Ford introduced the fastback version of its Galaxie 500 mid-year in 1963. The notchback roofline version of the car wasn’t doing well in NASCAR, and the vehicle needed a more slippery shape. It was an instant hit, and Ford sold 134,000 copies in that partial model year alone. A hot new 427 cubic inch V8 was also added, but those sales numbers were small by comparison and don’t apply to the seller’s car. Sporting sufficient 63-year-old patina, this nifty Galaxie is in Bonita Springs, Florida, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $12,500 (no ifs, ands, or buts). T. J. scores another cool tip!
The notchback Galaxie of 1962 and early 1963 looked like an old man’s car to an 8-year-old me at the time. But when the fastback was rolled out later in ’63, I thought it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I’ve always felt they were better looking than the 1963 Chevy Impala, although I’ve been more of a Chevy guy over the years. This example has had only two owners, with the seller acquiring it from the original owner’s estate.
When the seller bought this Ford, it had been sitting in a garage for a decade. The two-tone paint appears to be original, and the bottom half of the car has its share of patina, though I’d be hesitant to repaint it anytime soon. The interior presents quite well, and the upholstery doesn’t seem to have been afflicted by old age or the car’s 56,000 miles.
Under the hood resides a 352 cubic inch V8 and a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission. New parts include the carburetor, HEI ignition, some brake work, tires, exhaust, and new fluids. One interesting feature (or the lack thereof) is that it’s a radio-delete car, meaning the original owner didn’t want to listen to any tunes or the news. You’ll need to agree with the seller on the asking price as no offers or trades will be entertained.
In 1972 my best friend Larry (RIP) owned a 63 Galaxie 500 XL notch back in grey with silver interior. Larry’s neighbor Jim moved from LA up to Redding, California to be near his parents. He left behind a64 Mercury Maurader two door hardtop of which he had lost the keys. Offered to give it to Larry for help moving some other things. Larry asked me if I would go and show him how to start the car in exchange he gave me the Galaxie. It all worked out great for all of us.
God Bless America
The ’60 and ’61 Ford Starliners were great looking cars. Why in ’62 and into ’63 they decided all 2drs. should be “boxtops” I have no idea. But the 19631/2 fastback was a winner. They even offered it on the Mercs to. This one looks good, I even like the color. Maybe add a nice set of wheels and a dual exhaust to make that 352 rumble a little bit. But I’m just a 68 year old kid and like that kind of thing. I spent a couple of months in Florida last winter and there are a lot of 50-60 and 70 year old kids that like that kind of thing. The car culture down there is amazing.
The idea with the “boxtop” formal roofline was imitation of the Thunderbirds. Looked fine on them, not so much the Galaxie. FB write up says this one has factory dual exhaust which I didn’t know was available with a 352 in ’63, but there you go.
Impressive survivor status. Good choice back in the day to step up to the 352. Skipping the AM radio very prescient but if it is like a ’55 T-bird with the blanker plate, there’s a factory speaker in the dash so adding a hidden Bluetooth receiver is a snap. If one couldn’t stand the brown patina blotches a respray of the lower half is the only thing keeping this one from being a star at any C&C. Given what it doesn’t need (I’d try and retrofit PS, though – the ’64 Custom 500 without it we had back in the day was a bit of a wrestling match in town) the money on this one is good.
Innkeeper, you are so right about the factory speaker whether or not a radio was ordered. My 1956 T-Bird has the same setup. I have pondered on installing a radio but I have about decided that my dual exhaust with resonators at the end make the sweetest music so I think I’ll leave it the way it is! 1963 1/2 Galaxie 500 is a beautiful car. I agree with you on the power steering as “Armstrong Steering” on a 2+ ton boat is challenging (would also have to add A/C down here in Louisiana)! Regardless, a beautiful ride. Should make someone quite happy even in its present state.
The factory dual exhaust setup on Little Birds makes sounds we can only dream of in modern vehicles. Only thing that tops it is duals on a flattie, and those are an endangered species now.
lot going on with the paint and its more than age. looks great but it would be better if had a 390 in it. good color combo. at least it’s not red.
I really loved these cars as well! With the sportier roofline (my stepfather had a ’63 Galaxie XL with the box top), it just looks much better. Someone commented on the ’60 and ’61 Starliners, and I half agree – the ’60 was gorgeous, but the ’61 left a lot to be desired below the roofline. Thisexample here is worthy of purchase, although I’d have to check the going rate for ’63 fastbacks. It seems a hair high, but it may still be a great bargain.
I personally think that the early sixties to the early seventies was the zenith period of Detroit car design. Of course getting my drivers license in 1967 certainly is a big influence. I would classify all of these vehicles as “lookers”. It doesn’t matter if they’re from the big three or the last of the independents, AMC. The seller has a nice car here and I think the price is fairly reasonable. If I acquired it I would want to respray the car in its factory colors. I think the car would really benefit from this. The “patina” just doesn’t work for me on this one. GLWTS.