Ford has been known over the years for creating some very iconic cars like a ’32 V8 powered coupe, the completely redesigned, post-war inspired ’49 and last, but never least, the Mustang in all of its many iterations. I could add another to the list and that’s the ’63 Galaxie 500 XL. The redesigned ‘63.5 Galaxie is when Ford shrugged off any sense of frumpiness and let everyone know, especially their crosstown rival Chevrolet, that they would be a serious contender for growth and competition throughout the 1960s. And available here on eBay for a current bid of $17,500, is just such an example, a beautiful 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL. It is located in Trumbull, Connecticut and is a convertible to boot. But wait, there’s more!

Fullsize performance still ruled in ’63. Both the Pontiac GTO and Ford’s segment-defining Mustang were still a year away. Ford upped the ante in mid ’63 with a sloped, folded convertible theme steel roof, called a “Sports Hardtop”, eschewing the more formal boxy look that the Galaxie’s roofline had possessed at the dawn of the model year. They also got very serious under the hood with their new 427 CI “FE” V8 engine, a larger more potent version of the 406. The future was bright indeed.

Our example is purported to have been purchased from the original owner, not long ago. The seller states that the odometer reads 36K miles but he believes that it has been once around. The seller describes this Galaxie as follows, ” The car was repainted once years ago with some recent touch-up/blending in areas to complement its pleasant appearance. There was some frame rust that was professionally repaired by a race car fabrication shop and I venture to say the frame is stronger now than it was new in this area”. He further refers to the exterior’s Champagne finish as oner that, “presents itself very nicely but is a classic example of a 10-footer”. The numerous accompanying images show nothing out of place but they are not of the clearest detail. Nevertheless, this Galaxie looks great, nice straight trim, strong chrome and a damage/wear-free, white convertible top. The seller advises that he has the original fender skirts but they’re in the trunk, a good place for them IMHO.

The interior is a matching fawn/champagne vinyl hue, covering bucket seats that are separated by a center console. The seller does not elaborate on the interior’s overall condition but the images do the talking.  The upholstery, center console, gauges, dash, all of it appears as new – there is no sign of wear or age-related deterioration. Nice to find in this vintage car are the seatbelts, for the front occupants anyway. The center console is sporting a tachometer that looks like an aftermarket “Sun” instrument and perhaps the radio has been swapped out for a newer component with an integrated tape deck, at least it appears that way. And is typical for a ’60s convertible, no A/C.

The powertrain selection for this Galaxie is what really makes it hum, a 300 HP, 390 CI “FE” V8 engine working through a four-speed manual transmission. The air cleaner, valve covers and radiator bulkhead header would seem to have been swapped for chrome-plated versions, a minor upgrade that enhances the underhood eyeball appeal. The seller states that this Galaxie, “drives like a classic early 60 ’s full-bodied boulevard cruiser”. That’s about what would be expected, this is not a muscle car per se, and it is lacking in that pretension, but it should be able to get up and move out. The manual shift greatly adds to the driving experience, I’m sure.

So what does this well documented Galaxie 500 XL convertible need? It seems like little to nothing though the seller suggests, “ It is a great entry-level classic car for cruise nights, etc. that someone can build upon and improve with some TLC. Very attractive car that would be perfect for the enthusiast”. I take that to mean buy it, drive it and just enjoy it as is, would you agree?