1963 Prototype Ford Galaxie 500XL Convertible Leads Mecum’s Houston 2024 Sale

A 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL convertible is an early introduction prototype leading the upcoming Houston 2024 auction, offered by Mecum Auctions. It is a 1966 NASCAR with a 427/425 CI FE big block side oiler V-8 engine built by Braden Engineering and has worked with Gordon Johncock and Patrick Racing, the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner. The available car was produced three months before factory introduction at the Los Angeles plant on February 14, 1963. The eye-catching blue interior has a power driver’s seat and power steering, carpeted inner trunk quarter panels. Additional features include Dual Holley four-barrel carburetors and heavy-duty four-speed manual transmission. The exterior is Wimbledon white with stainless rear quarter trim. It is the only R-code car known to exist.

Another notable lot is a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, one of only 308 produced. This model was completed on July 9, 1956 and imported immediately to the U.S. It has been part of two premier collections since the 1980s, previously owned by four-time Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best of Show winners Sam and Emily Mann. The winners have participated in the Colorado Grands, California Mille, and Tejas Turismo rallies with this Mercedes-Benz Gullwing. It has a 2996cc Inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, a silver exterior, and a red leather interior. The air conditioning has been installed by Hjeltness Restoration of Escondido, California. The auction will showcase over 1,000 cars, motorcycles, boats, works of road art, and more. Visit Mecum Auctions to view the complete catalog and register to bid on the upcoming Houston 2024 sale.