How many 1963 Galaxie 500 XL were made?
There is no official, single published tally for the number of 1963 Galaxie 500 XLs produced; estimates generally place the total in the tens of thousands, with precise counts varying by body style and source.
In this article we unpack why the exact figure is hard to pin down, what the XL designation signified on the 1963 Ford Galaxie lineup, and where collectors and researchers commonly look to verify numbers for particular configurations.
What the 1963 Galaxie 500 XL represented
The Galaxie 500 XL was Ford’s mid-range luxury trim for the full-size Galaxie line in 1963. It offered styling and equipment features that set it apart from the base Galaxie 500 models, and it was available in several body styles. Understanding XL as a trim rather than a single model is important because production figures are often reported by body style or engine combination rather than by trim alone.
Why an exact count is elusive
Ford did not publish a straightforward year-by-year, trim-specific production total for the 1963 Galaxie 500 XL. Researchers must piece numbers together from build sheets, door tags, dealer invoices, and factory order files. As a result, published totals vary between registries and publications, and differences in labeling can affect the final tallies.
Where to find credible numbers
If you are seeking a credible figure for a specific body style or configuration, the most reliable approach is to consult multiple sources and verify against documented records. The following kinds of sources are typically consulted by collectors and historians:
- Official Ford historical records and the Ford Archives (where available) for build sheets and factory orders
- Vintage-car registries and clubs focused on Ford full-size models (including Galaxie-focused registries)
- Period brochures and contemporary publications that itemize trim levels by body style
- Reputable automotive reference outlets (such as Hemmings, Old Cars Weekly) that publish production and option data
Because numbers differ by body style and labeling, you should check the specifics for the exact configuration you are researching to arrive at a credible tally.
Notes on methodology for counting
In compiling production numbers for classic Ford models, researchers typically separate totals by body style (for example, 2-door vs. 4-door) and then decide whether to count only the XL trim or all Galaxie 500 variants. This methodology helps explain why published totals are not uniform and why a single, definitive number for "1963 Galaxie 500 XL" is elusive.
Summary
The precise production total for the 1963 Galaxie 500 XL remains undetermined in a single official figure. Most credible sources acknowledge the total lies in the tens of thousands, with the exact number influenced by which body style and engine/transmission combinations are included. For a definite count on a specific car, researchers should locate build sheets, VIN data, and cross-check multiple registries and contemporary publications.
Further reading
To deepen your understanding, consult official Ford archival materials when accessible, and review well-regarded classic-car registries and period publications that document 1963 full-size Ford production and option data.
What was the top selling car in 1963?
It was an Impala, and that Impala was joined by more than 800,000 other 1963 Chevy Impalas in customers' driveways. In 1965, Chevrolet added an additional 1,074,925 Impalas to the 2.3 million Impalas sold since its introduction in 1958. That's 3.5 million Impalas in seven years.
What does XL stand for on a Ford Galaxie 500?
The full-size line was available with new bucket-seats-and-console "Lively One," the Galaxie 500/XL (two-door hardtop and convertible). Ford stated in its sales literature that XL stood for "Xtra Lively." The 223 cu in (3.7 L) "Mileage Maker" 6-cylinder was the base engine.
What is the rarest Ford Galaxie 500?
The first year Galaxie 500, 1962, is the most rare and elusive of all Galaxies. Even more rare, this car is equipped with its original 390ci Z-code high- performance 4-barrel engine with original factory cast- iron headers and ultra-rare FoMoCo aluminum intake manifold.
How much is a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $22,433 for a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500? The highest selling price of a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 at auction over the last three years was $313,518.
