- Seller: Andy A (Contact)
- Location: Branford, Connecticut
- Mileage: 58,272 Shown
- Chassis #: 3G67X129212
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 352 cui V8
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
Many Ford fans’ favorite full-size Galaxie of the 1960s is the 1963 model, shown here in 500/XL trim with the standard “Thunderbird-style” roofline. This example was scheduled to be built (according to the data tag) in November 1962, just a few months before Ford’s famous “Total Performance” campaign really began in earnest with its fastback rooflines on both the Galaxie and the Monte Carlo-bound Falcon Sprint. But the bones were there on these “Lively Ones,” and this bucket-seated beauty was outfitted by someone who wanted a little zest in their daily commute. Presented here as a Barn Finds Auction in Branford, Connecticut, this is one of the most interestingly outfitted 1963 Galaxies you’ll ever see.
The engine won’t surprise anyone; it’s the X-Code 352 two-barrel that produced 220 horsepower on regular gas. The blue valve covers and air cleaner, in combination with a black engine block, heads, and intake manifold, are correct for a 1963 352; a Ford Blue engine was still three years off in 1963, and Ford used disparate valve cover/air cleaner colors to differentiate their engines. This car has power steering but no power brakes, which wasn’t an uncommon combination in the 1960s.
It’s the interior where things start to get intriguing. All Galaxie 500/XLs had bucket seats and a sporty console, but this one is factory four-speed equipped. The 1963 models used the Borg-Warner T-10, and according to the data tag (that you can see in the pictures below), this car was equipped with a 3.50:1 open differential. The seller comments that it has a 3.73:1 ratio now, so perhaps it has been changed over time; either way, those fairly deep gears will get the best out of the 352.
Perhaps more unusual than the two-barrel/four-speed combination is the fact that the original owner didn’t order a radio, so you’ll find a radio-blanking plate that would have been more at home in a Ford 300 than a top-of-the-line Galaxie. The interior trim is code 87 (Light Turquoise), and it’s a dazzling combination with the car’s Ming Green Metallic paint.
The seller is presenting this car as a very nice example of a Galaxie that is straight and original. The “bright work and chrome is 98% show quality,” the interior is original aside from the carpet, and there are no patch panels or filler anywhere that the seller can see. The clutch works perfectly with “no slip or chatter,” and the exhaust has a throaty but not obnoxious sound. In other words, the big Ford is ready to enjoy. The seller states that whether you’re going 45 or 70 mph, it rides down the road nicely, with no wind noise, rattles, or shimmies.
And it would certainly be an enjoyable Galaxie to drive to a Ford meet. This XL is a fascinating combination of mid-range engine/four-speed gearbox and top-level trim/no radio, and that makes it that much more fun and unexpected than just about any other example you’ll find. The ’63 Ford was one of the best, and if you want to be the next owner of this one, bid now!
Bid On This Auction
PMD1965 bid $11,500.00 2025-11-20 07:42:55
Dispatcher54 bid $11,000.00 2025-11-19 16:10:29- PMD1965 bid $9,800.00 2025-11-19 14:52:32
Jay Sea bid $8,000.00 2025-11-19 14:40:02- PMD1965 bid $7,500.00 2025-11-19 09:25:48
freeman bid $2,000.00 2025-11-18 22:19:58
My dad had this same car when I was in college. His did not have the high end interior. One of the only 2-doors he ever bought. I like it a lot!
Wow, that’s a beautiful car! And the 4 speed is an incredible bonus. I think I have the model of this car at home. My Mom worked at a Ford dealership for about 10 years until I came along and often brought home models for each year. A few have survived :).
Good looking car with a good running gear. Probably could use a limited slip rear but should be a fun driver either way.
My brother has a reddish 4-door sedan. One night at about -25 and with a noisy muffler, he was heading from the Twin Cities to northern Mn. when he hit a bump & shattered the back window!
I love this car just the way it is I wouldn’t change a thing.
Nice car! I’d be happy to have it, with driveability upgrades (disc brakes, suspension mods, wheels and tires). Try to bring it into the current century, 1963 is sixty years ago!
Will the mileage be T.M.U or actual ?
It’s 60 years old!
WHY WOULD YOU CARE???
Makes a difference in price to me.
From a ‘50 Shoebox to a ‘63 Boxtop. Pretty rare car. Only made until about January ’63, when the ‘63 1/2 version came out with the slanted “fast back, or “fast top” rear window. An XL with a 2 bbl 352 and a 4 speed is a rather odd coupling- I’d be tempted to install a 4 bbl intake and carb- safely storing the original parts.
nice
If the original owner pinched pennies by foregoing a radio, why didn’t they put the savings toward a 390 or 427 engine?
Sweet car, fantastic colors, and factory 4 speed!! More pictures, especially of the underside, here where the car last sold two months ago ….. https://www.hemmings.com/auction/1963-ford-500xl-kokomo-in-847466/sold
One of the best Galaxies, and the best colors available.
Rust repairs?
Bondo?
Repaint?
‘before’ pictures?
How much restoration?
When?
Who did it?
Beautiful car, great colors, and a factory 4 speed!! What’s not to like. :)
Looks like the car was sold recently… go here to see results and to see pics of underside of car… https://www.hemmings.com/auction/1963-ford-500xl-kokomo-in-847466/sold
Being an “XL” model would this NOT have the speaker in the middle top of the rear seat? Or did they start that for the 63 1/2?
YES
Hit the wrong keys
Not in a Boxtop!
I’d bid if there was more condition info.