It is an age-old question enthusiasts confront when faced with a classic like this 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Convertible. It is rock-solid and rust-free, but is preservation or restoration the most appropriate choice? There are merits in both approaches, and the final decision will be driven by personal preference. Its most pressing need is a new home, with the seller listing the Galaxie here on eBay in Temecula, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $10,607 due to subdued action.
Ford’s Second Generation Galaxie range landed on showroom floors in 1960, with the company following the industry trend by slowly eliminating the flamboyant fins that were a hallmark of the late 1950s. It performed cosmetic updates yearly, with our feature Convertible rolling off the showroom floor in 1963. The seller claims its Castilian Gold paint is original, and while the presentation is surprisingly good for its age, they admit it would benefit from a fresh coat of clear. However, those preferring preservation could leave the exterior untouched. The panels are straight, and life in California has left this classic rust-free. There might be the occasional dusting of surface corrosion, but nothing that looks remotely like steel penetration. The power top is free from rips and tears, and some time in the sun may eliminate the wrinkles to achieve a better fit. The glass is clear, and the chrome should respond to some careful work with a high-quality polish.
The solitary engine photo in the listing doesn’t do this Galaxie justice, with the seller claiming it is numbers-matching. Lifting the hood reveals the 352ci V8, with shifting duties handled by a three-speed automatic transmission. The original owner’s decision to specify power assistance for the steering and brakes should ensure an effortless driving experience. The 352 wasn’t the most potent weapon in the Galaxie’s arsenal, but with 220hp and 336 ft/lbs of torque, performance was considered comfortably acceptable by most potential buyers. The seller has had the engine inspected and tested, confirming it is in excellent health. However, the car doesn’t drive. The shifter linkages require connection, the exhaust leaks, and the car would benefit from a new radiator. Those issues are relatively minor, and addressing them shouldn’t cost a fortune. I typically prefer classics unmolested, but there is one change to this Ford that I believe is wise. The original brakes have made way for a four-wheel disc conversion, improving stopping power and safety.
This Galaxie’s interior is said to be original, and it makes a positive first impression. The Gold vinyl upholstered surfaces look remarkable for their age, with no wear or physical damage. The seat foam may be starting to collapse, but it probably isn’t at the point where replacement is justified. The carpet is excellent, while the dash and console are impressive. The only weakness is the pad, which sports several cracks. I believe these are beyond repair, meaning the new owner faces spending around $510 on a replacement to address the issue. Otherwise, it needs nothing. There are no aftermarket additions, with the buyer receiving power windows, a power driver’s seat, a clock, and a pushbutton radio.
Okay, you now know what this 1963 Galaxie 500 XL Convertible offers potential buyers and what is required to lift its presentation to a higher level. The question is, would you perform the work? Would you return this Ford to a factory-fresh state or preserve it to wear its survivor tag proudly? There are no right or wrong answers, merely differing opinions. I don’t know which path I’d follow. Is the answer clear enough in your mind to tempt you to submit a bid? I wish you luck if you do.
The sellers pictures of this car are terrible. Although there are a lot of pictures the pictures of the exterior only give you a hint of the car’s condition. They are blurry and low quality.
I love the grill of the ’63 Galaxy. I’d love to check this one out in person. It looks promising.
Looks like aluminum intake so that info on 4 barrel, engine info/mods would help from “mechanic” …
I would keep it as is and simply enjoy it because when I was around 3-7 years old my mom had a Burgundy we called it purple station wagon same grill and head lights and same taillights it had a white top, I can remember riding down interstate 5 in Everett Seattle, no seat belts crawling over the seat into the way back if we wanted to. I remember one time we were coming back from the Tacoma on I-5 and mom hit something small and black in the road causing the tire to blow out, the car spun around a few times with me and my brothers in the back and the rolled backwards into a ditch, I remember playing in the grass on the side of the highway as the state trooper helped mom get the car back on the road and charged the tire for her. Kinda crazy the childhood things you remember about car’s.
Rt 440…..Great story…
Wasn’t this the one in the garage with the orginal motor on a stand and another motor in the car ?
