Ford introduced the Galaxie 500 XL in 1962 to compete against the Chevrolet Impala Super Sport. The XL designation stood for “Extra Lively,” so the car was a combination of sporty looks and tasteful luxury. Like the Chevy SS, it came with bucket seats and a console as standard. But, unlike the Impala, a V8 engine was always included. The seller’s 1963 edition is a convertible that’s been in heated storage for 19 years while a restoration of sorts was being done. The owners are getting on in years, so it’s time to sell. Located in Mariette, Michigan, this nearly completed ride is available here on eBay for $29,500.
The XL was in production through 1966 and never achieved the level of sales success of the Impala SS. But all of Ford’s full-size cars usually came in second place to Chevrolet (an exception was in 1957). Unlike the Chevy, the XL could also be had in a 4-door hardtop, but the 2-door version captured the most sales at 134,000 units in 1963. That compares to less than 30,000 convertibles, so an example like the seller’s car should be harder to find today.
For many, the 1963 versions are the best looking of the 1960-64 big Fords. The styling had evolved from the tailfins that dominated the 1960 models and were completely gone by 1962. As we can piece together, the owners bought this car nearly two decades ago and began “putting it together little by little over the years.” So, we assume a restoration was the goal and shiny new red paint was applied, even in the trunk, but that was in 2007. Stored in a heated space, the car has been driven little during this time.
With perhaps 46,000 correct miles, this Ford has an “FE” 390 cubic inch V8 with HP manifolds and a 4-speed manual transmission (numbers matching?). Naturally, it has dual exhaust, power steering, and brakes. The top is power-operated, and the frame is there, but the canvas covering is not, sitting in a box waiting to be installed. The tires are new (when?) and are accompanied by Ford wire spinner wheel covers.
Some of the trim pieces are missing and not included in the batch that is photographed. So, the buyer will have to determine which parts are needed and hunt them down. Also, there is no radio. But if you’re looking for a solid, nearly finished project that you can take across the finish line, this Ford might be it. These cars, especially convertibles, are seldom seen compared to a Chevy Impala SS from the same era. Oh, and thanks for the cool tip, T.J.!
Of course ya’ll know I love these…
If you know anyone looking, I have a solid 2 door hardtop body with engine for $900. in Lewistown Montana
Russ, the XL trim/model survived through the 1970 model year but with the increasingly diminishing numbers after the introduction of the LTD in 1965 one could easily believe in its earlier demise . . . it was fastback and convertible only for the last three years.
30k is all the money for 1 done so why not just finish it. as is its worth 1/2
I don’t agree, 30 K for a finished one? I think as nice as this car is and what is left to do it would be a good buy.
The first two muscle cars I ever saw was back in my old home town of Jersey City, New Jersey. One was gorgeous maroon 1964 Olds Cutlass 442 with a black interior that someone just up the street from my father’s house bought in the summer of 1964. But the first (depending on one’s definition of what a muscle car is) was a white, 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL convertible with a red interior, a 406, Tri-Power, 4 speed car. The guy who owned that car was maybe ten years older than me (I turned 14 in the summer of 1963) and he worked in a local coroner grocery store, serving as counter man, butcher who also made deliveries. Well one day after getting out of school, I stopped in that corner grocery store and the next thing I knew, that guy asked me if I wanted to go for a ride as he had to make a few deliveries. I couldn’t get in that Ford fast enough. After delivering bags groceries to two of three elderly people in the neighborhood, he took that Ford out onto Rt, 440, a two lane highway at the time, which skirted Newark Bay on the West side of Jersey City, and from a standing start, ran through the gears as all six barrels atop that 406 opened up. By the time we got down to the Bayonne/Jersey City about a mile away, that big Ford was running well over 120 MPH.
Nice