427ci OHV R-Code 'Wedge" V8
Two Holley 4-Barrel Carburetors
425bhp at 6,200rpm
4-Speed Borg-Warner T-10 Manual Transmission
Front Coil Spring and Rear Leaf Suspension
Front Disc Brakes, Drum Brakes to the Rear

*Lovely Appearance for Ford's Total Performance
*Incredible Research in the Build
*Excellent Workmanship Throughout

THE FORD 300

For 1963, Ford in their sales literatures touted their line of Galaxie models as "Big, Bold, Beauty". At the entry level there was the base Galaxie, followed by the considerably more up-scale the Galaxie 500 and at the top, the luxurious Galaxie 500XL with bucket seat and center console sportiness. But if you looked real-hard, you might find a little box in the prestige sales brochure quietly touting the "New 300". In small print it stated that these cars were the lowest priced full-size sedans, that there was a selection of four interior trims, but just beige for use in a taxi cab or police cars. This model was marketed to fleet owners of which major customers included livery and law enforcement services. However, there was another market out there that wasn't mentioned in the regular sales literature. Those who want the ultimate in horsepower placed into a car that was purpose built for performance and speed.

Ford's total performance reached its Zenith when in January 1963, the newest incarnation of Ford's FE block was unleased in the form of the 427 "wedge" head V8. Available with a single four-barrel it was rated at 410bhp and denoted by the letter "Q" in the fifth position of the VIN. Then, there was the "R" code 427, with dual Holley four-barrel carburetors and rated at 425bhp. For those who ordered either of these two engines, there were a number of required parts included in the package, and some at extra cost. At $188, a four-speed manual transmission was the only shifter available, which still employed the dependable Borg-Warner T-10 unit. Other essential items; up-graded brakes from the station wagon series with 3" wide pads up front, 2.5" wide to the rear, special 15" steel wheels produced for Ford by Kelsey Hayes , (blackwall tires were standard, whitewalls could be had but didn't make the car go any faster) and the use of a heavy-duty frame, part no. C3AZ-5005-F, which was officially designated for taxi cabs and the interceptor models for law enforcement.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Our consignor tells us this car is a genuine R-code 425bhp 427 ci V8. Built at Ford's Louisville, Kentucky assembly plant, it was purchased new in California by a Mr. Johnston as a wedding present for his wife (lucky girl). Originally finished in Viking Blue Metallic it was cherished by Mrs. Johnston who surely must have surprised plenty of younger guys and their hopped-up cars when the nice lady in the blue Ford sedan showed up.

By design, the Ford 300 series had a most austere presentation. All that exterior trim was just more cost at the time of purchase and required more masking when painting the car black and white, or some other color scheme for the livery trade. Mrs. Johnston's Ford was well cared for over the years but in the late 1970's she was diagnosed with a terminal ailment. As long as she could still drive her beloved Ford, shifting through those four gears and perfectly timing the clutch and shift lever movements, she enjoyed the ride. After her passing the car was stored away. In the late 1990's, it was rescued from its slumber. At that time a fresh coat of blue paint, a few shades darker than the original Viking Blue, was applied. During the rebuilt of this sedan, the original data plate disappeared. A few modifications were applied to make the car more livable including upgraded dual-chamber disc brakes for the front wheels—the original heavy-duty drum brakes out back were retained. Also installed was a custom-built aluminum radiator for improved engine cooling and a Vintage air-conditioning unit for increased passenger cooling. Several after-market gauges to monitor the engine's operation were also part of the additions. Retaining it impossible to find 15" Kelsey Hayes wheel, they are currently wearing a set of B.F. Goodrich Tiger Paw P235/75R5 blackwall tires. The stark black, all vinyl bench seat interior remains and the dashboard is fitted with original Magic-Aire heater-defroster, push-button AM radio and even a clock.

This Ford 300 sedan is a performance vehicle that can not only be admired but is ready to be taken out and put through its paces. Look this one over carefully and then own a legend.