Investment Grade Galaxie 500 Fastback R Code 427/425 Dual Quad V8 4 Speed

SUMMARY

* Authentic R-code Galaxie 500 Sports Hardtop
* Frame-off restoration completed in 2015 / Restoration conducted by Galaxie expert Donald Allen
* Correct 427 cubic inch FE V8 / Correct dual-quad carburetion
* Correct Borg Warner T10 4-speed manual transmission
* All-original sheetmetal / Correct Raven Black paint
* Correct Red crush vinyl interior
* Correct Ford 9-inch rear axle
* 15-inch Kelsey Hayes wheels

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Sleek, intimidating and authentic to the code “R”, this ominous Ford fastback is the kind of ride you always wished your dad would pick up to replace the family's stodgy 4-door. Instead of an economical inline six, it has a top option, 427 cubic inch FE V8. Instead of a boring automatic slush box, it has a tough Borg Warner T-10 4-speed. And today, thanks to a fresh restoration that was conducted by Galaxie expert Donald Allen, it's fully sorted and ready to prowl the pavement! After years of being almost completely overlooked, these stylish Fords have developed a strong following of diehard car enthusiasts who share a deep appreciation for performance and innovation. And if you're the kind of classic car enthusiast who enjoys an acute mix of full-size muscle, carefree cruising and plenty of elbow room, it's time to join the crowd!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Dearborn introduced the 1963.5 Galaxie 500 Sports Hardtop, the industry's first .5-year model, for the sole purpose of making their full-size entrants more competitive at the race track. Not only did the model's newfound aerodynamic prowess allow Ford racers more success, it also gave production units a more substantial appearance that handily outsold the marque's traditional 'boxtop' offering. Believed to be a 3-owner car, this sinister fastback's major-league appeal is founded on original sheetmetal that was stripped, completely disassembled and thoroughly worked by Clarksville, Georgia's Donald Allen. When that metal displayed excellent alignment, correct Raven Black 2-stage was teased to a buttery, show worthy shine. When the buffers stopped, that deep pigment was fitted with a number of correct details, including fresh brightwork, factory-tint glass, FoMoCo lighting and an ornate driver's mirror. And presently, this high quality full-size rolls as timeless American muscle that's so striking it makes people stop and stare!

ENGINE

An authentic R-code stoplight slayer, this big coupe draws motivation from a correct, 427 cubic inch FE V8. Factory-rated at 425 horsepower, the Jet Black mill is dominated by a finned Thunderbird air cleaner and big Holley carburetors, which are wedded to a correct aluminum intake and clean stainless fluid lines. At the front of that intake, a traditional points distributor sequences spark between a FoMoCo coil and fresh Radio Resistance wires. At the sides of that distributor, polished valve covers hang correct Thunderbird decals above restored, header-style exhaust manifolds. Cooling is provided by a shrouded and tanked radiator, which cycles water through pliable FoMoCo hoses and old school tower clamps. And, aesthetically, the car's tagged and decaled engine bay looks good enough to show off to anyone, with monochromatic fenders perfectly framing high quality ancillary hardware that includes rebuilt horns, a reproduction battery and a vintage AC fuel pump.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Bottom-side, solid, over-sprayed floors back a beefy frame that was stripped and fully detailed during the car's extensive restoration. The 427 transmits torque to a correct Borg Warner T-10 4-speed that, with the flick of a wrist, transforms a would be boulevard cruiser into a drag strip battle ship. Behind that gearbox, a correctly marked driveshaft spins a rebuilt Ford 9-inch that's poised to supply its new owner with years of hard launches. At the front of the car, old school manual steering mixes surprisingly tight turns with weighted feedback. At the center of the car, a free-flowing, true-dual exhaust system hangs an H-shaped crossover in front of throaty turbo mufflers. And at the corners of the car, 7.10-15 Firestone Deluxe Champion blackwalls frame Kelsey Hayes steelies, Ford 'dog dish' hub caps and big drum brakes.

INTERIOR

One of the best virtues of this Ford is its purpose-built interior. It's a pretty basic set-up that was designed to swiftly shuttle occupants from point A to point B -- major emphasis on the “swiftly”. At the center of the car, correct Red crush benches are the perfect place for you and your family to spend sunny afternoons pounding the pavement. In front of those seats, a freshly finished dash hangs ornate gauges between a chrome-trimmed steering wheel, a vintage AM radio and a vintage electric clock. Below that dash, color-keyed floor mats protect like-new carpet, which frames a curved, chrome shifter. Opposite that shifter, a white headliner backs an ornate rearview mirror. At the sides of that headliner, stainless-trimmed door panels hang bright chrome handles above sculpted armrests. And behind the cockpit, a nicely finished trunk founds a new mat under a full-size spare tire.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

To illustrate the authenticity of this Galaxie's current form, I'll go ahead and break down both its VIN and Data Plate:

VIN: 3E66R207297

* 3: 1963 model year
* E: Assembled in Mahwah, New Jersey
* 66: Galaxie 500 2-door hardtop fastback
* R: 427 cubic inch high performance V8 that's fitted with two 4-barrel carburetors
* 207297: Production sequence number

DATA PLATE

* 63B: Galaxie 500 2-door hardtop fastback
* A: Raven Black paint
* 95: Red crush vinyl trim
* 29D: Manufactured on April 29th, 1963
* 13: New York DSO
* 9: 4.11 gears
* 5: 4-speed manual transmission

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OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

* A vintage sales brochure
* A vintage Buyer's Digest
* An original Owner's Manual
* A few restoration photos
* An information card

A scant fraction of first year Galaxie fastbacks were powered by 427/4-speed drivetrains, and I'm willing to bet that even fewer were equipped with killer black-on-red aesthetics. Add in all-original sheetmetal that's been thoroughly massaged by one of the hobby's premier Galaxie experts and you have a stellar classic that'll draw crowds at just about any show you choose to attend. If you're looking for a stylish, comfortable and reliable piece that commands a lot of respect on the highway, and feels right at home at the show, this hot coupe is your hot ticket!