Few cars capture the spirit of American touring like this 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL. This California-based convertible has remained with its current owner for over three decades. It served as a faithful daily driver before undergoing a thoughtful custom refurbishment. The result is a full-size cruiser that looks sharp and handles modern roads with ease.
Vibrant Aesthetic and Open Top Refinement
The owner chose to take the body down to bare metal during the restoration. They swapped the factory Heritage Burgundy for a much brighter, eye-catching red shade. A premium black Haartz soft top provides a sophisticated contrast to the new paintwork. The powered top system received a replacement pump to ensure smooth operation every time. Polished trim and classic lines give this drop-top an undeniable presence.
Chassis Tuning and Wheel Selection
This big Ford sits significantly lower than stock thanks to blocks and cut coils. It rolls on 15-inch American Racing wheels that fit the car’s custom personality. Staggered BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires provide a muscular look and plenty of grip. Power steering makes navigating tight spaces effortless despite the car’s substantial footprint. Front disc brakes were added to provide modern stopping confidence during highway speeds.
Customized Interior with Modern Comforts
The cabin was completely redone to offer a luxurious environment for long-distance travel. Black bucket seats flank a factory console that houses the automatic gear selector. Vintage Air climate control was integrated to keep passengers cool during warm summer afternoons. While the dash retains its original push-button radio, it now serves as a vintage ornament. A modern Pioneer sound system remains hidden to preserve the car’s classic interior flow.
Hidden Audio and Trunk Details
The trunk contains a 10-disc CD changer and hidden speakers for high-fidelity audio. This clever installation allows for modern entertainment without altering the 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL dash. The steering wheel was wrapped to provide a better grip for the driver. Though the odometer shows 15k miles, the owner has added roughly 76k since 1991. These miles reflect a life of consistent use and mechanical care.
Engine Performance and Drivetrain Specs
The original 352ci V8 was professionally modified to displace 390 cubic inches. It features a Holley four-barrel carburetor and an Edelbrock intake manifold for better breathing. Cast-iron “shorty” manifolds and a dual exhaust system provide a deep, resonant V8 tone. Power travels through a Cruise-o-Matic transmission equipped with an auxiliary cooling system. A narrowed rear end with Dutchman axles ensures the drivetrain can handle the increased torque.
Summary of the California Cruiser
This 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL is more than just a restored classic. It is a deeply personal vehicle that has been refined over thirty-five years of ownership. The combination of a stroker V8 and modern air conditioning makes it a perfect weekend getaway car. It honors the original Ford design while incorporating the upgrades necessary for today’s driving. This convertible is ready for many more miles of open-air enjoyment.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
