1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL 390V8/4-Speed

• 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL 390V8/4-Speed Very early, rare Boxtop; same owner over 40 years! Widely considered the best looking of all the 60's Fords, this '63 is one of the first built, born in Mahwah, Canada in Dec. 1962 as a true 390/4spd. While most '63's are "fastbacks", this is the much rarer T-Bird-styled "boxtop", adding to its uniqueness and to collectors, its appeal. This car was owned and cherished by one owner for over 40 years, who kept the car "over 80% original" and "100% correct" in his careful and meticulous restoration. Down to the detailed engine compartment, lenses, glass, clamps and screws, this car screams original. The motor and transmission were rebuilt, the suspension completely gone through, and the paint, chrome and stainless either restored or preserved as new. A "Y" VIN# car, meaning "export", the car was originally supplied in Canada with a lower compression (8.5 to 1) 390. The Warranty Plate shows the "Z" that confirms a 390 V8.) The long term owner was into performance, so he had a high compression, 40 over block and pistons installed during the rebuild, producing close to 400 horsepower in the process. The rear is the original positraction 3.50 to 1 ratio, and the transmission is the original, highly desirable T-10 4-speed side-loader. Part of the performance equipment includes an extremely rare, vintage, steering column-mounted, Sun instrument package containing the legendary, Sun transistorized electronic tach (same as supplied on the Chevy 409s with its remote sending unit) along with matching oil and temperature gauges. All housed in a special chrome instrument cluster. (This set alone is probably worth $2000+ and adds immeasurably to the coolness of the car. The owner added an easily removable, non-Sun vacuum gauge to the set, which looks so good, I left it in place.) The bright red, bucket seat/console interior is pristine, and sets off beautifully against the gleaming Corinthian White exterior. (All equipment including the 390/4spd is supported by the Warranty Plate codes.) Everything else is magnificent, from the correct, mint Deluxe hubcaps, narrow whitewall tires, to the immaculate trunk with correct spare, jack and side boards, mats, etc. The undercarriage of the car is beautiful, with fresh suspension components, no rust or cover-ups, showing that this car was cared for properly through and through. I don't know if you've ever experienced the difference in driving that a full-sized muscle car delivers, but you owe it to yourself to find out. There is a sensation of smooth luxury combined with high performance that is the essence of the 60's. And, if you're looking for a full-sized muscle car that hauls a crowd and draws one wherever it goes -- a car that you won't see coming and going -- this fine, affordable, big Ford may be a great choice. I predict that the next owner will keep it a very long time, too. It's that unique and terrific a car. Contact David Scott at: 575-838-7047 or E-mail at dlscott96(at)msn.com (NM)