Stick a 410 Mercury engine in it too. 😊
The very first MUSCLE CAR I ever got to ride in occurred during the summer of 1963. An older guy I knew, who must have been in his mid 20’s (I was 14 in 1963) and who worked in a very small, local grocery store in Jersey City as a butcher, counter man and delivery person, bought, a brand new, 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL convertible, white with a red interior. That car was powered by the Fe-Block, 406 with Tri-Power, hooked to a 4 speed. Well one day I happened to have been in store as that guy was going out to make a delivery and he asked if I wanted to take a ride. After dropping off the delivery of groceries, he pulled out onto RT.400, which back in those in those days had a mile long stretch of road, where in skirted Newark Bay on one side, and a weed filled area on the other. Well going through the gears, as I was pinned against the back of the front passenger seat, he announced that we were were now doing 125 MPH before he started tapping on the brakes to make the turn to head back to the store. I must have left an impression because I can still remember that ride, even though it took place 61 years ago this summer. Ironically, it was in front of that very same store some five month later, that one of friends’ aunt told me that President Kennedy had been shot in Dallas
That 406 was a great motor. They dropped it too soon.
That engine is certainly not stock any longer, if it’s even the original engine. There are enough interesting tidbits in that engine photo to make me believe someone should look it over, and likely they’re getting a helluva deal.
These drive nice I would preserve rather than restore and enjoy some top down fun in the sun, too bad rides like these are no longer made, just pure Americana, Long Live The 1960’s
From what I can remember, the 62-63-64 Galaxies did not have a fender engine badge with 352 on them. Just 390, 406 or 427. Plus this engine badge looks like it’s in the wrong place, too far back over the tire. Am I right?
Yes woofer.. you are correct … only 390, 406 & 427 had engine badging which was placed much closer to headlight on front fenders than shown here
I know the 64s did cause we had one (352, and the badge on the 64 was lower front fender. rocker panel level) and I think the 63s did too. This originally was an X code 352, 2 barrel. Obviously not what’s there now. Looks like an aluminum manifold, dual quad setup. Hagerty #4 value is $15K.
No 352 Galaxie had an engine badge on the fender till 65
I was going to say that you are right fender badges started with 390 and 406 s never for 352 s
Look at the top of the air cleaner that in a 406 or a 427 emblem also the diameter of the tailpipe looks like a R model very questionable?
didn’t notice that went back to look and yes a 406 air cleaner plus the valve cover has a decal on it as did the 406 may be a 406 with 3 x 2 barrels and yes 390 also had 3×2 barrels in 1961 with 401 ho
Woofer: yes you are correct about the engine badging.
The X in the VIN says this car came from the factory with a 352, but I’m guessing it’s been swapped for a 390, as mentioned above, 352 cars had no badging. Judging by the description, the seller is a flipper
How many times is this going to be listed on eBay? It has been there at least 3 times with the last time e Bay # 235404850696 getting up to 19,100 reserve not met. I believe its got up to the high 20’s with reserve not met.
The very first time the engine was on a stand stating it was a 427. Another time stating the engine was installed but not running. Who knows what the story is now??
Dad traded in his 59′ Ford wagon for a 63′ Galaxie wagon.I was 10 years old,it was his last wagon,by 67′ my 2 older bothers were driving and in 67′ he got a Mustang.
Did Galaxie have a 289 in them at the time ?
Yes. Also believe they had the 260 V8 for a while.
only in falcon and comet’s and some Fairlanes never in full size cars
The early 63s had the 260. Must have been like a six banger lugging around that heavy iron.
This car, being an XL would have a 390, yea tho it was stamped as a 352, it woulda’ve been a 390.
Why would anyone do a disc brake conversion and not upgrade the master cylinder and add a power booster and dual brake lines. Potential buyer has quite a bit to sort out on this ride. Seems like it would have been fairly simple to put the Thunderbird emblems in the right location. If it was previously bid to $19K, they should have taken it.
Those interiors were made from some seriously thick vinyl and held up well. In addition, without AC, you could stick to them really good in warm weather.
Buying a classic from a individual who has owned and possibly maintained the vehicle for long period of time is invaluable from the standpoint that the vehicles history becomes part of its provenance. When I see these cars on the trailers it tells me this is a “flip” to which I have no issue with other than the fact that the vehicles history is usually lost in translation. As a seller, would it not be a good idea to take these classics off the trailer, stage and advertise them more attractively. Many buyers of these classics have a prejudice of “flip” vehicles and will not buy them knowing there will always be something missing from “the story”.
This Ford is not roadworthy at all. It needs restored. It’s a decent original, but would be glorious if restored. High end versions, like this, should have been ordered with power windows. I remember being told by a car salesman, that said features would fail if you drove into a river or lake. You would be trapped! Is this the rationale for so many high end vehicles without power windows? Even in the 1970’s, power windows, seats and locks were rare on anything other than a Lincoln or Cadillac. Crazy! Can power windows and locks be put in such cars and still appear stock? That would help.
