks for looking!
