1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL convertible. See more pictures of classic cars.
Numerous drivetrain options were available from the start, including a four-speed manual transmission and up to 425 bhp. At mid-season 1963, the XL hardtop gained a sloping semi-fastback roofline (shared with equivalent Mercury's), and a four-door version was added. For 1964, styling was more sculptured and busier than the straight-lined 1962-63 models.
The 500 was de-emphasized as a performance car after Ford's winningest NASCAR year ever, 1965, in which the division's full-size cars cleaned up on the super tracks against smaller, lighter intermediate competition. However, the XL remained part of the Ford line through 1970, though engines were progressively detuned to comply with federal emissions mandates.
Quality control was a strong point on these cars, particularly the 1964s.
Pluses of the 1962-1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL:
- Historical interest
- Luxury
- Refinement
- Race image rub-off
- Robust construction
- Straight-line performance
Minuses of the 1962-1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL:
- A handful in corners
- Fuelishness
Production of the 1962 Ford Galaxie 500XL:
- 2-door hardtop: 28,412
- Convertible: 13,183
Production of the 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL:
- 2-door hardtop: 134,370
- Convertible: 29,713
- 4-door hardtop: 39,154 (includes non-XL Galaxie 500s)
Production of the 1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL:
- 2-door hardtop: 58,306
- Convertible: 15,169
- 4-door hardtop: 14,661
- 1 Including non-XL Galaxie 500s
Specifications of the 1962-1964
Ford Galaxie 500XL:
Wheelbase, inches: 119.0
Length, inches: 209.0/210.0 (1962-1963/1964)
Weight, pounds: 3,672-3,722
Price, new: $2,268-$3,495 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1962-1964
Ford Galaxie 500XL:
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| ohv V-8 | 289 cid | 195 | 1963 |
| ohv V-8 | 292 cid | 170 | 1962 |
| ohv V-8 | 352 cid | 220 | 1962-1964 |
| ohv V-8 | 390 cid | 300/330 | 1962-1964 |
| ohv V-8 | 406 cid | 385/405 | 1962 |
| ohv V-8 | 427 cid | 410/425 | 1963-1964 |
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