The Galaxie 500XL was introduced in 1962 with a variety of engine and power accessory options. These early generation examples offered horizontal front headlamps, refined...
The Galaxie 500XL was introduced in 1962 with a variety of engine and power accessory options. These early generation examples offered horizontal front headlamps, refined aerodynamics, and upgraded interior appointments to buyers. With the ever-changing pace of vehicle production in the 1960's, this body style lasted only until 1964 making way for a new design, once again, in 1965.
This beautiful 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL convertible comes finished in its original, factory shade of Rose Beige over Rose Beige Pleated Vinyl bucket seat interior with a white convertible top. Equipped with its original, date-code correct 352ci/220hp V8 engine, Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission, center console, factory Ford Selectaire air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, power bucket seats with center console, driver side remote mirror, power convertible top, power windows, Coker American Classic wide whitewall tires, deluxe 3-bar spinner wheel covers, rubber floor mats, and AM radio with rear seat speaker!
It showcases a very sharp cosmetic restoration that included a professional exterior re-spray of the body in 2004 along with replated chrome bumper. The exterior bright work and trim on the car are all original and remain in very good to excellent condition! Everything was removed for the repaint providing a better than factory new appearance, with only the paint still visible on the under-hood surrounds, trunk floor, and door jams remaining factory applied. Inside, the seating upholstery, door panels, dash pad, door sill plates, sun visors, etc. continue to be all original throughout, with the carpet being the only component replaced after the car was repainted. The original convertible top was finally replaced for a new one, along with fresh weather stripping, in June 2023.
Underneath the hood, you will find all original date-coded engine components including intake manifold, 2-barrel carburetor, heads, and exhaust manifolds. Also visible are the correct fender date stamps and a complete VIN stamp located on the cowl. The chassis and body are exceptional! Date-stamped, original body panels throughout, with untouched original pans and perfect panels gaps! The original Car-Lite side window glass fits wonderfully as well. It shows a nicely finished trunk compartment complete with jack, spare tire, and lug wrench; floor mating and tire changing instruction sticker affixed under the deck lid.
This very special Galaxie 500 XL Convertible has been in the same owner's care since his purchase in March 1971 when the car has just 46,000 original miles. It originally sold new on April 21st, 1963 through Suburban Ford based right here in Kirkwood, MO. Always very well cared for and garage kept since new, it remained a virtual time capsule for much of its 53 years with the same owner! Within the last 20k miles, the following has been completed for sake of its age; rebuild front end control arms bushings, all new drum brakes components (drums, shoes, all hardware, & hoses), rebuilt rear leaf springs with new pads, all new shocks, new water pump, completely new exhaust system including exhaust manifolds, rebuild heads with new hardened valve seats, rebuild power steering slave cylinder with new hoses, rebuilt transmission with fresh seals, new rear axle bearings & seals, rebuilt carburetor, and the addition of an upgraded dual master brake cylinder.
The 5-digit odometer reads just 23,465 miles today but be assured it is a well-documented 123k actual mile car. And we feel the car showcases itself exceptionally well! Overall, this is a very solid and drivable collector car that should make for a terrific future investment! Items provided with the sale include original owner's manual, workshop manual, parts catalogs, Ford showroom brochure, spare components and service times, fender cover, car cover, repair receipts, and more. These cars are quickly finding homes overseas, so finding an honest, original, and fully equipped 500XL like this one is quickly becoming hard to do. Please feel free to call with any questions!