Restored Galaxie 500XL Convertible G Code 406/405 HP Tri-Power V8 4 Speed PB

1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Description

SUMMARY

3-year rotisserie restoration that was completed in 2014
Correct 406 cubic inch FE V8 / Correct tri-power carburetion
Correct Borg Warner T-10 4-speed manual transmission
Correct Chestnut Metallic lacquer paint
Correct Medium Chestnut interior
Our sale includes an album of restoration photos
Original body panels / Original stainless trim
Power convertible top
Correct Ford 9-inch rear axle / Correct 3.50 gears
Power drum brakes

Over the past few years we've certainly seen some nice full-size Fords. But this 1963 Galaxie 500 XL, with its 406 cubic inch tri-power V8 and tough Borg Warner transmission, is definitely one of the best! Fully sorted and ready to hit the road, this awesome Ford combines the stump pulling torque of its muscle car offspring with the kind of old school Detroit comfort that's classy enough to parade half the neighborhood down Main Street. Today, thanks to a high quality restoration, the car is not only a reliable and exceptionally roomy place to spend the summer sightseeing, it's also a vintage slice of Americana that'll be welcome at virtually any car show in any town. If you're looking for a solid classic that's stylish, powerful and has a lot of history, who says you have to buy a cramped, high maintenance muscle car? This awesome Galaxie will look just as cool rolling down the road, turn just as many heads at the local drive-in and, thanks to its thorough rebuild, provide many miles of carefree cruising!

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 this newfound aerodynamic prowess allow Ford racers more success, it also gave production units a more substantial appearance. This drop-top's substantial aesthetics began with all-original sheetmetal that was stripped bare, mounted to a large rotisserie and thoroughly worked by Michael's Auto Restoration of Winter Haven, Florida. Three years later, when that sheetmetal displayed excellent alignment, correct Chestnut Metallic lacquer was buffed to a buttery, show worthy shine. When the buffers stopped, that clean single-stage was fitted with tinted glass, topped with a power-operated roof and decked in original trim that had been stripped, polished and anodized by Extreme Metal Works of Debary, Florida. And, in the summer of 2014, this high quality full-size rolled out as a timeless trophy chaser that delights both on the road and at the show!

ENGINE

Befitting the Galaxie 500 XL's origins as Ford's first full-size muscle machine, this flashy convertible draws its motivation from a rare, 405 horsepower version of Ford's big-bore FE V8. Wearing a correct C3AE-6015-V casting number, the 406 cubic inch block is dominated by a finned aluminum air cleaner and big Holley carburetors, which are wedded to a correct aluminum intake and clean stainless fluid lines. At the front of that intake, a traditional points distributor sequences spark through eight high quality Belden plug wires. At the sides of that distributor, gold, "THUNDERBIRD" stamped valve covers hang correct 406 decals above restored, header-style exhaust manifolds. Cooling is provided by a shrouded and tanked radiator, which cycles water through pliable FoMoCo hoses and a combination of old school screw and tower clamps. And, aesthetically, the car's glossy engine bay looks good enough to show off to anyone, with a subdued block perfectly centered in high quality ancillary hardware that includes correct horns, a rebuilt generator and a large Autolite Sta-Ful battery.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

At the bottom of this vintage drop-top, solid floors back a beefy frame that was stripped all the way to bare metal during the car's detailed restoration. The muscular 406's power is transmitted rearward through a correct Borg Warner T-10 that, with the flick of a wrist, transforms a would be boulevard cruiser into a drag strip battle ship. Behind that gearbox, a large-diameter driveshaft spins a buff Ford 9-inch, which, thanks to correct 3.50 gears, is ready to supply its new owner with years of hard launches. At the front of the car, old school manual steering mixes surprisingly tight turns with modern, responsive feedback. At the center of the car, a free-flowing, true-dual exhaust system gives the big engine deep vocals. And at the corners of the car, power-assisted drums ride behind traditional steelies, fresh stainless center caps and meaty 225/75R15 Uniroyal Tiger Paw 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, fully restored interior and enjoy endless hours of cruising. At the center of the car, correct Medium Chestnut crush vinyl seats are the perfect place for you and your family to spend sunny afternoons seeing the sights. In front of those seats, a freshly finished dash hangs ornate gauges between a chrome-trimmed steering wheel, an electric clock, a vintage AM radio and stainless-trimmed foot pedals. Below that dash, a wide console frames a small Hurst shifter. Opposite that console, stainless-trimmed door panels hang bright chrome handles above pliable, curved armrests. And behind the cockpit, a nicely finished trunk features a new mat, a full-size spare tire and a correct jack assembly.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

To illustrate the authenticity of this Galaxie's current form, I'll go ahead and break down both its VIN and Warranty Plate:

VIN: 3W69GXXXXXX

3: 1963 model year
W: Assembled in Wayne, Michigan
69: Galaxie 500 XL convertible
G: 406 cubic inch high performance V8 that's fitted with three 2-barrel carburetors
XXXXXX: Production sequence number

WARRANTY PLATE

76B: Galaxie 500 XL 2-door convertible
V: Chestnut Metallic paint
89: Medium Chestnut crush vinyl trim
02B: Manufactured on February 2nd, 1963
33: Detroit DSO
5: 3.50 gears
5: 4-speed manual transmission

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

An album of restoration photos

When it comes to maximizing the amount of car your money will buy, you simply can't go wrong with a big Detroit cruiser. A scant fraction of Ford's 1963 Galaxies were powered by the mighty 406/4-speed drivetrain, and it's probably a safe bet that even fewer were equipped with a convertible roof. Add in this car's rotisserie restoration and you have a head turning classic that's fun, historic AND rare. If you're looking for a stylish, comfortable, and reliable piece that commands a lot of respect on the highway, and feels right at home at the show, this hot drop-top is your ticket!