1963.5 Ford Galaxie 500XL Sport Hardtop Q-Code

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

On February 24, 1963, Duane “Tiny” Lund captured the Daytona 500 behind the wheel of Ford’s new Galaxie 500XL Sport Hardtop Q-Code. Introduced just a month prior as part as a mid-year “1963½” model, the Galaxie 500 Sport Hardtop (also known as “Sportroof” or “Fastback”) featured a sleek, aerodynamic roof design that improved its performance at NASCAR speedway tracks. This victory was the first of a highly successful season for Ford in which it captured 23 Grand National victories. 

The “Q-Code” designation refers to the “1963½” high-performance “FE” block 427 cubic-inch V8 engine. Engineered to comply with NASCAR rules, this engine was equipped with a single Holley 780 cfm four-barrel carburetor, rated at an impressive 410 horsepower and stout 476 lb-ft of torque. Ford also offered the Sport Hardtop with the similar 425 hp “R-Code” 427 with dual Holley four-barrel carbs, legal for Super Stock drag racing. The four-speed T-10 manual was the only transmission offered with these powerhouses. The Galaxie 500XL was not just about “Super-Torque” power; the “XL” trim level included features like bucket seats, a center console, and added interior and exterior chrome accents.  

It is believed just 4,895 Q-Code Fords were produced in 1963 — this restored, genuine factory Q-Code Galaxie 500XL Sport Hardtop is one of them. 

Highlights 

• Rare original factory 427-powered Galaxie 500XL Sport Hardtop 

• Q-Code 427 cu-in V8 updated to R-Code specs with dual four-barrel carbs 

• Four-speed T-10 manual transmission 

• The chassis number (3A68Q151364) decodes as: 

  • 3 – Model year 1963 

  • A – Atlanta, Georgia, final assembly plant 

  • 68 – Body style two-door Sport Hardtop 

  • Q – 427 cu-in V8 with four-barrel carburetor, high performance engine 

  • 151364 – Production sequence number 

Features 

• The body tag decodes as: 

  • Body: 63C – Galaxie 500XL Sport Hardtop body style 

  • Color: IM – Champagne and Corinthian White paint (now Rangoon Red) 

  • Trim: 88 – Light Gold diamond luster vinyl upholstery (now black) 

  • Date: 01D – 1 April build date 

  • DSO: 24 – Jacksonville, Florida, sales district 

  • Axle: 5 – 3.50:1 rear axle 

  • Trans: 5 – Four-speed manual transmission 

• American Classic P215/75R15 whitewall tires  

• Original full stainless hubcaps with spinners  

• AM/FM radio with reverb unit for rear speaker 

• Column-mounted Sun tachometer 

• Stewart-Warner oil pressure gauge 

• Dual-point distributor 

Known Imperfections 

• This 1963½ Ford Galaxie 500XL Sport Hardtop Q-Code is presented as a finely restored example and is said to be free from any substantial imperfections 

Included 

• Original Q-Code carburetor, intake manifold, and air cleaner 

• Matching spare tire

• Factory jack and lug wrench

 Ownership History 

This 1963 Q-Code Galaxie 500XL Sport Hardtop is said to have been refurbished in 2015 by the previous owner and was acquired by the consignor from California in 2017. The Galaxie was scheduled to be built at the Atlanta plant around 1 April 1963 and was finished in Champagne with a Corinthian White top over a Light Gold vinyl interior. It has been resprayed with two-part paint in Ford’s popular Rangoon Red and reupholstered with a black “crush grain” vinyl bucket seat interior. The engine is said to have been balanced, blueprinted, and rebuilt with ported and polished cylinder heads and a new exhaust system. R-Code intake manifold, carburetors, and air cleaner were added, but correct Q-Code components are included in the sale. The transmission is said to have been rebuilt, the flywheel resurfaced, and the clutch, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing were replaced. The previous owner also installed new brakes, suspension bushings, and shocks. The AM/FM radio was also rebuilt.

The current owner states he has added about 300 miles to the Galaxie since acquiring it, and reports, “I was a former Ford Lincoln Mercury dealer and personally maintained this car. This included oil change, winterizing, and packing wheel bearings. Vehicle only required general maintenance. The car was in great condition when purchased. Window stainless trim in excellent condition, window glass is clear and paint is excellent. Excellent factory chrome bumpers and body side moldings. Seats have no tears or holes and are in great condition. I use Valvoline VR1 racing oil, 10W-30. I see no signs of traction bars, rear suspension shows to be just as it left the factory. Two brand new carburetors were also installed by me. The Galaxie was driven to monthly car shows on the downtown square which accounts for the low mileage.”

Additional Notes 

This car is registered in a state that does not issue titles for vehicles of its age. It is being sold on its Alabama registration document.