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?
Howard what about the#3 chevy Junior drove, the mystery motor ran away from the Fords.
When was that? Lol
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!!
Nice car! Wonder how make miles are on it?
I had a 62 406 tri-power and it was pretty peppy. I can only imagine what this one with the 427 would do to its tires.
The 406 was an awesome motor.
WOW! JUST WOW!
As I said before. In high-school after FFA meetings we would all take our Chevies drag racing out in the boonies. One of our guys would come and watch with his 6 cylinder Falcon. One day he shows up with a ’61? Galaxy with a 406 Nascar engine. We were all toast after that. It wasn’t quite as much fun when you know you were beat before letting up on the clutch pedal!
Uncle of mine had a Tri Power 406 in a 63, or a 64 Galixie Wagon with a 3 speed manual, definitely wasn’t original to the car, i always remember the cast iron factory header style exhaust manifolds, i was young, but i remember it definitely pinning me to the seat, still to this day, Fastest station wagon i ever been in.
SWEET!!
This car is the Ford version of the 63/64 Chevrolet 409 Biscayne coupes! They were all monsters with their 4 speeds, half hubcaps and virtually no amenities!!- Absolutely Raw power!!!
You could get those 409s up to 425 hp without too many problems other than one of those poor horses was apt to break a leg. The blocks were weak and they often blew the crankshaft right out the bottom.
I remember a fix-it with a cast oil pan with webs to press up against the mains. You had to drill and tap the bolt holes around the rail and use cap screws.
Back when I first got started in the repair business I dealt with a lot of gravel trucks that were powered with 409s. I even saw a couple of them with the crankshafts blown out the bottom so you didn’t even need a lot of horsepower (truck was 250) to wreck things…
RPM is what blew those crankshafts out of the bottom of the 409’s you saw. A loaded truck spends a lot of time close to redline and beyond, especially when the driver is paid by the load and not by the hour ;)
I guess i was really lucky. Cruising on the Interstate and the Duesenbarge
Jumped out of 5th gear. Tach went way past redline. Can’t hear the 409 ?348 engine way in the backof a 1945 Flxible Clipper.
And Pontiac NON SD engines roasted connecting rods after about 4,800 RPM. I still remember the part numbers for the 400 connecting rods.I used to keep 3 sets on the shelf at a times in the parts department.
And then came the 426 HEMI
Yes, the Hemi was decisive, wasn’t it? Up till then the 427 Wedge could dominate the Ramcharger, but the Hemi gave it the edge…
The price may be eye-watering but putting your foot to the floor in first and second gear will produce the same result.
Also, as in a previous comment, I, too would pay for just a 10 minute ride in one of these! That would be enough….. no need to own!!
Interesting mixture of vehicles in this vintage racing clip. The Galaxy reels them in on the straights, only to be passed in the corners.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWr3sq-BDhQ
Classic Euro/US story.
Thanks z1rider. That was fun to watch!
Gentleman Jack Sears?
I would be writing a check to buy this beast (if I had the money and the space) even though it isn’t the lightweight version with the fiberglass blister hood…
Sometimes. Im different. I think this is really special but it reminds me…since the first time I saw the 427 galaxy road race car. I’ve wanted to drive one on the track.
That sounds like fun to me too!
it is nice but that price is an auction house price
I had friend back in 65 who had one it was scary ride the take off was unreal the torque going into second gear was a neck breaker what a super car they were king of the road back in the 60’s love it Cliff Massey
This – is – THE – Car!
But I’d have to sell my soul. Maybe …
Yes. I’ll take it. Please.
Very nice
What a beautiful beast. I wonder what axle ratio it has? Quarter in the high 12s? Stunning Ford.
While I basically bleed Chevrolet engine block orange, there are 2 cars from manufacturers other than the bow tie that have a special place in my memory. One is a bright red ’63 426 Max wedge super stock Dodge, and the other is this one.
In ’62, my big sister was going out with a guy that was basically a street hero in our little town. He had a ’32 Ford fender less roadster that was a pretty neat little car. Bored 283 w/ 6 Stromberg’s and a T-10, chrome dropped axel and wishbones, big and littles w/ full moon hubcaps, etc. One day I came home from school and instead of his roadster, there was a brand new red fuel injected ’63 Stingray in the spot where he usually parked. I just about fainted. A real Stingray in the flesh! Fast forwards about three months and on a curvy country road, he had turned that Vette into a pile of fiberglass and metal.
A couple of months later, he knocked on our door looking for my sis so he could show her his new car. Out front was a ’63 1/2 FE 427 side oiler Galaxy. After telling me I couldn’t drool all over his new car, he took my sister, myself, and a buddy of mine for a quick ride. On the first section of straight road we got to, he dropped that big Ford into second gear and put it to the water pump. I will never forget hearing those 2 big Holley’s start screaming. I will also never forget that car, and I can assure you that if I was even 20 years younger, I would find some way to purchase this car. This thing is a true piece of automotive history, and I feel truly blessed to have grown up when these, and 409 Impalas, Max Wedge Mopar’s etc. roamed the streets.
Normally, I’ll let spelling mistakes slide by, but if you guys are really going to pay homage to this beast, at least spell the name right! GALAXIE!!!
Most of the mispelling in.my comments are created by my stupid smart phone.
Sometimes, it can’t be convinced that Flxible only has 1 e. It may learned now.
FYI Flxible started making sidecars that could lean with the bike.
They couldnt copyright Flexible
OH yes those big block fords were rat killers chevy’s rat engines were fast but I never saw one beat those Fords Charles Town drag strip RI and Conn. drag way Colchester Conn.early 1960’s what a rush Cliff Massey
That is correct, i can barely remember CT Dragway in Colchester, got quite a few pictures of me holding Mom’s hand walking around the staging lanes and the pits. Wish there was a track in CT, Lebanon Valley is home track for me. Such a shame Englishtown and Atco shut down, have many fond memories of those places, i still remember Garlits flipping over backwards in 86 at the Summernationals, i was 10. First dragstrip i ever went down was E-Town, lot’s of good times. Oh and i definitely agree Rat Eaters ! I’m more of a 429-460 guy, but those 427 FE,s definitely held there ground.
My Dad paid $25 for my first car, a ’63 Galaxie. It was the most hideous teal/camo green color! But it was great for commuting in and out of Boston!!
I was 16 and learned how to change my own oil (and put a quart in every week!) I also learned to unscrew the pan and put a clothespin on the butterfly clip to get it going when it stalled. Always in front of the “cool kids” lol
Debra, the “pan” in automotive jargon is usually short for oil pan. In your case ” because of the Ford designed “upside-down” air cleaner. You were removing the air cleaner “lid”. But I guess you could, call it a pan. Thanks for commenting.
Most of the mispelling in.my comments are created by my stupid smart phone. Some are fingers ain’t what they used to be
Sometimes, it can’t be convinced that Flxible only has 1 e. It may learned now.
Yes, spell correct AND fat fingers don’t work well for me.
Growing up in Birmingham, Michigan, Woodward Ave ran right through the middle of town, and I lived just 1/2 a block from it. I had a friend who had a ’61 Starliner with a 427 tunnel port in it!There wasn’t to much out there that could beat it. Ah, the glory days of factory experimentals and street racing. From Ted’s to
the Totem Pole, you know what I mean!