1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL Hardtop R-Code 427 4-Speed

Description

“XL stands for extra lively,” according to the 1963 Galaxie brochure. And in the case of the 427-powered R-code, Ford wasn’t kidding.

A popular model in Ford’s full-size lineup, the Galaxie’s 119-inch wheelbase made it comfortable. Its 210-inch, chrome-accented body made it stylish. And the up-level 500 XL trim — featuring bucket seats, supple vinyl trim, a console, and power and convenience options — made it luxurious. But it would take Henry Ford II’s desire to turn the Blue Oval into a performance leader to make the Galaxie brutally powerful: enter the R-code 427.

Ford would take advantage of NASCAR’s and the NHRA’s 7.0-liter displacement limit by boring its FE engine block out to 427 cubes. Combined with a beefy rotating assembly, a big cam, high-flow heads, high compression, and dual carbs, this nasty V8 pumped out a whopping 425 horses and 480 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a stout four-speed manual transmission and a heavy-duty suspension, this 427-powered Ford held its own against full-size brawlers with names like 409 and 421.

This Galaxie 500 XL survived those furious horsepower wars to be restored and refinished in black in 1995, and it is one of only 3,857 R-codes to be built in 1963.

Highlights 

• Rare, powerful R-Code Galaxie 500 XL 

• Replacement 1965 427 cu-in R-code V8 with 4 J 16 casting date rated at 425 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque 

• Correct dual-carb aluminum intake with 3 L C November 1963 casting date 

• Dual Holley four-barrel carburetors and aluminum Ford air cleaner with correct 427 emblem 

• Replacement 1965 R-code four-speed T-10 manual transmission with H 20 4 casting date  

• Detroit Locker rear end with factory 3.50 gears 

• Refinished in black (originally Corinthian White) with (85) Red vinyl upholstery   

• The chassis number (3A68R154304) decodes as: 

  • 3 – 1963 

  • A – Atlanta, Georgia assembly plant 

  • 68 – Galaxie 500 XL two-door hardtop 

  • R – High-performance 427 cu-in dual four-barrel V8 

  • 154304 – Sequential production number   

• The trim tag decodes as: 

  • 63C –  Galaxie 500 XL two-door hardtop 

  • M – Corinthian White paint (now black) 

  • 85 – Red vinyl upholstery 

  • 10D – April 10, 1963 production date 

  • 21 – Atlanta, Georgia sales district 

  • 5 – Four-speed manual transmission  

  • 5 – 3.50 rear axle 

Features 

• R-code 427 V8 includes: 

  • Oversquare 4.23-inch bore, 3.78-inch stroke design for high-rpm performance 

  • Cross-bolted main bearing caps 

  • Steel connecting rods 

  • Solid-lifter camshaft 

  • High-flow heads with 2.04-inch intake, 1.66-inch exhaust valves 

  • 11.5:1 compression 

  • Low-rise aluminum intake manifold 

  • Dual Holley 650 four-barrel carburetors   

• 17-inch Torq-Thrust wheels wearing 225/60R17 front, 275/55R17 rear Michelin tires 

• Four-wheel drum brakes 

• A arms with coil springs front, leaf spring rear suspension 

• Correct long cast-iron Ford tuned exhaust manifolds with dual exhaust and new flow-through mufflers 

• 120-mph speedometer, coolant temp, and fuel level gauges, with rebuilt/recalibrated 8,000-rpm Rotunda tachometer 

• Correct Ford four-speed shifter with pull-up wings for reverse 

• Radio re-engineered with internal conversion to AM/FM 

• Glovebox door signed by Ford engineer Bill Holbrook, Ford drag racers Dick Brannan and Bob Ford, and more 

Known Imperfections 

• Some imperfections on the front bumper chrome 

• Some carpet wear around the gas pedal mount

Included 

• Keys 

• Original owner’s manuals 

• Appraisal report 

• Restoration photos in binder 

Ownership History

The consignor states, "I have owned this 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL R-Code for the past few years, and during that time I’ve come to believe it may have early race history. The most compelling evidence is the glovebox door, which is signed by key figures in Ford’s 1960s racing program, including engineer Bill Holbrook, Ford drag racers Dick Brannan and Bob Ford, among others. Their connection to this car reinforces the possibility of its involvement in competition." "The engine and gearbox were replaced very early in the car’s life, which may have been the result of performance use, as these powerful R-Code motors often required significant maintenance when driven hard. Its original white exterior with red interior is also noteworthy, as this was the same color combination used on Ford’s factory race cars of the period." "While the car’s full history cannot be documented with certainty, the evidence suggests that it may have been part of Ford’s performance and racing efforts during the golden era of racing."