Restored, (bondo and paint), or original cars? We enjoy them as close to 100% original as possible. If you are looking for a repainted, shiny restoration……..This may not be for you.
We acquired this quite rare matching numbers, G-Code 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL over a year ago, it’s finished in the Raven Black over the matching Black interior. Numbers matching factory 406ci V8 through a 4-speed manual transmission and 9″ rear end. The engine has been rebuilt within the past 500 miles by well known FE engine specialists, Danbury Competition Engines in Danbury Conn.. Additional work includes a new clutch and rebuilt shifter, and modifications are limited to an aftermarket tachometer, traction bars, and glasspack mufflers. This Galaxie shows 71k indicated miles which we believe is correct and is offered with a clean Connecticut title.
So, how does it run, and what’s the history? We can trace the history back 10 years from a previous owner who sadly passed away. It cranks over easy, settles to nice idle. Clutch is new, could use a little adjustment. If pushed hard, it feels like a F15 launched from a catapult, of not, no surprises, no rattles, good suspension, feels surprising tight all around.
Finished in what looks like Ford enamel Raven black paint that is shown from various angles in the photos above, no signs of prior body damage or bodywork, the Ford body panels and trim retain proper alignment and imperfections are commensurate with age are present on much of the paint finish, and newer paintwork was believed to have been applied along the hood later on.
The original interior remain unrestored and is finished in black crushed vinyl, and features XL-specific front bucket seats, a full-length command console, factory Hurst shifter, and vintage Sun tachometer mounted to the steering column. Detailed photos included above capture the condition of the interior, door panels, chrome trim, and seat upholstery, which displays some noted wear..
SUMMARY OF CONDITION
BODYWORK/TRIM
Original Ford sheet metal and trim in good condition displaying proper alignment, with the floor pans and trunk floors being solid, the lower quarters behind the rear wheels are solid.
ENGINE
Original G-code motor from factory with car casting numbers verified with photos, ( 406 cid, with 11.4:1. Compression, solid lifter motor with matching three Holley two-barrel carburetors, 405hp at 5,800rpm with correct cast iron manifolds. Engine bay in original condition, has not been detailed.
Motor completely rebuilt approx. 500 miles ago at Danbury Competition Engines, 15 Taylor St. Danbury, CT. Joseph Lapine is considered one of the very best Ford FE engine builders, building them since the 1960’s
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Solid floors, solid boxed frame with surface rust and the remains of the factory black paint, no undercoating. Original and correct synchronized Borg-Warner T-10, re-built Hurst shifter new Hays clutch have been installed
Ford's 9-inch axle (factory 4.11:1 gears), larger 3-inch diameter driveshaft. Manual steering mixes tight turns with good, responsive feedback, free-flowing, dual exhaust system and old school Thrush glasspacks.
WHEELS /BRAKES
Original 406 oversized brake shoes installed with corresponding 11.03 x 3.00-inch cast-iron drums. Single master cylinder replaced with a dual system for safety (original included). Ford original 15 x 5.5-inch reinforced stamped-steel wheels, Ford dog dish wheel covers, new set of Coker tires.
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INTERIOR
500 XL correct bucket seat, wide console frame with Hurst shifter, the original drivers seat bottom shows substantial wear. Dash / gauges are fully operational, working vintage AM radio, non working electric clock, chrome-trimmed steering wheel, and stainless-trimmed foot pedals. Behind the cockpit, finished trunk with mat, original full-size spare tire, correct jack assembly.
(Please Note … Vintage Sun tachometers required special batteries to function
HISTORICAL INFORMATION (Decoded VIN and Warranty Plate)
VIN: 3Z67G103830
3 - 1963 model year
Z - Assembled in St. Louis MO.
67 - 500XL 2-Door Hardtop
G - 406 cubic inch high performance V8 that's fitted with three 2-barrel carburetors
XXXXX - Production sequence number
WARRANTY PLATE
65B - Galaxie 500 .2-Door 500XL Hardtop
A - Color (M-Number M30J-1724 Black) Raven Black
86 - Crush Vinyl (Black)
26K - Manufactured on Oct. 26th 1963
DSO - Domestic Special Orders
9 -.AXLE .4.11:1
5 - Transmission 4-Speed Manual-Shift
PERSONAL INFORMATION
I am not a dealer. This is our car (my friend and I). These are my words and my photos, no dealer disclaimer “mumbo jumbo” here.
If you want to see and hear a short video of the motor running you can go to youtube and do a search on, “406 Ford Galaxie 500XL Raven Black with Factory 4:11 Rear, and yes, it does sound that good, the solid lifter motor is well tuned..
Of course it is sold as is, it was built one month before President Kennedy was assassinated, when there was no personal computers or cell phones.
There are 100 photos shown, they should give you a understanding of exactly what you are bidding on. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you are local, you are welcome to come see/test drive the car, or bring your “expert” to do the same, before the end of the auction.
Unlike at dealer, I feel am responsible for a “correct description” of the car. These cars don’t have a engine stamping, but the motor was built less than two weeks before the car, so we assume that it is original to the car, which is all original.
I'm a “Original Car Freak”....The car is in original condition (not dolled up), the paint (aside from the hood), shows wear according the the year.. The interior is original, the driver’s seat shows wear, the underside is original, not covered with spray cans of undercoating, it shows the original Ford paint and some surface rust.
Nobody “needs” a 63 Galaxie, it’s something you want and enjoy. The person looking at this listing probably knows as much about these Ford muscle cars as I do.
I would suggest that you satisfy yourself as to the condition and value (value to you) and bid based upon that judgement only.