1963 Ford Galaxie 'Country Sedan' Wagon (RHD)

Description

Restyled for the fifth season in a row, Ford’s range for 1963 consisted of intermediate Fairlane and full size 300 and Galaxie series, each available with a myriad of body styles, including sedans, hardtops and convertibles. Just one station wagon, badged the Ranch Wagon, was based on the smaller Fairlane platform, while the full size wagons were sold as separate lines, badged the Country Sedan and Country Squire, the latter distinguished by simulated wood panels. All told, Ford boasted no less than 15 different station wagons across the model range, more, it was claimed in period literature, than any other manufacturer. Both the Country Sedan and Country Squire were based on the Galaxie’s 119-inch wheelbase platform, with the same choice of six or eight-cylinder power and transmission options, including both three-speed Cruise-O-Matic and two-speed Ford-O-Matic autos. For 1963, the old Y-block 292-cid V8 was retired in favour of the powerful new small-block 260-cid and 289-cid V8s, the same engines found in everything from the Mustang to Shelby’s Cobra. Even more power was available in the form of optional 352-cid, 390-cid and theoretically at least, the 427-cid big block V8s, although it’s doubtful many of the latter found their way into the family wagon! For most buyers the Thunderbird engine had more ample power, the 390-cid V8 rated at 300 horsepower and 427 lb/ft of torque and fed via a Holley four-barrel carburettor. The Country Sedan was essentially a Galaxie trim level while the more upmarket Country Squire mirrored the Galaxie 500, with additional chrome moldings. Sold in both six and nine passenger versions, Ford’s range of estates came with options like deep-foam bucket seats and Swing-Away steering.