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Ford Falcon XY GT & GTHO
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1970 - 1972 |
Country: |
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Engine: |
V8 |
Capacity: |
5800 cc |
Power: |
300-370 bhp |
Transmission: |
4 spd. man |
Top Speed: |
229 km/h |
Number
Built: |
1,557/800 |
Collectability: |
|
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In 1967 when most Australians were driving sedate family
sedans and small two-door cars, the Ford GT Falcon took
to the streets - a local sedan with muscle under the bonnet.
The Holden Monaro GTS and Torana XU1 and the Chrysler
Valiant Charger soon followed.
They were built in limited editions by mainstream manufacturers
who wanted the prestige of winning production car races,
especially the annual Bathurst 500 mile race.
GT Falcons like this one were raced in unmodified showroom
condition. (These days Holden and Ford still make 'Bathurst'
cars, but for racing they are stripped of sedan car comforts
and modified for more speed.)
The Phase Three Falcon took the first three places in
1971's Bathurst car race. It was the world's fastest four-door
production car for many years. Only 200 were ever made
and so, like other muscle cars, they have become highly
collectable.
It boasted 380 bhp, compared to the mere 40 bhp of the
Toyota Corolla of the time and the 208 bhp of today's
4-liter Falcon.
With a top speed of over 140 mph (230 km/h) - it can do
400 metres in 14.6 seconds from a standing start thanks
to the Cleveland 5.7 liter V8 engines large port high-compression
heads, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, full extractor
system and close-ratio gearbox.
Cosmetic improvements included front and rear spoilers
and a large 'shaker' bonnet scoop. Today, the XY GT Falcon
is seen by many Australian car collectors as the definitive
"Aussie Muscle Car". |