Big Block Garage Find: 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL Convertible
I’m agnostic when it comes to old Fords – I have my likes and dislikes but I’m neither an enthusiast nor a detractor. Of the full-size models, two stand out however, the ’66 7-Liter, and the ’63 Galaxie 500 XL like today’s Temecula, California resident – and it’s a convertible no less. Besides that, I also found the listing a little confusing – more on that to follow. This ragtop spent years in the possession of the original owner’s widow until she eventually sold it to the current owner who now wants to move it along. Interested parties will find it here on eBay where it’s available for a current bid of $26,500 with the reserve not yet met.
Ford found itself in the number two production slot in ’63 with 1.5 MM copies hitting the street. The Galaxie 500 XL, such as our subject car, sat at the top of the heap with the convertible ringing up an 18K volume. This was a transitional year for the big Ford as the sloped back “Sports Hardtop” greenhouse design was introduced mid-year and added a new level of sportiness to the big two-door hardtop. This convertible’s roof line is similar to that of the steel top version and it too presents a modern and clean design.
The seller states, “No dents, damage or rust. California car. Hood is good shape too” and from what can be seen, that appears to be the case though this Ford is wearing a coat of dust that isn’t helping with its presentation. There are some underside images included and this convertible shows as sound all around. The Champagne finish has clearly gone flat but it’s still presentable.
We’re told via the listing that this Ford is powered by a “big block” engine and there is a reference to carburetors (plural) being cleaned. Well, that’s good, but what’s actually powering this Ford? The seller never discloses, instead suggesting, “I have shown the VIN number, please do your own research and look at pictures. I do not know much about Fords and this car is in the condition I purchased it“. OK, I decoded the VIN and this Ford left the Los Angeles assembly plant with a 220 HP, 352 CI V8. What’s under the hood now is unknown to me and there’s no reference to running or driving characteristics. I suppose it could still be the original 352 motor as that would be an FE engine and it is considered a big block, but the carburetor comment and the engine compartment image just invite questions. A Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission makes the rear wheel connection.
The interior of this Ford is impressive, not just in its claimed original condition but its 500XL design. Items like the upholstery pattern, center console, switch gear, and pedal trim are just so early ’60s and Ford did it as well as anyone. The recorded mileage is 82K miles, though not authenticated, but the interior shows little sign of excesive usage or top-down climate damage.
As stated at the outset, Ford’s 1963 full-sizers are one of my favorites and this 500XL is no exception. I think that I’d like it even better if the listing gave some disclosure regarding the powerplant. Beyond that, buy, drive, and enjoy, right?
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Comments
There is a call-out on the front fenders, but I can’t read it. If this car was built with the 352, no such call-out tags were installed. With the 390 or 427 of course they were. Apparently this car has had a transplant at some point, and no telling if the engine even turns over. However, it’s loaded with a power seat and power windows, along with PS and PB. A nice, fairly well-kept `63!
A little bit of photo digging seems to confirm what you say about the 352. If this were an early 1963 before they changed to the 427 in late 1963, then that could be the 406 with the 3×2-bbl setup which would have carried the T-Bird fender tag.
I would love to have that car… my uncle had a 1963 Galaxie 500 that I liked. (I’d like a 1963 Impala, to
How much could a nice detail cost in Temecula?
I fooled around with the image a bit rotated it and took the color out- it is still hard but I think it says 390.
or the 406 tri power that engine was carried over from 1962 to part of 1963 it was a great engine or could be just a 390 there was a 401 HP 390 tri power in 1961
Original?? These years are getting to the age that if it was restored/cleaned up in the late 80’s, 25 years after it was built, that’s still almost another 40 more years of use and neglect. Certainly could have 85,000 miles since then.
As mentioned above, 352 cars had no engine badging. The air cleaner is that of a multi carburetor setup. An early 63 could have a 406 with 3-2barrels, a late 63 could have a 427 with 2-4barrels. So who knows, if the VIN says it came from the factory with a 352, there’s been some “swappin goin on”. Either way, beautiful cars, although I’d prefer the red/red/white top my dad bought new when I was 6 years old
I had a 63XL with a 352 engine when I was in high school. It was definitely a single, 2-barrel carburetor with the traditional round air filter. It was probably my favorite car I owned, but it had rusted to pieces. I would love to buy this car but I don’t have a place to keep it and not really in my budget.
My first car in HS was a 63XL 4dr with 352. That back seat saw a lot of action. I truly loved that car. This vehicle would be a sweet ride for my retirement… I wonder if I could talk my wife into it…
Bidding is at $28,600 with 4 days to go and no reserve. I’ve always loved the old Galaxies and I’m glad to see their values going up and see them getting deserved respect. This one looks like a real beauty. Sure wish the seller had washed it and taken it outdoors for photographs. Wish I could afford it.
I love the old Galaxies too. And 63s were right there on top. Convertibles and 63 1/2 Hardtops were some of the 60s best looking full sized cars.
I would go $30k for it since it’s going to take some work to get it back in shape. Value for it in good condition would be high $40s or low $50s. That engine is a concern, and the condition and fit of the top concerns me as well. I think the reg says green for the color, tho it looks gold to me. (Wish I had a couple more feet of width in the garage, but I can make it work.)
I have a 66 with 390/ cruise-o-matic 4 door, 66k miles…. I’m keeping it, but good to know they’re worth a bit.
Love those fast Fords from the 60s and a big block convertible is the bomb. If the car is decent they would do themselves a favor if they cleaned it up and had undercarriage and trunk, multiple engine bay and interior photos. Makes me think there’s something to hide.
I had a 63-1/2 convertible like this and the color is called “Rose Beige “. Mine was free of rust, had the 390 four barrel version with the cruise-o-matic. Power steering and brakes but no power windows or seats. It was a #2 car and I used it for my daily driver from 1998 to 2015. What a great car to drive! Sold it for $6 grand so I could get a car that got better gas mileage. It was fast, though after I hopped up the engine some! Wish I could have restored it back to original.
“Rose Beige”…I remember that from the catalogs. I looked through them when I was young (and not old enough to drive).
XL means “Xtra Long”, right?
Is this a re-run?
Yes,
It was on Barn Finds and eBay a couple weeks ago. Didn’t hit reserve in that auction. Was originally a 352 car that had a rebuilt 427 going with the car. Looks like it still comes with that engine based on the “carbs” comment. Nice to see the engine is in the car now.
Original auction listing…..
https://www.ebay.com/itm/235360786250
Unfortunately, you’re correct it is. I shouldn’t have run this piece. I checked but missed the earlier publication.
JO
I don’t believe the engine call-outs on the front fender are placed correctly (too far back). Suggests a later update, perhaps engine replacement as well. Drove a ’63 352 convertible in HS and spent lots of time lusting after a 390. The 352 was top dog in the very early 60s, but was soon superseded by the 390, etc.
390 was top in early 60s it can out in 1961 the 352 came out in 1958 was a late 50s top engine
just looked you are right to high and too far back you got a good eye I missed that
I don’t think the 406 or 427 was available with an automatic transmission in 63 and only a 4 speed
you are rt but you could get a auto with a 390
nice looking car i would be proud to own it i would give it a diffrent paint job deep blue or candy apple green