1963 Ford Galaxie 500

If speed is your thing, you’ll love Bill’s 1963 Galaxie—a true wolf in wolf’s clothing. Powered by a beastly 427-cubic-inch Ford Big Block, this machine puts out over 500 HP on 100-octane fuel, yet remains surprisingly streetable.

Fuel and air are delivered through dual 600 CFM Holley carburetors mounted on a factory Ford Performance 427 intake manifold. Crites headers channel the roar through a pair of Flowmaster mufflers, though they do little to tame the beast. For special occasions, Bill’s Doug Thorley electric cutouts let this monster’s full power be heard.

The air cleaner is a Ford Lightweight Air Induction system, drawing cool air from the inner headlight intakes to maximize torque. The setup is simple and effective, with clean plumbing and no-nonsense wiring. Cooling is handled by a Howe aluminum crossflow radiator with a shroud and a 7-blade fan—essential for red lights that stand between Bill and the open road.

For engine geeks, here’s the breakdown:

• Standard-bore Big Block with a Cobra Jet crank and CJ rods.
• Lunati solid lifter cam 525 lift, 290 duration, 108 lobe centers).
• 1963 Ford factory racing heads with 2.09-1.66 valves and Comp Cams roller rockers.

All that power feeds a Ford Top Loader big-spline 4-speed transmission with a Hurst shifter. The nodular Ford differential, fitted with 3.91 gears and a Detroit Locker, transfers power to Moser 31-spline axles (narrowed 1” on each side for wider tires). The car sits on American Racing wheels with BF Goodrich tires—225/75R15 in the front and 295/70R15 in the rear. CalTrac traction bars help keep this Galaxie planted during sprints. Of course, the suspension is all Ford Galaxie 427 factory.

The interior is clean and classic, featuring original Naugahyde seats, a stock dash with Auto Gauges, and original floor mats. Bill has kept it simple and functional—perfect for wrenching and tuning. He’s even considering adding AC for cruising through those hot Havasu nights with his fellow Pharoahs of Arizona.

The Galaxie’s body remains stock, finished in a stunning Rangoon Red base coat with clear coat. Keep an eye out for this beauty on the streets of Lake Havasu, especially during McCulloch Street Cruise Nights. Bill’s favorite events include Hot August Nights in Reno and the Run to the Sun in Havasu.

A Ford guy through and through, Bill’s passion for big blocks is unshakable—even after a 1964 Galaxie accident left him with a broken femur, and another garage mishap with a Galaxie did the same. His response? “Another brand would probably do me in!”

So if you spot Bill cruising in his ’63 Galaxie, show him the respect he and his ride deserve.