Specifications:
425bhp, 427 cu. in. five main bearing V8 engine, dual four-barrel carburetors, four-speed Hurst manual shift transmission, heavy duty springs and shocks,four-wheel drum brakes.
Wheelbase: 119"" In 1963, Ford was about to become the performance king both on the track and in the showroom with its legendary R-Code dual quad 425hp version of the 427 cubic inch V8 engine available in its Thunderbirds, Galaxies and Fairlanes. The top of the line 500 models were reportedly named after the 500 mile stock car races in which the Galaxies competed.The 500 models were more richly trimmed, with ornate full-length upper and lower body moldings and chromed A-post and window moldings. There were also two horizontal chrome strips along the sides of the car and between these trim pieces, and on the rear fender near the taillights were six cast, vent-like "hash" marks.The new Galaxie models bore very distinctive styling, yet they have aged gracefully. These large Fords have gone on to become favorites with collectors, but the most sought after are the rare, high performance "Lightweight" models. You could order Ford's completely revised, full-size Galaxie XL500 powered by a 427 cubic inch V8 for the street. Essentially a bored and stroked 406, this was the most powerful engine Ford had ever offered. It reflected Ford's commitment to selling cars through its quickly emerging racing programs.You could order two versions of the 427 in 1963. The single four-barrel version was rated at 410hp, while the dual quad 427 – like the example offered here – pumped out an astounding 425hp. The 1963 1/2 two door, fastback styling was based on Ford's newest NASCAR efforts and proved to be an instant sales success. The term "fastback" is perhaps somewhat misleading, but the adoption of this sport roof for NASCAR competition resulted in speeds in excess of 160mph with 100 less horsepower.In 1963 Ford built 4,978 Galaxie 427 cars. If you really wanted to go fast, though, an S/S drag racing kit with lightweight body parts was available. Ultimately, just 50 Galaxies would be built to this specification, all in Ford's Atlanta, Georgia assembly plant. They looked identical to the standard car, but the doors, trunk lid, and front fenders were fiberglass, while the bumpers were aluminum. Interiors were kept to a minimum and there was no sound deadening.The rocketship-like performance of these lightweight Galaxies was quickly proven at the Riverside 500 in January. Quarter mile racing times in the 12 second range at nearly 120mph were common.The 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL Factory Lightweight is a pristine example that has benefited from a comprehensive restoration to original specifications. It is finished in white with a red interior – the only combination available.The earliest known owner of the Galaxie was a gentleman by the name of Carlton Clay of Jonesboro, GA. He sold it for $500 in 1978 to Mr. Jackie Jones who had it restored by Donald Allan in Clarksville, GA. In 1983, Floyd Garret, owner of the Muscle Car Museum in Sevierville, TN, acquired the Ford. In the late 1980s, Tommy Brooks bought the car and in turn sold it to the legendary Reggie Jackson in 1989. The current owner of the Ford purchased the vehicle from Reggie Jackson through RM's Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction in 2005.With the tremendous strength of the muscle car market, these factory lightweights stand alone as serious, factory prepared race cars. With low production and high performance, they are the blue chip cars in today's market. They were built to defend the honor of the blue oval – which they did, both on the track and the street, where they easily embarrassed unsuspecting bow tie fans."