1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Convertible - Drive or Restore! Black Plate, NO RESERVE

1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Convertible Description

This Ford is a great base to drive and enjoy as is, or refresh and have a fantastic ride!
The key bullet points:
1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Convertible is a original California black plate car! Believed to be an early 289, rather than the earlier 260 with the Ford Cruise-O-Matic trans. Turquoise trim with Caribbean Turquoise paint. Original color, showing a nice repaint. Usually CA is very kind to cars because of our climate, and while the core of the car is quite solid there are some rust spots to discuss since it did live near the ocean. Rockers and doors have rust and rot spots. The rear finish panel near the top has some rust. Trunk floor has some rust near the seams. There is a small dent in the drivers door and the driver quarter panel. Please be aware with any rust, there could be hidden rust you don't see, so I will use the blanket statement of there will be rust to fix across the car, but it is not an east coast pile of dust, but spots that would need metal fab for a restoration, OR just drive and enjoy it!
Engine runs well, could use some cold temp tuning. As it warms up it runs cleaner. The exhaust manifold has a minor leak which quiets down as it warms up too. Will need a upper radiator hose and suggest before any long trip. At idle in drive and low rpm sometimes the oil light flickers a little, but the pressure seems to be fine. No tapping or knocking or ticking. If you raise the rpm a hundred rpm or so it doesn't flicker likely just on the cusp for a light. Car just drove from Rendondo Beach to Venice and performed well and another 20 minute drive today, but again would suggest some light tune/repair before any service.
Tires hold air but are older and have some cracking. Convertible top and mechanism works great. Top has some holes. The drives side window regulator will need to be fixed.
Interior is largely original and in very nice shape. The driver door panel has some water damage from the window and its not on the door, but included in the trunk along with a variety of other spares.
Despite having needs, this car still presents quite honestly. Not a bondo special, not junky resto. Just an old gal to enjoy or restore. Please note there could be little things not mentioned because they were missed, forgotten or for the sake of not writing an article are not discussed in detail. Please ask any questions and inspect the photos. Clean CA title and ready to transfer.
My standard disclaimer/mantra for any car regardless of service or price: The car is sold with no warranty. You are buying a used car. Eventually every car will break, if you find one that doesn't please let me know. I do my ABSOLUTE BEST to describe accurately the shape of the car, but keep in mind it is impossible to discuss every detail of a car for better or worst. That said if ever you encounter an issue I do my best to provide advice, direction or even parts if I have them. Please understand that it is a used car and will have minor signs of use despite its service and restoration. That means please do not expect a showroom brand new car. Please adjust your expectation level to that of a 50+ year old car that has has some cosmetic and mechanical needs. Please only bid if you intend to buy. If you would like to have an Ebay 3rd party mechanic service check out the car I MORE than welcome it. Please have the car checked out before bidding and not after, if you intend to use that service. And please, if you would like to utilize this service, contact me with more than a couple days left in the auction so we can arrange schedules. Please check your local laws and registration procedures before buying. Buying over the internet can be scary sometimes! I get it, because I am an enthusiast too!! For that very reason, I am more than happy to answer every and any question you may so you know 100% what you are buying. But, please ask any and all questions ahead of purchase! It is impossible to list every pro and con of a car, I am not an inspection service, it is your responsibility as a buyer to do your due diligence and inspect the car. All sales are final, you are buying as-is, the sky is blue, etc, etc. Sorry to have to give the boring speech! Please feel free to ask any and all questions!!