Time-Capsule ’63 Ford Galaxie Is the Rare High-Performance R-Code

With a 425-horsepower engine and 4.10 rear end, any ’63 Galaxie wearing the gold “427” fender emblems was a race car, pure and simple. They were driven hard, and broken parts were replaced with no regard for future “matching-numbers” collectability. That makes finding an unrestored 427-powered Galaxie 500, like the one recently for sale on eBay, a rare thing.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Mid-Year One-Two Punch

Collectors know these special Galaxies as 1963-1/2 models due to their introduction in February of that year. At the time, Ford sought domination on NASCAR tracks and made two major changes to the Galaxie to make it happen. One step was to improve its aerodynamics with the semi-fastback Sports Hardtop body style.

The other was to increase engine output by enlarging its FE-series engine to 427 cubic inches. With dual Holley carburetors, an aluminum intake manifold, 11.5:1 compression, and a high-lift camshaft, the Thunderbird High Performance V-8 made 425 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. An “R” in the Galaxie’s VIN designated this engine choice.

The one-two punch of a sleek body and powerful engine helped Ford score 23 NASCAR victories in 1963, including first through fifth finishing positions at that year’s Daytona 500.

Bought One in June 1963

This ’63 Galaxie’s seller is confident in describing the car as original and unrestored because he owned a brand-new one just like it. He said:

I bought one identical to this in June 1963, and I did drag race that one. After I got rid of it, I wanted to get another one, but I wanted one that was all original. Looking at this one as I have, I can emphatically say it’s never officially been drag-raced. There are certain things you must do, suspension-wise, if you’re going to drag race these, and this one has never been touched.

In his opinion, the drivetrain is just as it left Ford’s Minneapolis assembly line:

That’s another thing I was looking for. Because I had a brand-new one, I knew exactly the way they came from Ford.

No Rust

The Galaxie shows 44,600 miles on the odometer and was well cared for through four owners. The seller said there are a few cracks in the paint on the fender tops, but he added:

The fenders shine just like the rest of it. There is no rust in the car—none whatsoever. And I can tell it’s never been driven on gravel or dirt roads because the rocker panels would be all dinged up, and they’re not. They’re perfect. The car really speaks for itself.

Rare Color

The ’63 Galaxie’s two-tone gray and white upholstery is a rare color combination. The seller describes the interior as being in excellent condition, with some wear visible on the driver-side door panel. He advises potential buyers that this is a car with no power accessories. He said:

People ask why it doesn’t have power steering or power brakes. You could not get those on a 1963-1/2 R-code. And as far as the 4.10 gear ratio, that’s the way they came. You didn’t have an option.

Ford coined the “Total Performance” tagline in 1963. A brute like this R-Code ’63 Galaxie 500 is the very embodiment of that no-holds-barred philosophy.