Restored 63 1/2 Ford Galaxie 500 XL

http://www.helium.com/items/1576195-r-code-ford-galaxie-500

My brother Michael's 1963 1/2 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Fastback which he restored. I photographed this vehicle on several occasions and found a way to Photoshop to better feature it. This daytime photo of the car was superimposed over a night time drag strip shot.

The specs for this car include the R-code 427 cubic inch engine. It has the 4-speed transmission and the heavenly dual 4-barrel gas sucking carburetors to bring 425 horsepower under the hood.

I have written more about this car, even though my brother is tight-lipped about leaking too much info about this particular ride. I anticipate sharing more articles in the near future.

Mike takes his Galaxie to a few local car shows, not seeking to draw more attention than necessary. As I understand, the estimated values associated with this particular car, which are on the rise because of its rarity and growing appreciation by car restorationists, a mid-year produced Galaxie with its R-code engine could fetch 75k at auction or more in prime condition.

Mike came to own this car from someone who kept it stored in a warehouse with a bunch of other restoration projects. Over a period of years, my brother had been aware of the vehicle's existance but did not persist in trying to buy it. After some time and with a renewed desire to restore a vehicle like the one he owned in his younger day, he decided to approach this owner again. Fortunately, it was finally available for sale. I've yet to ask him what he paid. I can't remember if it was a steal or not. The top was demolished by a roof cave-in at the warehouse, bringing down it's value. Could have paid between $6,000 and $9,000. Will have to research those numbers when I meet Michael again.

What I do know is that he painstakingly restored it with the help of some friends, calling in a few favors and putting himself in debt in more ways than just money. The hood was pounded out to perfection. The car was torn apart and inspected and refinished in all original aspects right down to it's new paint. I would like to post more pictures of this vehicle, including interior shots. I just don't know if the interest for more on this car is out there. Eventually, with Mike's permission, I would like to write a feature-length story about his trials and tribulations before getting this muscle car on the road. Though, it rarely leaves the wood-heated garage that he built for it.

Mike also has some interesting stories about the first Galaxie he owned with the 8-pack and a 406, I think (I grew up thinking it was a Mercury Comet). I just remember when I was about seven it was real loud (kinda gurgled and quivered) and I could hold onto the 'oh shit' handle attached in the area around the glove box. We have one lousy blurred photo of him standing next to that old sky blue car that wound up as scrap in some junkyard somewhere.

I thought Mike was going to sell this car after his heart attack last year. Apparently, he has had a standing offer of $125,000. After talking with him toward the end of the year, it seemed more of the talk of him parting with the car may have been started by his wife. I won't comment.

OTHER CARS I've written about:

http://www.helium.com/items/934462-classic-car-reviews-1965-mercury-park-lane-br...

http://www.helium.com/items/934450-automotive-antiques-1959-cadillac-series-62

http://www.helium.com/items/1001398-classic-car-reviews-1969-dodge-dart

http://www.helium.com/items/977944-automotive-antiques-1950-ford-coupe

MORE:
http://www.helium.com/items/365522-criteria-for-establishing-a-selling-price-on-...
http://www.helium.com/items/952268-tips-for-buying-new-or-used-automobiles