There were so many stylish American cars available in that landmark model year of 1963 that buyers were spoiled for choice. If you found yourself entrenched in the Ford camp, you had the Thunderbird, the midyear Falcon Sprint, and others, but it would have been hard to beat a Rangoon Red Galaxie 500/XL Convertible with a red interior, wire wheel covers, and whitewall tires. If you missed 1963 the first time around, there’s a nice example of such a Galaxie on eBay in Shreveport, Louisiana, right now, and the link was brought to us by Barn Finder extraordinaire Curvette, who has been very busy lately sending us nice cars for sale. The asking price of this hot red convertible? $38,500.
While a 260 or a 289 two-barrel V8 was standard in the XL Convertible (depending on the time of year you bought it), you know you really want the big-block, and this convertible has the popular 300-horsepower 390 four-barrel matched to a floor-shifted Cruise-O-Matic. Painted in a classic Ford color scheme, black with gold valve covers and air cleaner, the engine is nicely detailed. Somebody along the way has added power front disc brakes with a dual-circuit master cylinder, and power steering is also a part of the package.
The undercarriage looks clean and rust-free; it’s not quite ready to put mirrors under it at a local car show, but it looks outstanding for a very nice driver.
Ford interiors of the 1960s, at least in their high-line cars, were gorgeous. There’s more than a little Thunderbird influence in the XL models, with bucket seats and a ribbed console with bright trim. All XLs had floor shifters, regardless of whether they were ordered with automatic or manual transmissions, and the door panels even include the Thunderbird’s courtesy lights.
Instrumentation was limited to a speedometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge, as it was on many mid-1960s Fords, but there were warning lights for oil pressure and amps. This car still has its AM radio, and notice that the ignition switch is on the left side of the steering column, which wasn’t uncommon on Fords of the period. Look at all the brightwork on the dash, steering wheel, console, and even the accelerator and brake pedals.
The trunk is appropriately enormous, and given the wrinkles, I’d say the mat is newer.
The white power convertible top works, and those big, round Ford taillights look as good on a ’63 Galaxie as they do on any Ford. As I said, it would have been tough to pick out a new car in 1963, because this Galaxie was just one of dozens of beautiful options on dealer lots. If it would have been your choice, this would be a great way to emulate that magic year in motoring history.
Excellent write-up Aaron. Like you, I have recently taken particular note of mid-60’s cars, from all manufacturers. Specifically their attractive styling, and how well-trimmed they were. As you point out, the interiors on the high-end Fords of this time were indeed gorgeous: lots of contrasting accents and bright trim. Ford must have had many professionals assigned to interior design and execution.
This Galaxie is certainly an eye-catching example. Plenty of fun cruising for the new owner.
I agree Bob. Just look at the photo showing the sides of the bucket seats with the chromeon the sides of them and the chrome on the doors. It all ties in beautifully with the dash. Driving a car like this, especially back then, you felt like a million bucks.
Beautiful!
Always felt like we “wear” our cars the same as how we wear our clothes. During the 40s into the 70s our cars reflected our personality (auto makers knew this) but since the 90s our cars just seemed to reflect our attitudes. The social aspect of transportation and cars. This 63 Ford is clean, love to be wearing it today.
That red dash reminded me so much of the white ’63 station wagon I had. White outside, red inside. This was in the early 70s. I also had a ’63 300. Six cylinder automatic and bare bones gray interior. It had been a government vehicle and was geared very low. It would top out at 60 mph with the engine screaming.