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The Ford Galaxie is a full-sized car that was built in the United States by Ford for model years 1959 through 1974. The name was used for the top models in Ford's full-size range from 1958 until 1961, in a marketing attempt to appeal to the excitement surrounding the Space Race. In 1958, a concept car was introduced called "la Galaxie" which incorporated the headlights into pods in line with the grille and a reduced front profile
Starting with 1962, all full-size Fords wore the Galaxie badge, with "500" and "500/XL" denoting the higher series. The Galaxie was the competitor to the high-volume full sized Chevrolet Impala and the Plymouth Belvedere.
The 1963 model was essentially unchanged from the previous year, except for some added trim and a reshaped windshield. Also, a four-door hardtop 500/XL was added. A lower, fastback roofline was added mid-year to improve looks and make the big cars more competitive on the NASCAR tracks with less drag and reduced aerodynamic lift at high speed.
Of the 535,256 Ford Galaxie cars produced in 1963, only 18,551 were 500/XL convertibles. The original price of this car was $2,925.
Specs (Stock):
Cost about $4,086 in 1963 (equal to $42,699 in 2025)
406 ci (6.6L) Ford FE OHV 90° V8 Engine, 10.9:1 Compression, 3 Holley Two-barrel carburetors
Bore: 4.13 in (104.9 mm) Stroke: 3.785 in (96.14 mm)
405 hp @5,800 rpm, 448 lb-ft @3,500 rpm, Maximum rpm: About 6,500 rpm
4 speed manual, 3.00:1 axle ratio** (3.50:1 standard, 2.91-5.83 optional)
~4,200 lb (1,905 kg) curb weight***
Performance: (Stock tires and 3.50:1 gearing)
0-60 mph: 6-7 seconds
1/4 mile: 15.3 seconds @93 mph
Top speed: 138 mph (222 kph) with 3.80 or lower (numerically) gearing
Specs (as modified):
Original 406 ci V8 was replaced at some point by a 390 ci V8 from a 1968 Ford Galaxie or Mustang, could also be a 428 ci (someone probably blew up the original engine, as the original cylinder heads are in the trunk)
Added power steering/brakes and air conditioning
Custom steel fan shroud
Some chromed/polished under hood parts
Braided steel hose covers
Axle and/or ratio may have been changed
Custom aluminum wheels and wider, radial tires (would have had 7-8 inch wide bias ply tires, on 14" or 15" wheels)
Sony digital radio, tape player, and stereo amplifier
Painted red at some point (was originally Rose Beige)
*According to the brochures, XL stood for “extra luxury”.
**As odd as it may seem, the serial number and tag on the door show that this car was optioned with the 405 hp 406, 4 speed manual, and 3.00:1 ratio. As a result, this car was probably originally used for cruising/highway use rather than drag racing (this may have changed at some point, given the current modifications and that the engine has been replaced).
***Stock curb weight, current weight with air conditioning and other modifications is probably closer to 4,350 lb (1,973 kg).
Muscle & Speed / 1960–1979
More from the collection.
1960 Ford Fairlane “The Spaceliner” Custom Concept
1960 Frontenac Falcon Ranchero
1961 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Convertible
1961 Ford Galaxie Club Sedan
1963 Chevrolet Bel Air 5th Gen.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window C2
1963 Chrysler 300 Pace Setter Convertible
1964 Amphicar Model 770
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible
