1963 FORD “R­-CODE” GALAXIE 500XL 2­DR FASTBACK HARDTOP
Designer: Joe Oros

Estimate: $70,000 - ­ $85,000

Chassis Number: 3U68R172672
Decoded: 3=1963; U=Louisville, KY assembly plant; 68=Galaxie 500XL fastback hardtop;
R=427 cid 8V intake V8; 172672=72,672nd 1963 Ford scheduled for production at Louisville
Engine: 427 cid OHV V8
2 x 4­barrel Carburetors / 425 bhp
4­-Speed Manual Transmission
Heavy-­Duty Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Mileage: 4,778

● Factory “R­Code” 427 V8
● Authentic Restoration with Factory Correct Parts
● Properly Appointed Performance Car

The Model: Ford’s “Total Performance” program hit its Zenith in early 1963 when the mighty 427 V8 was released. Available in two flavors, a 410 HP unit equipped with a single 4­barrel and was the favorite on the NASCAR circuit, while those wanting to go fast in a straight line chose the 425 HP unit, identified by the letter “R” in the VIN. This engine had a pair of Holley four-barrel carbs thirsty for action and came with special features such as heavy-­duty suspension and brakes from Ford’s station wagons, plus 15” special wheels. But you couldn’t order power robbing accessories like power steering or brakes, and especially no air­-conditioning. The new Ford “top­loader” 4­speed was the only transmission available but you did have a choice of rear axles from the street friendly 3.50 ratio up to the tall and scary 4.11’s. These were machines meant for one thing, to go fast.

The Car: Finished in Rangoon Red, it’s well known in Ford circles, being quite unusual in that it’s a 500XL as most hi­performance 427’s were placed in the lower priced Galaxie 500 or even more basic Ford 300 sedans. Red inside and out, it’s a pretty picture that has all the right stuff including proper cast­-iron headers, dual-­point distributor, aluminum intake manifold, as well as those special 15” wheels with the unique wheel covers adorned with simulated knock­offs. Little details, like the re­routed brake lines and lack of any power equipment helps establish this car’s provenance. Showing under 4,800 miles, it is believed these are original to the car, despite the complete restoration this hardtop received in the early 1990’s. It appears to have seen some exciting road use but has not been misused or abused. The only non­essential amenity it has is the push-­button AM radio to tune into those golden oldies.