When a vehicle presents as beautifully as this 1963 Ford Galaxie 500, and the seller states that it drives just as nicely, you know that you’re dealing with a car that should provide years of motoring pleasure. The Galaxie doesn’t appear to have a single weakness, because its interior is extremely tidy. The only thing I can spot that this classic needs is a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder NW Iowa Kevin for spotting the Ford listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. The seller set their price for this turnkey classic at $18,000.
Ford performed its usual update to the existing Galaxie for the 1963 model year. The changes were relatively minor, but the new exterior brightwork gave the Galaxie a fresh, clean look. This Galaxie 500 benefited from those cosmetic tweaks, and its overall presentation is very impressive. I initially thought that the paint shade might be Oxford Blue, but I believe that it might be a brighter shade that wasn’t on that year’s color palette. Whatever the truth, faulting its appearance is virtually impossible. The depth of shine is impressive, and the photos don’t reveal any visible flaws. The panels are straight, with the images suggesting the car is rust-free. The brightwork contrasts extremely well with the dark paint, sparkling in the sunlight. The Cragar wheels aren’t original, but they are period-correct for this classic.
Apart from visible wear on the wheel rim, the Galaxie’s interior is as clean as its exterior. Trimmed in Blue vinyl with contrasting piping, there is no appreciable wear. Assessing the carpet is difficult due to the image quality, but I see nothing suggesting potential problems. The dash is extremely nice, and the pad is excellent. As with the exterior, the bright trim provides a stunning contrast and is in top order. The seller installed a pair of underdash gauges to monitor the engine’s health, but I can spot no other changes.
Buyers could order a ’63 Galaxie with a six under the hood, but this car’s first owner teamed the 352ci V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission. The V8 delivered a respectable 220hp and 336 ft/lbs of torque, providing competent acceleration and excellent open-road cruising. It won’t deliver muscle-car performance, but the power and torque should satisfy most potential buyers. The good news continues: the seller states they recently replaced the carburetor, condenser, and coil. Enthusiasts seeking a turnkey classic Ford may need to look no further than this Galaxie, because the seller claims that it runs and drives well. I would like to see more detailed engine bay shots, but I can’t spot anything that causes concern.
This 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 ticks the boxes for buyers seeking an exceptionally tidy driver-grade classic. Whether on the street or at a Cars & Coffee, it can’t help but turn heads, gathering a growing tally of admiring looks. The recent mechanical work makes it a turnkey proposition, worth a closer look. It will be fascinating to discover how many Barn Finds readers would like to park this Galaxie in their driveway.
It sure ups the Wow! factor. Nice!
Just that paint job is worth the price of admission.😮👍
Nice car but I prefer the 64 Galaxie especially in 2 door fastback design. Probably because my first car, in 1967, at 16 years old, was just that. Only my 64 had the 390/4 barrel combo. Pop overhauled the engine, added duals and gave it to me with strict instructions not to race it. HAHAHAHAHA
This sure is a car that screams “it’s fast”, but it’s not. The 352 was a dog by 63 and just got worse with age. Hahah. You’re better off just cruising any way.
True Dave. From 64 to 66 a 4 barrel was added and brought horsepower to 250. Still, the 390 2 barrel was more powerful.
This is one clean ‘63 and I would have no problem driving this as a “Sunday Ride” but other days are optional too. The fastback looks good but I wouldn’t kick this out of my driveway.
This is a fairly rare ‘63 “Boxtop”, which was produced approximately September to December ’62. The ‘63 1/2 came out first part of January ’63, with a narrow sloped rear pillar. Neat car!
HATE THE FASTBACK which everyone seems to love. I WOULD be drooling to own this one; however, those custom wheels kill it utterly for me. Anyone who installs those seeks to escape the “family sedan” image I look for. They suggest a car that has been youth-driven: NO thanks!!!
Take it EZ. Wheels can be changed easily enough.
There are a whole bunch of aftermarket wheels out there with questionable styling, no doubt.
Cragar SS on a car of this vintage isn’t an example. I can easily remember when those or Keystones were about as common as OEM.
Still look great on these vintage cars.
My .02
My dad bought a 63 Ford just like this one when I was in college, I was thrilled because it was the only 2-door he ever owned. I was dating my wire then and he let me use it several times. I loved it because nobody thought I was driving Daddy’s car. I would love this car just to go back in time. I am sure my would too. It was way better than my 53 Ford 2-door or my 34 Coupe which I still have. I think if I had this 63 now, she would prefer it over the 34. I know right!
Sounds like you got some real sparks from your “wire” Joe. She still keeping you ignited?
To Azzurra: CHANGING the wheels is not my concern: this car’s having been driven by someone who would install mag wheels, is. I would not want to invest in a car which has been driven aggressively, or as a would-be hot-rod. The wheels themselves, in this case, look rather nice on this particular vehicle. But I would feel more confident if it had its original stamped steel wheels and original full hubcaps (you know, if it had been owned and driven by some octogenarian or nanogenarian… like ME!). My! — What ageist bigotry I have! That ’49 Packard still has its original hubcaps, I see…
I understand your concerns, which should necessitate an in-person inspection. Crucial to dismiss any of your concerns. She is a beauty .
So many going off the deep end because of the rims is mind bobbling. He does show a picture with the hub caps and tires to assume the owner is some kind of crazed kid that has beat the car dead well you know what they say when you assume. As far as the car goes a great looking car at a very fair price.
I stand corrected, but all I have are the photos included in this Barn Finds post. Since it appears now that the seller DOES indeed HAVE the original wheels, then I have no case, and I regret bringing the issue up. At least no fuzzy dice on this one! By the way, I always preferred the 1963 Ford to the 1964; but I’d rather have a 1959 or 1962, or else a 1957, based on looks alone.
I am with you on the fuzzy dice. Also I have always preferred the 1962 Ford but then again Ford had so many great looking cars in the 1950s through the 1960s very hard to pick even five much less one.
Actually Harrison you brought up a very valid point with the wheels that I’d never considered. When mags add to the overall look of a car I’m usually all in, but I hadn’t thought about the type of person who might do that.. and I’ve been one of them because I love going fast. Although I never abuse my rides I did and still do often push them pretty hard, so I’ll think differently about mags etc from now on when looking at cars I’m interested in because there could well be a reason to take a closer look.
The last picture of the FB ad shows the car with full wheel covers and blackwalls. It looks great either way and if indeed it has both sets of tires and wheels you could have a lot of fun switching them out as desired. I sure wish I could find something like this locally. GLWTS.
Beautiful colors, chrome and interior work. Sharp car for the price
nice