1963 Ford Full Size Cars Fact Sheet
1963 Ford Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Full Size Fords were identified by the large round tail lights mounted at the top of the rear fenders. For 1963, Ford introduced the most powerful engines in its history; the 410 and 425 horsepower 427 CID V-8s!
A Crisp Clean Look
for 1963
For the fifth year in a row, the full size Ford was restyled. The venerable 292 CID V-8, in place since 1955, was replaced with the new Windsor 260 and 289 CID V-8s.
1963 Ford Resources
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1963 Ford Facts –
Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1963
| A Black | |
| B Peacock Blue | |
| D Ming Green | |
| E Viking Blue | |
| H Oxford Blue | |
| I Castilian Gold | |
| I Champagne | |
| J Rangoon Red | |
| M Corinthian White | |
| P Silver Moss | |
| T Sandshell Beige | |
| V Chestnut | |
| W Rose Beige | |
| X Heritage Burgundy | |
| Y Glacier Blue |
1963 Ford – What’s It Worth?
Related valuations for the 1963 Ford Line will appear below
1963 Ford Facts –
Current Market Values
- 1963 Ford 300 Valuation Tool
- 1963 Ford Galaxie Valuation Tool
- 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 Valuation Tool
- 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL Valuation Tool
1963 Ford Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1963 Ford
Full Size Car
In 1963, for the fifth year in a row, the full-size Ford line was completely restyled. As in 1962, the sides were devoid of any sculpture lines, except for the belt line feature line. The model designation name was in script on the front fender immediately behind the front wheel opening. Once again, the taillights were large round units mounted at the top of the rear fenders. The model designation was spelled out in block letters across the trunk lid. The grille was a full width aluminum stamping, carrying a horizontal grid and featuring a large Ford crest in the center, which was also the hood release. The word “FORD” was spelled out in block letters across the front of the hood.
The Windsor 260 and 289 CID V-8s replaced the old 292 CID Y-block – in continuous production since 1955. Ford introduced the most powerful engines in its history; the 410 and 425 horsepower 427 CID V-8s.
NOTE: Early high performance full size Fords were equipped with the 406 CID V-8 in the 1962 configuration. See the 1963 Ford High Performance AMA Specification Sheets for complete information on the 1963 406 and 427 CID high performance engines HERE.
1963 Ford Factoids
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The 427 CID V-8 FE block replaced the high output 406 CID V-8 and horsepower rose from 406 to 425 HP in the dual 4-barrel carbureted engine. HP. You can see all the specs in the 1963 Ford High Performance AMA Specifications Sheets HERE!
The fastback roof line Sports hardtop was only available in the Galaxie and Galaxie 500XL series While definitely sporty, it was primarily developed to assist Fords in NASCAR’s high speed ovals, where Ford had been at a distinct disadvantage. You can see more detail in the Brochure HERE!
1963 Ford Facts – Models Offered
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The Ford 300 was the base trim level for 1963 and included chrome moldings around the windshield and rear window, two sun visors, a chrome horn ring, arm rests on all doors, and no chrome side trim. Cloth and vinyl interiors in blue, gold or red,
The Galaxie was the intermediate trim level for 1963 and included all the 300 series trim, plus a single chrome strip running horizontally along the lower body sides and two chrome fender ornaments on the front fenders.
Standard Equipment included: “Puff Stripe” cloth and vinyl interior trim in blue, beige, gold, turquoise, or red. 11 Diamond Lustre Enamel exterior colors, bright metal windshield, rear window and drip rail moldings, body trim and side moldings, fender top ornaments, color-keyed, carpeting, white vinyl headliner, color-keyed instrument panel and steering wheel with chrome horn ring, dual sun visors and coat hooks, cigarette lighter arm rests and ash trays. Also included were illuminated luggage compartment and interior automatic dome light, foam cushion front seat, crank adjustable vent windows, turn signals, single-speed electric windshield wipers and 3-speed Manual transmission.
The Galaxie 500 Series was the top trim level for 1963, and included chrome “A” pillar moldings, chrome window moldings, two horizontal chrome strips on the side of the car – one at the feature line and another, shorter one, beginning at the front of the front door and going to the rear of the car, where it swept up and merged with the upper strip. Between the two stainless pieces, just in front of the taillights, were six chrome hash marks.
In addition the the Galaxie features, the Galaxie 500 had “Gleam” cloth and vinyl interiors in blue, beige, chestnut, turquoise, gold, red, or Black. 13 Diamond Lustre enamel exterior colors. Seats, Doors and side panels are accented with chrome-like Mylar pleated seat fabric and door and side trim panel. Also featured were deluxe arm rests and ash trays, front and rear, chrome-backed rear view mirror, full-width instrument panel applique, bright metal seat sides, self-regulating electric clock, backup lights and rear fascia trim panel.
