This 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Convertible is a stunning classic with no apparent needs. Its presentation is first-rate, while its mechanical specifications should provide an effortless driving experience. However, for those seeking more power, the seller provides an extra-cost option that some enthusiasts would find irresistible. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Galaxie listed here on Craigslist in Lake Stevens, Washington. The seller set their price for this beauty at $20,000.
Ford introduced a new Galaxie for the 1960 model year. It followed a more conservative path with its latest offering, gradually eliminating the fins of its predecessor and utilizing less chrome for a cleaner look. The company performed a further styling update in 1961, with the badge evolving until our featured 500 XL Convertible rolled off the line in 1963. The seller is very clear that this classic has never suffered any rust, retaining 100% of its factory steel. The panels are laser-straight, and the soft-top looks acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle. The seller states that a previous owner repainted the Galaxie, and scrolling through the listing images suggests that the existing Red Metallic isn’t this car’s original color. There are traces of what might be Sandshell Beige, but I’m not totally sure. Regardless of the truth, the paint shines nicely, with no major flaws or defects. Rounding out the exterior is bright trim that is in exceptional condition.
This Galaxie’s interior has the “wow” factor, trimmed in Parchment vinyl. It features bucket seats, a console, and an aftermarket radio/cassette player. The overall presentation is extremely impressive, with no evidence of rips or other issues. The painted surfaces look crisp, and the bright trim is free from visible pitting. The wheel is uncracked and matches the paint. It doesn’t feature luxury touches like air conditioning, but life aboard this Ford should still feel pretty special. I can see myself dropping the top, hitting the road, and reveling in the sun that Mother Nature supplies for free.
The paint shade isn’t this Galaxie’s only change. The first owner ordered the car powered by a 390ci V8, delivering 300hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed automatic transmission feeds the power to the rear wheels, while the buyer also receives power steering and power brakes. This Convertible is no longer numbers-matching. The V8 occupying its engine bay is in excellent condition, but it is a 352 with unknown specifications. Potential buyers should consider this Galaxie a turnkey proposition, but the seller offers an intriguing extra-cost option. They also own a 1963-vintage 390 that requires a rebuild. The buyer could also purchase that motor, refresh it, and bolt it in, returning the car to its factory form. I suspect that many people would find that idea irresistible.
I am willing to admit bias: I find this generation of Ford’s Galaxie one of the company’s most attractive vehicles. I prefer the ’64 model, but my opinion is skewed by the fact that my father parked one in our garage as a daily driver when I was a lad. However, I appreciate this 1963 Galaxie 500 XL enough that I would happily become its next owner if circumstances allowed. I would struggle to decide whether to leave it as-is or be drawn to the lure of the engine upgrade. What would you do in the same situation?
Less chrome? Good heavens, this was the epitome of chrome. Those bumpers just gleam. This really was Fords styling zenith, and for the record, people in the future won’t know a 352/390 from a coffee grinder. The car itself is so unusual and gawdy, that will be the attraction, not what’s under the hood. In fact, I bet people won’t even know how to open the hood( (lift Ford insignia in grill). The future buyers biggest concern is what to feed it and nobody plows into it whilst texting. The skirts are subjective, I like them, they compliment the overall style of the car, they don’t get much nicer than this.
Why is this car not sold ?
$20k seems pretty reasonable for what looks like an outstanding driver and local show car. I’m with you Howard, I’d leave the 352 in it and just motor into the sunset.
The 64 and the 66 were the best designs in my opinion. But, I prefer the 64.
I like the first year 1959 and the 1962, best. That ’61 was ugly. The 1960 was okay too — especially in Edsel form.
Needs to lose the fender skirts
The fender skirts absolutely make the car for me. I love ’em!
Looks like the top needs some attention on the drivers side
I see these cars and the reviews people pen and I have one little question, how do you differentiate a 63 1/2 Ford and a 64 Ford!
The 63 1/2 changed to a slanted rear window
Besides the different grill and tail lights, the ‘64 had a raised arrow shaped area on the side. There is also a raised area just ahead of the tail lights on the quarter panel.
Douchey back window – Lose IT !
The gold valve covers and gold air cleaner are the color a 390 ci engine has. A 352 has light blue. Not sure about lifting the ford emblem to open the hood; on a 64 there is a lever right above the license plate inset in the bumper. The fast back was added halfway thru the 1963 model year to help with aero for NASCAR to go faster. It was an added option for 2 door hardtops but the regular rear glass 2 door “boxtop” remained for 63. In 64 the 2 door boxtop was discontinued.
Mostly correct Tom. The “63 1/2” was ushered in about January ‘63. The changes affected not only Galaxies, but Falcon and Comets, Fairlanes, and Meteors, bringing the first 2 dr. hardtop for those models.
I bought a 66 Convertible off of a friend which had the 352 in with 2 broken con rods with a 352 and had another friend who had an engine rebuilding business rebuild it. Balanced etc but just an RV cam, full rebuild new inserts in the heads and rockers etc. It went very well. I sold that car to a Nephew in New Zealand ( I am in Australia ). The car got written off after a drunk hit it. So 17 years later I have managed to get a 67, same color yellow but with a 390 in it and it looks like a factory right hand drive which is very strange out here. But Ford executives were having fancy cars done for them at the time, even the firewall is a right hand drive unit and the wipers wipe to the right, it has a Mercury dash in though. So mine could be a 1 of 1 but is a great 20 ft car. I do like most of the Galaxies from the first one. I am just slowly going through everything and doing quite a few jobs on it as I drive the car.
Wow!
A friend of my father’s had a new ’63 390 fastback. Went like stink! 300hp is still nothing to sneeze at! This is a beautiful car!
I had a 63 four door hard top. Automatic on the column with a 289 motor. I could fix anything under the hood with a couple of screw drivers and a pair of pliers. That car was indestructible.
My first car was a 63 convertible with a 390. Wish I still had it!!