Look at the car. Read the description. It has power windows. And yes, when one is dumb enough to drive into a river or a lake, it could pose a problem. Lol
1963 Galaxie 500 XL. I remember it like yesterday I was 5 years old and my grandfather had just bought a new one special order 4 door. I will never forget when he opened the hood and said look it has a Thunderbird 390 with Thunderbird on the valve covers. 4 door with bucket seats, console. I’ve been a car guy ever since.
It’s at $15,100.00 now and reserve not met. I really like these cars, I’ve owned a few but not a drop top. The 352 is okay for everyday driving, she’ll cruise at highway speeds and perform respectably in town traffic. If I was in the market for one I’d make a take it or leave it offer of $20,000.00. Even if you had to put some more money into it you could spread it out over a few years as the value will likely increase. The best to all.
God Bless America
Except this one probably no longer has a 352
Hey 8banger, check out the VIN# on this car, if that ain’t proof, contact Mr Marti, I bet he’ll say you could damn sure get a 352 in an XL. And I know all about the “352” casting on the left front of an FE block, and no, I don’t use that to determine what motor I’m looking at
I’m saying that the XLs were not offered with a 352. They had a baseline 390.
Yes they were, I had a 63 XL with a factory 352, I found mine in Texas buried in the weeds in 2007, all I could see was the roof, first thing I noticed was no engine badging, I opened the hood, and low and behold, a 352. Have to admit, I was surprised
So did you determine that by the engine stamping that said 352? If it was a true XL, it had a 390, although the engine stamp definitely said 352. That was a common mislead, as Ford just left the same 352 stamping although it was really a 390. Seriously.
They did have 352 in the XL. I owned a few.
in 1963 you could get any engine in a XL even a 6 cylinder same as a Impala I was 18 in 1963 saw and drove many of them
My first car was a 63 Galaxy convertible with the 390 engine and Thunderbird valve covers and 3 speed automatic trans. I wish I still had it
Bought a 63 500XL convertible back in 98 and drove it every day for 20 years. Had the 390 four barrel, pwr steering and brakes but not pwr windows. Rebuilt the engine to higher specs and she ran like a scalded dog! Everything was in tip top shape with no rust at all. It had undergone a previous restoration and was fun to drive, but not as fun as my previous 63 Falcon Sprint convertible with a built-up 302!
1963 falcon Sprint with a 260 was one I liked in 1964 when new mustang came out saw mustang next to falcon Sprint at dealership liked falcon convertible better
“You take the dog, I’ll take the Galaxie 500”
Ford had the prettiest taillights that ever adorned the rear of an automobile. Prices for classic vehicles are all over the board, how can a rusty crusty skeleton of a Charger, or the like, bring similar money as this gorgeous Galaxie, which was, and still is, 10 times the car, in every aspect. I’m failing to understand.
I agree my favorite is a 1961 starliner 390 with the rare 3×2 setup and 401 HP lot of people don’t even know about that 390
My dream car
Vblocker you sound like a ford lover like me even know I had many high performance Chevy’s Ford’s still my favorite mostly 406s never had one always wanted one closest I came was a new 1968 Torino gt fast back 390 4 speed it was quick friend had a 1965 GTO 389 325 HP Torino had it for lunch started loving Ford engines when parents bought a new 1956 Ford wagon with a 312 4 barrel dual exhaust great engine the 312 older sister had her license than a friend of hers parents had 1956 Chevy 265 4 barrel dual exhaust Ford won every time
Yeah, I’m a life long Ford guy, although I’ve owned a few others, my first car was a 46 chevrolet, got when I was 13, for $75, drove it on our farm. I got the car bug about the same time I learned to walk
also vblocker do you remember earlier fordamactic in 1956 was a 3 speed where power glide was a 2 speed just the ford you had to manually put it in first by shifting to lo for low that at about 35 mph shift to Dr drive
I don’t recall that, but all the mid 50s Fords I ever drove were manuals
Love the 60 thru 68 full size Fords. Don’t get much better looking cars than that. Hey Yblocker, I did have a 60 chevy once. Lasted me almost 10 days.
I also like them but still think best was and I bought one new off show room floor it really was on showroom floor 1968 Torino gt fast back 390 4 speed gold with black side stripe buckets love that car only had it two years second child on the way bought house traded for a new 1970 maverick 6 cyl 3 on the tree at least it was a fast back than it was country squire but that had a 390
Love the 666 black Cal plates!