There is an old saying that goes, “When the top goes down, the price goes up” but will that be the case with this 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible? The listing claims “good condition” but the included images seem to belie that assertion. Still, a ’60s full-size convertible is always noteworthy so let’s examine this prospect from Prospect, Connecticut. It’s available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $3,995. Thanks are due Bruce M. for this tip!

In ’63, convertibles were still an important and affordable component of domestic manufacturer lineups. Ford offered two: the Galaxie 500, such as our subject car, and the sportier Galaxie 500 XL. The combined production volume amounted to about 55K copies—no small number! Well, the obvious characteristics of this car are rust, faded mismatching paint, missing trim, and a torn folding top – and that’s just what can be spied from the included images. The lower passenger side quarter may be wearing a patch panel but it’s difficult to discern from the image. My biggest concern would be this Ford’s trunk and rear floor – convertibles are notorious for leaking and the resulting damage can prove to be significant. Despite the top’s shaky-looking condition, the seller claims that it does retract.

What’s under the hood you may ask. Good question, the seller gives no indication, but does state that this car “runs and drives.” Ford offered an extensive engine lineup in ’63 and my guess is that the power plant is either a 352 CI V8 (220 gross HP) or a 390 V8 (300 gross HP). There are no apparent “390” fender badges attached so I’m thinking my first guess is more likely. I know there are many informed, contributing sleuths here at BF so it would be appreciated if anyone well-versed in Ford engines could weigh in on this matter. Backing up the mystery motor is a Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission.

The interior has problems. While the details are not disclosed, the front seat is obviously distressed as it’s hiding under a pair of blankets. The backrest of the rear seat is splittin’ its seams which is usually not the case with the rear bench but the top’s ventilated condition and/or too much fun in the sun has likely contributed to its forlorn condition. The carpet appears to be partially missing but I suppose that’s helpful in yielding a full disclosure of the floor pan condition. The instrument panel is not featured well enough so its condition is undetermined.

When I consider full-size Fords from the sixties, I’m fond of both the ’63 and ’68 editions – I’d call them out as noteworthy versions. And a convertible? So much the better! This example, however, is rough any way you cut it. If I were on the hunt for a ’63 Galaxie 500, I think I’d keep looking, how about you?