Ford Galaxie 500XL (1963)

The slogan 'Win on Sunday, sell on Monday' was boasted by Ford as they heated up the competition in NASCAR, the Galaxie XL being their star machine. The XL stood for 'extra light' and the trunk lid, doors, hood and front fenders were all moulded in glass-fibre, while the fenders were made in aluminium. Even the rest of the body panels were made from lighter-gauge steel, all of which helped save 700lb (318kg) in weight. The front suspension was kept as double wishbone, while the rear was a live axle with semi-elliptical springs and telescopic shocks, In order to get the best acceleration, 4.56:1 gears were fitted in the axle. The engine was built for racing with a 12.2 compression high-lift cam and dual Holley four-barrel carbs. Inside, the car used low back van seats, while all sound-deadening plus the heater, radio and clock had been removed to further reduce weight.

Ford Galaxie 500XL (1963) Specifications