1963 ford galaxie 500 xl

The Ford Galaxie was built by Ford beginning in 1959 through to 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. For 1962, all full-size Fords wore the Galaxie badge, with "500" and "500/XL" denoting the higher series.

In early 1962, Ford was the only low-priced marque that didn't offer an engine larger than 400 cubic inches. Compared to the 421-cube Pontiacs, 413 Plymouths and Dodges that were the size of Ford's own midsize Fairlanes, and even the 409 Chevys, Ford's largest offering was 390 cubes. Never mind that the six-barrel "Thunderbird Special" 390 was rated at 401 gross ponies--well above the marketing-magic one-horsepower-per-cubic-inch.

For 1962, Ford launched its 406-cubic-inch V-8 as a racing homologation special; it used the 390's 3.785-inch stroke, but bored things out .080, to 4.13 inches. Two versions were available: the four-barrel version offering 385 horsepower, and the tri-power variant was rated at 405 horsepower. Both variants featured 11.4:1 compression, cast headers, and a low-restriction dual exhaust.

The 406 was also available in the Galaxie 500XL. The XL was a mid-year launch, and mainly consisted of a sporty new interior, including vinyl-clad bucket seats, lights in the door panel, and a console with floor shifter. The new equipment weighed just nine pounds more than what it replaced, but cost a $325 premium over the garden-variety Galaxie 500.

On the street, either 406 would see quarter-mile times in the low 15-second range, but it wasn't outright speed that the Ford had on its side: The Galaxie 500XL was stealthy. The new-for-'62 Galaxie styling looked more or less the same up and down the line: an all-new, fairly slab-sided body, a formal roofline on the models that had fixed roofs, and models easily delineated by trim. Ford was on a tear, styling-wise: Though still considered to be more conservative than the competition, 1962 also saw the fourth complete restyling of the full-size line in as many years.

This particular example is a pristine Galaxie 500XL 2-door Coupe with low miles and a beautiful restoration. The car started life as the 390 CID model and the larger and more powerful 406 CID engine with 304HP at the rear wheels and 385 lbs ft of torque and the famous tri-power carb setup was installed by a previous owner during the restoration. It retains the sturdy 3-speed automatic transmission and is believed to have only 123K original miles. It features the desirable black vinyl fastback roof, a stunning red interior with the center console and modern Accel ignition to keep it running perfectly. It has the correct type blackwall bias-ply tires and standard hub caps, The chrome and glass are all very nice. It has over $12K of reciepts and drives like a new car. It is a true street sleeper that is great fun for cruise-ins, Cars and Coffee’s and general weekend fun! Available to inspect in Seattle by appointment.