1963 1/2 Ford Galaxie 500 - 2 door Hardtop Fastback - 36k original miles!

Description

Up for sale is my 1963 ½ Ford Galaxie 500 2 door Hardtop Fastback with only 36,219 original miles! What makes it a ½ year car you ask -- The fastback roofline was introduced in mid-63 model to improve performance of these cars on the Nascar circuit. While this one was never a race car, it shares the same heritage of those cars.

I have owned this car for 15 years, and while I hate to see it go, I need to thin the herd a bit. I am the third owner of the car, but know the full history of the car.

Car was built in the Lousiville, KY plant. As VIN indicates, it is a 2 door hardtop fastback that came with the 289 2 barrel V8, and was car #48,411 to roll off the factory floor. Indicated by body plate number, the paint code was Silver Moss Iridescent with Corinthian White roof, rear axle ratio of 3.25:1, with a 2 speed Fordomatic transmission. Compare the pictures against these specs and you’ll see they match identically.

Car was originally purchased on May 2, 1963 by Ms. Helen Groves of Plainville Indiana. The only options she added were an AM/FM radio (yes, FM was an option), wire wheel hub caps, and a remote control mirror on the drivers side. I have the original Certificate of Title issued by the State of Indiana. Ms. Groves never married and was the proverbial little old lady that drove this car to church and the grocery market in the little town near French Lick, Indiana. She always garaged the car, and I was told that she was scared to drive in the winter, so the car was never driven in the snow and avoided the salt treated roads as a result. When Ms. Groves moved to a retirement home, she could no longer keep her beloved Galaxie. She sold the car to her car insurance agent, and some years later, he is who I purchased the car from. He knew Ms. Groves and the car well and knew beyond the shadow of a doubt the mileage is original. There is even an original engine oil change sticker on the driver’s door pillar where the oil was changed in 1977, and the car was due for its next oil change at 18,036 miles.

Car is still completely original, including paint, interior, engine and transmission, and did I mention the car has 36,219 original miles!

The body is in immaculate condition. The undercarriage still has the original undercoating on the majority of the car and the floor and trunk pans are as solid as the day it was built. Frame is rock solid. All the panels on the car are straight with some minor scraps in the paint as the only damage. Original trunk lining and mat are still in the car. Bottom of rear quarters show a tiny bit of surface rust that only visible if you’re lying on the ground, but it’s not even pitted. On the cowl, near the hood springs, there is some rust pitting that is just starting to get to the point where it should be addressed before it gets any worse. See the pictures.

The engine purrs like a kitten with no strange noises or oil smoke. Pump the gas a few times, hit the key and it fires right up. I have a video of the car starting and walk around. The valve seals were replaced right before I purchased the car. The original 2 speed FordoMatic transmission was rebuilt 2 years ago by Hardshift transmissions in Johnstown Ohio. The car runs, drives and stops as it should. The 289 pushes the car along comfortably and she will cruise at 70 mph all day long. I’ve taken this car on multiple trips and it has always behaved well with no issues. Brakes have been gone through and stop the car as they should. Wheel cylinders, drums, pads and brake lines have all been replaced approximately 5 years ago. Heater core started leaking on it, so it has been bypassed as I haven’t got around to replacing it. Tires were replaced and have tons of tread on them yet.

The paint is showing its age, but hey it is 55 years old. It is thin in spots and if you look close at the pictures, you’ll see it’s been rubbed through on some of the ridges. While the paint is faded in spots, I could never bring myself to repaint it as it’s only original once.

Interior is completely original. There had been a tear in the seam on the driver’s side seat back, and it has been sewn. Original vinyl and cloth interior is in excellent condition, as are the door panels and roof liner. The carpet is worn thin in spots and the original rubber floor mats are cracked, but again, its 55 years old.

All glass is in perfect condition. The stainless and chrome are all presentable with no major dings or dents. Cleaned up, the car presents itself very well.

The car is an honest original that is a very good driver. It’s not a trailer or show queen, but it was won several trophies due to its originality. You are welcome to come inspect the car as I have nothing to hide.

Included with the car is the original Certificate of Title, owner’s manual, and whatever other paperwork I have for the car that I’ve forgotten about. Clear Ohio title in my name.

Car is sold as is, where is. Buyer is responsible for any shipping arrangements/costs, but I am happy to help load the car.

All payments must clear my bank before the car leaves my possession.

Please ask any and all questions prior to bidding.

On Feb-18-18 at 12:14:03 PST, seller added the following information:

Forgot to mention that the car does have power steering. I forgot to include that in the option list.

On Feb-19-18 at 06:47:33 PST, seller added the following information:

I guess i'm getting forgetful... here's some more information on the car. When I got the car, I replaced parts that were worn from age in the front-end. Stabilizer bar bushings, shocks, rebuilt the power steering unit assembly, changed out tie rods and center control arm with NOS parts.
Also, I reserve the right to end the auction since i have the car listed for sale locally as well. There is good interest in the car.

On Feb-19-18 at 08:39:07 PST, seller added the following information:

I always enjoy learning from other folks on here. A gentlemen questioned if the Fordomatic was a three speed or two speed since he had never heard of a 2 speed behind a V8. Below is some more information about the transmission and why I am certain what the transmission is.
1. When I had the transmission rebuilt, we discovered that it has an aluminum case. The transmission shop had a hell of a time deciphering what the transmission was, and through research found that it is indeed a 2 speed transmission. According to this article from Hemmings (https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hmn/2013/04/Ford-O-Matic-Transmission/3724601.html), "Developed as a three-speed automatic, the Ford-O-Matic used a cast-iron case and would normally be started in second gear. For this reason, you often see the Ford-O-Matic referred to as a two-speed, although the only actual two-speed units were produced from 1959-'64, and they had aluminum cases." When the transmission was rebuilt, we found one other aluminum cased core, and it was incredibly expensive, so we decided to stick with the original. The labor involved in cleaning up the oxidation was extensive, but successful.
2. The second reason I believe this is correct is that if you decode the body plate data, which is one of the pictures, you will see the transmission code is 3. If you then go to a VIN decoder such as http://www.tpocr.com/fordbp3.html, and look at the transmission code which is the last digit, a 3 digit in the transmission indicates a 2 speed FordoMatic.
Since it is a true 2 speed aluminum case transmission, that makes this a VERY rare build.