425 bhp, 427 cu. in. overhead valve V-8 engine, dual four-barrel Holley carburetors, four-speed manual transmission, wishbone front suspension with live rear axle and heavy-duty springs, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 119 in.

• Top-of-the-line 427/425 ‘R-code’ V-8

• Very rare and desirable 500XL convertible

• Beautiful and authentic restoration

Back in 1963, Ford was about to become the performance king both on the track and in the showroom, with its legendary 425 horsepower, 427-cubic inch big block V-8 with dual four-barrel carburetors available in its Thunderbirds, Galaxies, and Fairlanes. Of the cars fitted with the new powerplant, it was Ford’s full size Galaxie 500XL that stole the show. Appearing as a 1963½ model, the 500XL was based on Ford’s newest NASCAR efforts and proved to be an instant sales success.

Ford built 18,551 Galaxie 500XLs in 1963, but fewer than 100 had the R-code engine. It was only available with a four-speed manual transmission, and as few as 10 were sold in convertible form. Produced at the Chicago, Illinois, assembly plant on March 15, 1963, this lot includes all R-code equipment, including larger brakes, 15-inch steel wheels, a special exhaust, and heavy-duty springs. Wheels are trimmed with the unique spinner wheel covers that only came with the big-block high-output packages. All of the power functions are in working order, from the power-operated top to the transistorized pushbutton radio.

The recipient of a complete restoration, the car is finished in Corinthian White with a white convertible top that richly contrasts with the brilliant blue vinyl bucket seat interior. The bodywork is straight, and the sheet metal components align as well as the day the car was manufactured. The top-of-the-line 427/425 R-code V-8 is correct as well, though not original to this car. Very rare, this 500XL convertible has been well maintained and retains all of the hard-to-find authentic elements that solidifies the car’s value and desirability. “Total Performance” was Ford’s marketing theme during this period; this could be the car that the company had in mind when the phrase was coined.