If you watch the January big-name auctions you’ll see lots and lots of top-flight cars trading for huge $$$. Highly restored pristine cars like a ’63 Ford Galaxie 500 “R-code” will bring six figures. Highly restored cars, unfortunately, crowd out the hands-on, built in the backyard, less than perfect, hot-rods like this featured ’63 Ford Galaxie 500 “C-code” two-door hardtop. I find these do-it-yourselfers to be a lot more interesting, so let’s review further. This Ford is located in Littleton, Colorado and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of  $15,000, reserve not yet met. There is a BIN option of $25,000 available too.

I suppose this Galaxie 500 is really a 1963.5 model as it has the mid-year sloped back “Sports” roofline as opposed to the boxtop version that was in production during the first half of the ’63 model year. The VIN translation does claim this car to be a ’63 Galaxie 500, assembled in Dallas, Texas and sporting a 195 gross HP, 289 CI “C-code” V8 engine. Well, that’s all changed…

Under the Thunderbolt tear-drop, hood scoop is a 460 CI “385 Series” V8 engine that used to call a ’69 Lincoln home. Along with its C6 automatic transmission and the high beam socket-fed dual inlet air cleaner, this Galaxie, “runs great and is mainly used for car shows“. If nothing else, it’s an impressive-looking prime mover.  Another great upgrade, that has become almost standard fare these days, is the conversion to front disc brakes.

The exterior, with its painted front fiberglass bumper, steel wheels, hood pins, and knocked out high-beams possesses a NASCAR grand National vibe. The previously mentioned Thunderbolt hood scoop, finished in gray primer, completes the look. It is a quintessential Ford piece though I do recall seeing a ’63 Impala, back in the late ’60s, outfitted with one – that car had, as best I can recall, a street rumble bearing to it similar to this Galaxie. Powder blue is not exactly the typical hot rod hue, but it is in nice shape and this Ford wears it well. Oh, and if the new owner doesn’t like the very obvious hood, the original component, painted in matching blue, is available.

The interior is neat, tidy, and new though the bench seat looks like a non-stock upholstery redo or a well-fitting seat cover. As for the upholstery panels and carpet – no issues to report. Nice to see are the new Autometer white-faced analog instrument panel gauges – I prefer these to the currently popular digital readout replacements.

No, this is not a six-figure R-code trailer queen, it’s a rougher, harder-edged bruiser with lots of street smarts – and a lot less worry at this price point. I like it, how about you?