If you think this 1963½ Ford Galaxie looks sinister, its appearance doesn’t deceive. Lurking beneath its hood is the legendary 427 R-Code V8, a motor delivering mountains of power and torque. The first owner focused on outright performance, choosing only a few factory options to satisfy their need for speed. This classic needs nothing, running and driving exceptionally well. Therefore, flying in and building a relationship with this classic on the return journey is a realistic option. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Galaxie listed here on eBay in Addison, Illinois. The price is slightly eye-watering at $84,900, but the seller will consider offers.
It is hard to know where to start with this Galaxie, because there are so many positive attributes. The seller confirms that the Raven Black paint covering its exterior is correct, as supported by the Body Tag. They provide this YouTube video, and while it is quite long, it offers a comprehensive walkthrough. I’ll give them top marks because they are willing to reveal minor paint marks and imperfections. I am happy to use the word “minor,” because there are no flaws bad enough to justify even a partial repaint. Black paint is excellent for exposing panel imperfections, but this car is as straight as an arrow. Rust doesn’t seem to be a problem, and with the trim and glass looking virtually flawless, this Galaxie makes a positive first impression. However, the color-matched steel wheels and dog dish hubcaps give the car a sense of purpose that it easily lives up to.
If a classic that can pin you in your seat is on your Wish List, this Galaxie ticks that box. Lifting the hood reveals the legendary 427 R-Code V8, producing a factory-quoted 425hp and 480 ft/lbs of torque. A four-speed manual transmission handles shifting duties, while the lack of power-assisted steering and brakes suggests the first owner focused almost exclusively on going fast in a straight line. The seller states that this Galaxie is numbers-matching, including ancillary items like the carburetors. They say that the car is “dialled-in,” running and driving perfectly. The previously mentioned video shows the car in action, and it’s mighty impressive. Not only does the V8 sound sweet, but the vehicle exhibits none of the typical squeaks and rattles that often develop with age.
If I were to mark this Galaxie harshly, I would consider the stretched Red vinyl in the front seat center as a fault. However, the listing suggests that the interior is largely original. If true, then it meets the standard of a well-preserved survivor. There is no wear, the carpet is excellent, and the paint is free from problems. Manufacturers were beginning to abandon acres of plated dash trim by the time this Galaxie rolled off the line, but the subtle trim on this car’s dash and door cards looks exceptional. Interestingly, the first owner didn’t splash the additional cash on bucket seats, although the interior does feature a clock and a pushbutton radio.
This 1963½ Ford Galaxie 500 presents exceptionally well, but it needs to if the price is to be justified. I found a recent successful sale of a similar vehicle from May 2025; that car sold for $54,000. However, it had undergone a color change, and its motor and four-speed transmission weren’t original. This Galaxie is a numbers-matching survivor, and that is the crucial difference. It has generated reasonable, but not overwhelming interest. I believe that it will find a new home with someone seeking a mind-blowing driving experience. Could you be that person?
Drool. And as a proud owner/steward of a ‘63.5 XL, I don’t think you could get buckets unless it was an XL. The back seat and door panels are different as well. Mine is an original 390/4spd and I swapped out the original trans with a Toploader…
Yes, this is one car I wouldn’t kick off my driveway. And I’m a truck/bike guy…
Absolutely stunning and awsome!!! Love it. That is one seriously healthy big block under the hood. I can only imagine what it must feel like to run it through the gears.
Like that lightweight 62′ Catalina other day. A serious no frills street and track beast straight from the factory. 😎👍🏁
I’ve said before, the guys brother across the alley, had this car, only a ’64. I got a ride in it once, just a kid, but the noise was deafening. As the sites lackluster historian, one cannot have a post like this, and not mention the NASCAR racing heritage. In ’62, the 406 got their foot in the door, but this car turned the tide for Ford in 1963. Some mighty big names drove these, Dan Gurney, Tiny Lund, Fred Lorenzen, Marvin Panch, Fireball Roberts( who was killed in a ’64 Ford) and many others. Since the hemi of Richard Petty was a year away, and Chevy was no contender, Ford literally dominated the ’63 and ’64 NASCAR seasons. While no official mention, that I saw, it in part, was the reason for Fords success and eventual car of the year in ’64, thanks to this car. Another example of “win on Sunday, sell on Monday”.
Make no mistake, with those hubcaps, it may look tame, but it’s a beast, I bet I’ve driven more docile trucks. No automatic here, folks, as I don’t think it was available with the 427. Again, 425hp,,,pfft, more like 450+, race cars probably 500, it was a heck of a motor. Nice car, and,,,oh yeah, hope Daisy Mae or Arthritis Art can push the clutch in. These had an incredibly stiff clutch, they had to, no automatic at the time would handle the torque, and the only way. Traction is this bad boys issue, melt those little hides on the test drive,,no offers? Nada? Just more proof, sorry. Those names I mentioned, and this car, were our heroes, and will fade into the past. The cars future? Who knows? No interest now, what will happen in 10 years?
I was all in until I noticed the clock’s not running.
These cars had reinforced suspension, springs, brakes, wheel bearings, driveshaft, and pinions. Even the fuel lines were larger diameter.
I’d pay to just get a ride in one.
I want to say this car has appeared here before. Could be wrong.
I am not a Ford guy but this is a beast of a vehicle from the 1960’s!!