The Galaxie 500XL series was the sporty series of the Galaxie line. The “XL” models included. all the trim of the Galaxie 500 models and offered bucket seats and a floor mounted shift lever as well as additional bright work on the interior.
The Country Sedans were the base trim level Station Wagons for 1963, with the Country Squires being the top trim level. The trim for the Country Sedans paralleled the Galaxie and and the Country Squires equaled Galaxie 500 models of conventional cars, with the Country Squire having the unique vinyl wood-grain look.
1963 Ford Facts – Engines
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- 223 CID I-6 138 HP
- 260 CID V-8 164 HP
- 289 CID V-8 195 HP
- 352 CID V-8 220 HP
- 390 CID V-8 300 HP
- 390 CID V-8 330 HP Police
- 406 CID V8 385 HP
- 406 CID V8 405 HP
- 427 CID V8 410 HP
- 427 CID V8 425 HP
Ford six-cylinder. Engine Code “V”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 223 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.62 x 3.60 inches. Compression ratio: 8.4:1. Horsepower: 138 @ 4200 RPM. Torque: 203 @ 22oo RPM. Four main bearings. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Duration: (Intake) 262°, (Exhaust) 262. Overlap: 33° 30′. Lift: (Intake) 0.369″, (Exhaust) 0.369″. Carburetion: Holley one-barrel model C3AF-9510.
Ford Base V-8. Engine Code “F”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 260 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.80 X 2.87 inches. Compression ratio: 8.7:1. Horsepower: 164 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 258 @ 2200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Duration: (Intake) 252°, (Exhaust) 252°, Overlap: 36°. Lift: (Intake) 0.380″, (Exhaust) 0.380″. Carburetion: Holley two-barrel Model C30F-9510.
Ford 195 HP V-8. Engine Code “C”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 289 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 X 2.87 inches. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Horsepower: 195 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 282 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Duration: (Intake) 266°, (Exhaust) 256°, Overlap: 40°. Lift: (Intake) 0.3684″, (Exhaust) 0.3800″. Carburetion: Holley two-barrel Model (manual transmission) C3AF-9510-AK, (automatic transmission) C3AF-9150-AL.
NOTE: Mid-Year replacement for the 260 CID V-8.
220 HP Optional V-8. Engine Code “X” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 352 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 inches. Compression ratio: 8.9:1. Horsepower: 220 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 336 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 270°, Exhaust: 270°, Overlap 44°, Lift: 0.408″. Carburetor: Ford 2-barrel Model C3AF-9510 .
NOTE: This camshaft has the same overall duration as the 390 CID V-8, but the opening and closing events are at (intake) 22°/68° and (exhaust) 68°/22°.
Ford 300 HP V-8. Engine Code “Z” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 390 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches. Compression ratio: 9.6:1. Horsepower: 300 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 427 @ 2800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 270°, Exhaust: 270°, Overlap 49 degrees, Lift: 0.408″. Carburetor: Ford 4-barrel Model C2AF-9510.
NOTE: This camshaft has the same overall duration as the 352 CID V-8, but the opening and closing events are at (intake) 26°/64° and (exhaust) 67°/23°.
330 HP “Police” V-8. Engine Code “P” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 390 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches. Compression ratio: 9.6:1. Horsepower: 330 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 427 @ 3200 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 282°, Exhaust: 282°, Overlap 54°, Lift: 0.440″. Carburetor: Ford 4-barrel Mode C2AF-9510.
Ford 385 HP V-8. Engine Code “B” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 406 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.13 x 3.78 inches. Compression ratio: 11.4:1. Horsepower: 385 @ 5800 RPM. Torque: 444 @ 3400 RPM. Five main bearings. Mechanical lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 306°, Exhaust: 306°, Overlap 78°, Lift: 0.500″. Carburetor: Ford-Holley 4-barrel Model Holley R-3228A
Ford 405 HP V-8. Engine Code “G” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 406 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.13 x 3.78 inches. Compression ratio: 12.1:1. Horsepower: 405 @ 5800 RPM. Torque: 448 @ 3500 RPM. Five main bearings. Mechanical lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 306°, Exhaust: 306°, Overlap 78°, Lift: 0.500″. Carburetor: Three Holley 2-barrel Model 1962 (center) C1AE-AV (front and rear) C1AE-AU.
