How much horsepower does a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL have?
Horsepower for the 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL varied by engine, ranging from the base 260 cubic-inch V8 at about 164–170 hp to the popular 289 cubic-inch V8 with either around 210 hp (2-barrel) or 271 hp in the four-barrel HiPo configuration.
In 1963, the Galaxie 500 XL was Ford’s mid-range, more upscale full-size model, and buyers could equip it with several V8 options. The exact horsepower depends on the engine and carburetion chosen. The ratings quoted from the era are gross horsepower figures, which differ from modern net ratings once accessories are installed.
Engine options and horsepower
The following engine choices were available for the 1963 Galaxie 500 XL, with the horsepower figures as listed in period literature and tests (gross ratings).
- 260 cu in V8 — about 164–170 hp
- 289 cu in V8 with 2-barrel carburetor — about 210 hp
- 289 cu in V8 with 4-barrel carburetor (HiPo) — about 271 hp
Keep in mind that these are gross ratings from the era. Net horsepower, which reflects typical drivetrain losses, would be lower. The 289 HiPo option provided the highest factory horsepower for the XL line in 1963, contributing to the model’s sportier image for buyers seeking performance.
Context: horsepower ratings in the 1960s
In the 1960s, manufacturers commonly published gross horsepower figures at the crank, before losses from the exhaust, alternator, transmission, and other components. As a result, modern restorers often find the actual in-car horsepower to be lower, and "dyno-tested" numbers can vary based on exhaust and intake configuration.
Summary
The 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL offered multiple V8 options, so horsepower ranged from roughly 164–170 hp (260 V8) to 210 hp (289 2V) and up to 271 hp (289 4V HiPo). The exact figure for a given car depended on the engine and configuration chosen from Ford's 1963 lineup.
How much horsepower does a 1963 Ford 427 have?
425 hp
Ford's legendary 427ci V-8 was equipped with an aluminum low-riser manifold sporting two Holley four-barrel carbs and a 324-degree mechanical tappet camshaft, and was factory rated at 425 hp.
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.
What engines did Ford have in 1963?
1963 Ford. The 1963 Fords arrived with the 406-cubic-inch engine still available at 385 or 405 horsepower. But after the first of the year, it was replaced by the new 427. It was not a completely new engine, but a 406 bored out by one-tenth of an inch.
What does XL mean on Galaxie?
Xtra Lively
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."
