Most of my colleagues will agree that the toughest aspect of writing for Barn Finds is resisting the urge to park many of our featured cars in our garage. That is how I feel about this 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL Convertible. From its sparkling paint to its 390ci V8, there is so much to like about this classic that I find it almost irresistible. However, my decision not to jump in boots and all could be your good luck, with the Galaxie listed here on Craigslist in Lake Stevens, Washington. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Scott for spotting a classy drop-top that could be yours for $22,500.
I have always believed that Ford struck a sweet spot with its Second Generation Galaxie range. After the finned excesses of the 1950s, the latest offering delivered more subtle and restrained styling that has aged remarkably well. This 1963 500XL Convertible is no exception, with its impact accentuated by the stunning Red paint shade. The Beige soft-top provides a striking contrast, with the first owner adding optional fender skirts, bumper guards, and a hood ornament to round out the package. The seller admits that although the top is original, the Galaxie received a repaint at some point. The results justified the effort, with this classic guaranteed to turn heads. It is more than a pretty face, because the Ford has no history of past or existing rust problems. Therefore, if a rock-solid classic is what you seek, this Galaxie ticks that box.
The exterior wasn’t the only aspect of this Galaxie to receive TLC, with a previous owner treating the interior to a retrim in Parchment vinyl. Once again, spotting anything worth criticizing is seemingly impossible. The vinyl and carpet look stunning, the dash and pad are excellent, while the bucket seats and the console further enhance the luxurious feel. The seller added an aftermarket stereo, but with the installation not involving cutting, reversing that change would be easy. It is sometimes challenging to disguise a substandard interior in a classic Convertible, but this Ford offers no such issues.
Powering this Galaxie is Ford’s venerable Z-Code 390ci V8 delivering 300hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, with power-assisted steering and brakes guaranteeing an effortless driving experience. This Convertible won’t threaten traditional muscle cars, but its performance should still be pretty impressive by the standards of the day. The good news for potential buyers is that the clean engine bay presentation doesn’t flatter to deceive. The seller states that the Galaxie runs and drives well, and has always been dependable.
The summer solstice may have passed, but there are still plenty of opportunities to slip behind the wheel of a classic Convertible before we experience winter’s cold embrace. This 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL could be the ideal candidate for such activities, because it appears to need nothing beyond a new home. Whether it is cruising along a beachside boulevard or landing at a Cars & Coffee, it is guaranteed to turn heads and draw crowds. I have resisted the urge to pursue this beauty further, but can you?
Is this what Ford called the Sunliner ?
Beautiful automobile, and the 390 motor really makes this one extra desirable.
No.just a convertible. My first car in yellow!
I think they dropped the Sunliner nomenclature after the 1962 model year
I can just hear HF ll chewing out Motor Trend, “how can you give the CotY award to a #*%@$ Rambler, when we gave the public THIS? We can make life very uncomfortable for you. Yes sir, Mr. Ford, how about 1964?
The epitome of chrome, the chrome had chrome. ’63 was such a beautiful design, never cared for the ’62s, and for ’63, this car was the T-O-P of the line. I read, this car cost a then whopping $3516 new, or over a grand more than a regular Galaxie. I believe only the Country Squire wagon cost more.
CotY joke aside, Rambler had some great cars, but CotY worthy? When cars like this were offered? Sumpting fishy there boys,,,nothing will ever top this.
The Asian car manufacturers figured out Motor Trends game, by the end of the 70’s. That’s for sure.
I have the same hupcaps on my 66′ Mustang, they were available at Ford dealerships over the counter and fit 14′
62′ to 68′ Fords and Mercury.
I was 16 in 1963 when these cars came out, and they were to a poor country boy far beyond anything I could imagine. My dad never bought a new car in his life, so there was no idea of talking to him about a new car. I was torn between these or the Impala. Most of my friends were Chevy fans, but this car was far to gorgeous to not love.It was ten years before I was able to get my first 63 Galaxie 500 XL. It was a 2 door hardtop with a 352 and automatic. Not what I really wanted but on my budget it had to do. I collected 63, 64, and even 65 Galaxies for a few years culminating in a 1964 with 427 and 4 speed. My then wife wouldn’t ride in it. She preferred the 69 Firebird 400. That was okay with me, because I loved that Ford even if it did drink gas like a river during flooding. I hope this beautiful car finds a loving home.
God Bless America
Beautiful colors on this car and looks ready to just drive and enjoy. If it’s as nice as it looks that’s a good price.
I really like this. 1963 Fords are my favorite of the decade. It’s now residing in Washington State. So it hasn’t any chance of being in my garage. Is it just me or does it seem that a whole passel of attractive steel with wheels has been emanating from the Evergreen State lately here on BF? I think you could also call it the Neverrust State. GLWTS.
Love the car, butI have one small quibble about the write-up. I wouldn’t call that color red, it’s closer to a maroon that was quite popular on mid-’60’s Fords. My Dad’a 1966 Galaxy 500, Mom’s 1967 T-Bird and a neighbor girl’s 1966 Mustang Convertible all wore that maroon color. While I wasn’t crazy about that color at the time, it has grown on me over the years and I now find it a refreshing change from all of the boring greys, blacks and whites so common on cars today. GLWTS!
That is not a 1963 XL interior, looks nice, but not near correct. XL interiors were pretty spectacular.
I sold an absolutely stunning sport roof 63 Galaxie 500 a couple of months ago, restomodded per my design. Bought it out of a field in Texas in 2019, I think. Painted it Porsche Sport Classic Gray, with an eye popping Ferrari orange custom dyed and painted interior, a street and strip shifter, and a custom built stroked 390 out to about 445 ci, if I remember right. This car was / is a jewel, and I am very proud of it. Unfortunately, I’m getting older, and can’t really enjoy the super juiced cars anymore, so I sold it. But style? It had an OCEAN of style.
nice
In 1963 the Postmaster in the small town I grew up in got a 1963 Galaxie 500 convertible, but in Champaign color. He barely had it a week and he asked me if I wanted to go for a ride. I was 9 years old, so of course the answer was YES! We got in and he took it on a two lane road to the neighboring town about 20 miles away. There was a straight section called Herberts Flats. He got that car up to over 100 mph there. Top down and no seat belts. What a thrill.
I’d want to see the data plate. While it’s a beautiful car, that’s not an XL interior. Still, if it weren’t so far from KC, I’d want to look it over and possibly bid!