Ford 410 HP V-8. Engine Code “Q” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 427 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.23 x 3.78 inches. Compression ratio: 10.9:1. Horsepower: 410 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 476 @ 3400 RPM. Five main bearings. Mechanical lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 324°, Exhaust: 324°, Overlap 112°, Lift: 0.500″. Carburetor: Holley 4-barrel Model R-3228A
Ford 425 HP V-8. Engine Code “R” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 427 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.23 x 3.78 inches. Compression ratio: 10.9:1. Horsepower: 425 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 480 @ 3700 RPM. Five main bearings. Mechanical lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 324°, Exhaust: 324°, Overlap 112°, Lift: 0.500″. Carburetor: Two Holley 4-barrel Model (Front) C3AF-9510-BK (Rear) C3AF-9510-BJ.
1963 Ford Facts – Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase: 119 inches.
- Overall length: 209.9 inches.
- Front tread: 61.0 inches.
- Rear tread: 60.0 inches.
- Width: 79.9 inches.
- Height: Station Wagons 56.89, Convertible: 54.6″, 2- and 4-door sedans: 55.5″, 2-door Sports Roof 54.5″, 2- and 4-door Victoria Hardtop 55.5″.
- Tires: 260 CID & I-6: 7.50 x 14, Others: 8.00 x 14 Tubeless BW; White walls optional.
1963 Ford Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6: 1st – 3.26:1, 2nd – 1.84:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.35:1 (1-2-3 all synchronous)
- 260 CID V-8: 1st – 2.78:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.87:1 (1-2-3 all synchronous)
- 289, 352 and 390 CID V-8: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1 (1-2-3 all synchronous)
- 390 and 406 CID High Performance V-8: 1st – 2.37:1, 2nd – 1.51:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.81:1
- Three Speed Overdrive Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 and 260 CID V-8: 1st – 2.801, 2nd – 1.69:1, 3rd – 1:1, Overdrive – 0.70:1, Reverse – 3.80:1 (2-3 synchronous)
- 289, 352 and 390 CID V-8: 1st – 2.49:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1:1, Overdrive – 0.72:1, Reverse – 3.15:1 (2-3 synchronous)
- 390, 406 and 427 CID High Performance V-8: 1st – 2.49:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1:1, Overdrive – 0.72:1, Reverse – 3.15:1 (2-3 synchronous)
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 289, 352 and 390 CID V-8: 1st – 2.36:1, 2nd – 1.78:1, 3rd – 1.41:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.42:1
- 390, 406 and 427 CID High Performance V-8: 1st – 2.36:1, 2nd – 1.78:1, 3rd – 1.41:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.42:1
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- FordOmatic: 1st – 1.82:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 1.72:1
- Cruise-O-Matic: 1st – 2.40:1, 2nd – 1.47:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.00:1
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.50:1, Optional – 3.89:1, Overdrive SMT – 3.89:1, AMT – 3.50:1 Optional: 3.25:1 3.89:1
- 260 CID V-8: 3-Speed SMT and Overdrive SMT – 3.50:1 Optional 3.89, AMT – 3.89:1 Optional 3.00:1, 3.50:1
- 260 CID V-8 Station Wagons: 3-Speed SMT and Overdrive SMT – 3.89:1 Optional 3.50:1, AMT – 3.50:1 Optional 3.00:1, 3.25:1, 3.89:1
- 352 and 390 CID V-8: 3-Speed SMT, Overdrive SMT and 4-Speed SMT – 3.50:1, Optional 3.89:1 (390 CID) Optional 4:11:1 AMT – 3.00:1 Optional 3.50:1
- 390 CID V-8 Police: 3-Speed SMT, Overdrive SMT and 4-Speed SMT – 3.50:1, Optional, 3.89:1, 4.11:1 AMT – 3.00:1, 3.50:1
- 390 CID V-8 Police Station Wagon: 3-Speed SMT and Overdrive – 3.89:1, Optional, 3.50:1, 4.11:1 AMT – 3.00:1. 3.50:1
- 406 and 427 CID High Performance V-8: 3-Speed SMT – 3.50:1, 3-Speed SMT Overdrive – 4.11:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.50:1
- Equa-Lock optional.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.89:1 to 4.56:1.
1963 Ford Facts – Powertrain Options
-
- 260 CID V-8 with two-barrel carburetor and single exhaust
- 352 CID V-8 with two-barrel carburetor and single exhaust
- 390 CID V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts
- 390 CID 330 HP Police V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts
- 406 CID 385 HP High Performance V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts
- 406 CID 405 HP High Performance V-8 with three 2-bbl carburetors and dual exhausts
- 427 CID 410 HP High Performance V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts
- 427 CID 425 HP High Performance V-8 with two 4-bbl carburetors and dual exhausts
NOTE: Base V-8 included in base V-8 model pricing.
1963 Ford Facts – Significant Options
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- Air-conditioning, Polar Aire with eight-cylinder ($271).
