The Pick of the Day is a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL convertible in mostly original condition showing just 28,000 miles that, according to the Orlando, Florida, dealer advertising the car on ClassicCars.com, “may be the finest unrestored example to be found.”
This Galaxie is powered by a big-block 406cid V8 engine with tri-power and solid lifters, and factory rated at 405 horsepower, mated to a Borg-Warner 4-speed manual transmission.
“This engine was Ford’s response to Chevy’s 409,” the dealer says. “The 352/390 FE block was recast and strengthened for the 406 application with thicker cylinder walls in addition to strong internals, cast iron headers, 2-½ inch exhaust, improved heads, high-lift cam and as mentioned, solid lifters and tri-power carburation.”
The 500XL was the top-dog Galaxie, fitted with enhanced trim and badging, and upgraded interiors that included bucket seats, console and floor-mounted shifters. The 406 V8 was the big performance engine for the early part of the model year, replaced mid-year by the new 427.
For ’63, Galaxie continued as an expression of Jet Age styling, its long body with creased sides that evoked aircraft, turbine taillights, a mesh grille surrounding quad headlights and turbine-inspired wheel covers.
This Galaxie looks to be in sparkling condition with all-original interior and trim that still looks fresh.
“It’s had one repaint in the original color of Heritage Burgundy and the Light Rose interior is all original,” the dealer notes.
“The odometer indicates 28,000 miles which is stated as correct by prior ownership. Most importantly, the car condition reflects that of a low-mile original car. It runs, drives and performs excellent, too!”
The asking price is $85,000, which is at the top of the pricing range for an excellent example, according to the Hagerty value guide, which this Galaxie just might be with such low mileage and fine condition.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com see Pick of the Day.
I might have been on the fence but…..the interior color really adds the cherry to the top.
At 16 years old I had a 1964 Galaxie 500 with a 289 sedan 2 door. I loved that car but at 16 I couldn’t afford to repair the transmission so I sold it.
Beautiful car but would prefer a black interior.
My favorite Ford body style, coupe, hardtop, or drop top.
And the rose interior is simply early ’60’s deliciousness… Wu, a black vinyl interior in a convertible might look good to you, right up until the day you forget and hop in shirtless. The stench of burning flesh is less likely with a lighter color interior, yes?
Haha great point Ryan!
I’ve owned one convertible car – 68 Vette- Cortez silver & black interior & never was shirtless while driving it. I would like to know how many cars were made with the Light Rose interior as I can’t believe this would be a “ gotta have color” for a car with this motor & tranny.
This 63 1/2 is a gorgeous car… 406 and a 4 speed … I do actualy like the 64s better yet the 63 1/2 is a close 2nd off all Galaxies in my honest opinion. Now if this were the hardtop… The rooflines of the 63 1/2 and 64s made these full sized sleds look fast sitting still. The rose interior really does make this pop and I would absolutely sport that interior in a black body. Absolutely surprised how much I dig the rose. Beyond my pocket but certainly appriciated to see such a clean and well loved Galaxie .
Crazy side note… I was searching for prices on 64s awhile back and forgot to add a year… The Galaxie lives… Across the pond as a fking minivan type thing. Id only ever wrote one company and asked ford how they take a Nascar legend nameplate like the Galaxie’s and slap it on a minivan. Needless to say i never heard back. Lol
Beautiful car! I absolutely love this car!