- Air-conditioning, Select Aire with eight-cylinder ($361).
- Backup lights, standard Galaxie 500 ($11).
- Battery, heavy-duty, 70-amp. ($8).
- Crankcase ventilation system ($6).
- Electric clock, standard Galaxie 500 ($15).
- Equa-Lock differential ($39).
- Heater and defroster ($28 deduct option).
- Luggage rack, chrome ($39).
- Manual seat, four-way ($17).
- Padded dash and visors ($24).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power seat ($64).
- Power steering ($82).
- Power tailgate window ($32).
- Power windows, front and rear ($102).
- Radio, push button and antenna ($59).
- Rocker panel molding ($16).
- Seat belts, front ($21).
- Tinted glass ($40).
- Tinted windshield ($22).
- Transmission, Cruise-O-Matic ($212).
- Transmission, FordOmatic with six-cylinder ($180).
- Transmission, FordOmatic with V-8 ($190).
- Transmission, four-speed manual – required with 375 horsepower or 401 horsepower V-8 ($188).
- Transmission, three-speed manual with overdrive ($108).
- Tutone paint ($22).
- Vinyl trim, Galaxie 500 except convertible ($26).
- Wheel covers ($19).
- Wheel covers, deluxe ($26).
- Windshield washer and wipers, 2-speed ($20).
1963 Ford Downloads and Images
1963 Ford Facts –
Related Document
Downloads
Files directly related to the 1963 Ford Full-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1963 Ford Full-Size Car Prestige Brochure – Coming Soon!
1963 Ford All Lines Regular Brochure – Revision 1
1963 Ford Full-Size Car Print Ads
1963 Ford Full Size Car I-6 AMA Specifications Sheets
1963 Ford Full Size Car V-8 AMA Specifications Sheets
1963 Ford Full Size Car 289 CID V-8 Only AMA Specifications Sheets
1963 Ford Full Size High Performance AMA Specifications Sheets
1963 Ford Galaxie 500 Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
Competition Prepping a 1963 Lightweight 427 Ford – Cars Magazine
1963 Ford Facts –
Related Images
Related Images to the 1963 Ford Full Size Line will appear below
1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL Convertible
The Ford 1963 Galaxie 500XL Convertible was the top level convertible in the Ford line, with bucket seats and a deluxe interior. While very pricey, 18,551 people chose it for their ride
1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL Sports Hardtop
The 1963 Galaxie 500XL Sports Hardtop was a mid-year introduction, with it’s fastback styling and bucket seat interior. It was sold alongside the notch back sibling (not shown). 500XL models featured bucket seats and more bright work inside. All 500XLs were V-8s. 33,870 fastback and 29,713 notch backs were sold.
1963 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible
The 1963 Galaxie 500 Convertible was slotted just under the 500XL version and did without the bucket seat interior. Combined I-6 and V-8 production was a solid 36,876 units.
1963 Ford Galaxie 500 Sports Hardtop
The 1963 Galaxie 500 Sports Hardtop was the bench seat version of this sporty model. It was hugely popular with 100,500 sold!
1963 Ford Galaxie 500 4-door Hardtop
The 1963 Galaxie 500 4-door Hardtop was also available as an XL model, with a bucket seat interior! The 500 sold well, with 26,558 delivered, and the XL model surprised all with 12,596 sold!
1963 Ford Galaxie 500 2-door Hardtop
The 1963 Galaxie 500 2-door Hardtop was the notch back version of the 2-door. It was available in the 500 and 500XL Lines with 49,733 500s and 29,713 500XLs delivered.
1963 Ford Galaxie 500 4-door Sedan
The 1963 Galaxie 500 4-door Sedan was the top of the line 4-door sedan offering. It was very popular with 205,722 produced. Its junior versions (not shown) were the Galaxie and the 300. The Galaxie had excellent sales with 82,419 delivered and the 300 added 44,142.
1963 Ford Galaxie 2-door Sedan
Like the 4-door, the 1963 Galaxie 2-door Sedan was available in the 300, and Galaxie (shown) and Galaxie 500 lines. 26,010 300s, 30,336 Galaxies, and 21,137 Galaxie 500s were produced.
1963 Ford Country Squire Station Wagon
The 1963 Country Squire Station Wagon was, as usual, the top of the line wagon. It sold well considering its higher price with 19,922 6-passenger and 19,246 9 passenger wagons produced.
1963 Ford Country Sedan Station Wagon
The 1963 Country Sedan Station Wagon replaced the Ranch Wagon nameplate and was the more affordable wagon in the Line. 64,954 6-passenger and 22,250 9-passenger models were delivered.