Ford Falcon GT
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Ford Falcon |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Defunct | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Australia , Australia |
| Products | High-performance sports sedans |
The Ford Falcon GT represents a high-performance version of the Falcon lineup, manufactured by Ford Australia between 1967 and 1976. Production was later revived in 1992 and 1997 through a collaboration with Tickford, and subsequently from 2003 until 2014 under Prodrive's partnership, branded as the FPV GT & GT-P. This model holds a significant place in Australia's sports sedan heritage and motorsport legacy, boasting multiple victories at Bathurst and other racing accomplishments.
Overview
Introduced in 1967, the GT was the sportier variant of the Australian Ford Falcon, starting with the XR series. It continued through several iterations including the 1968 XT, 1969 XW, 1971 XY, 1972 XA, and 1973 XB. Special edition GT-HO ("Handling Option") models, designed to meet racing homologation requirements, were launched during the XW and XY phases. A planned XA HO model was discontinued early in development in 1972 due to public concerns over its high velocity.
Following a break of sixteen years, the GT badge returned in 1992 with the GT 25th Anniversary, based on the EB II series, followed by the GT 30th Anniversary edition in 1997. Both editions were engineered by Tickford Vehicle Engineering (TVE), which later introduced the Ford Tickford Experience (FTE) brand to compete directly with rival Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), offering "T series" variants derived from the AU Falcon and Fairlane platforms.
From 2003 onward, after Tickford's acquisition by Prodrive, FTE was replaced by Ford Australia's joint venture with Prodrive named Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV). The GT emblem became a staple within FPV’s portfolio, designed to challenge HSV’s dominance more aggressively. FPV ceased operations in 2014 as part of Ford Australia's withdrawal from local manufacturing, culminating with the release of the final GT-F "351" model.
XR series
The XR series launched in 1967 marked a major update for the Falcon, adapting its American roots for Australian conditions. Larger than its predecessor, the XP model, it introduced Ford Australia's inaugural V8 engine option—a 289-cubic-inch powerplant also found in the Ford Mustang.
Development was supported by funding from Australian Police forces for testing purposes, which led to the creation of the Police Interceptor Pack Falcons that served as a foundation for the Falcon GT. Although Victoria Police initially declined two prototype interceptors, their feedback on engine tuning and suspension adjustments was incorporated into later models. Bill Bourke, then Managing Director of Ford Australia, launched the GT inspired by the performance success of Ford Cortina GTs. The car was marketed similarly, with Ford Australia's competition division preparing race-ready versions to compete in events such as the Bathurst 500.
The XR GT featured distinctive charcoal-colored interiors including exclusive seats, a wood-grain steering wheel and dashboard trim, a matching gear knob, and specialized Stewart-Warner gauges. Its suspension was lowered and stiffened by , complemented by upgraded shock absorbers to enhance handling dynamics.
Offered exclusively with a manual gearbox and finished in "GT Gold" paint, production totaled 596 units. Additionally, eight cars were painted in "Gallaher Silver" to promote the Gallaher tobacco brand; these featured a subtle security alarm activated via a keyhole near the rear light cluster. Five further units were produced in various colors for racing teams, including the victorious Ivy Green XR GT at the 1967 Gallaher 500.
The factory-backed racing team, led by driver-engineer Harry Firth, entered two vehicles: one piloted by Firth alongside Fred Gibson, and another driven by brothers Ian and Leo. Each pair managed their own pit crew and car maintenance independently. After intense competition against three Alfa Romeos at Bathurst in 1967, Ford achieved a dominant one-two finish—Firth and Gibson winning by an eleven-second margin—significantly boosting public enthusiasm and sales. This triumph encouraged rivals General Motors-Holden and Chrysler Australia to launch their own performance sedans in 1968, igniting the legendary era of Australian Falcon GTs.
XT series
The XT Falcon introduced an enlarged Windsor V8 engine with a displacement of 302 cubic inches, expanded its palette of available colors, and achieved sales figures that doubled those of its predecessor. Demonstrating strong endurance capabilities, the XT secured the Teams Prize in the 1968 London-Sydney Marathon by finishing third, fifth, and eighth, outperforming many competitors focused primarily on rallying.
XW series
In 1969, Ford launched the HO (Handling Option) package within the XW lineup, establishing a dual-tier structure where the HO served as a street-legal race car tailored for elite production touring teams. The Windsor V8 engine was increased to 351 cubic inches, delivering significant horsepower and torque improvements.
GT-HO
The first GT-HO model generated enhanced power output due to a larger carburetor, upgraded camshaft, and improved intake system. Suspension was refined with firmer shocks and springs alongside larger anti-roll bars. Despite these advancements, tire limitations during the 1969 Hardie-Ferodo 500 led to frequent pit stops; nevertheless, a privately entered XW GT-HO driven by Bruce McPhee and Barry Mulholland achieved an impressive second place overall.
GT-HO Phase II
In 1970, Ford transitioned from the Windsor to the Cleveland 351 V8 engine, initially applied in a limited run of Phase 1 XW GTs known as "Phase 1.5." The Phase II model featured further engine enhancements including a larger 700 cfm carburetor. Allan Moffat claimed his inaugural Bathurst victory driving a Phase II at the 1970 Hardie-Ferodo 500, with Bruce McPhee finishing second to secure a one-two finish for the Ford Works Team.
XY series
Debuting nearly a year after the initial XY Falcon release, the 1971 XY GT showcased updated styling elements such as the "shaker scoop" ram-air intake borrowed from the 1969-70 Ford Mustang Mach 1. The XY GT-HO Phase III gained cultural prominence through its appearance in the Australian film Running on Empty.
GT-HO Phase III
The pinnacle of homologation specials came with the Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III in 1971, famously piloted by Allan Moffat to victory in the Bathurst endurance race. It ranked among the fastest four-door production sedans worldwide until eclipsed by the Lotus Carlton nearly two decades later.
A media-driven campaign warning about "160 MPH Street Cars Soon!" influenced Ford's decision to cancel the anticipated Falcon GT HO Phase IV. Concurrently, touring car regulations shifted to 1973's Group C, which allowed extensively modified race cars separate from production models, reducing manufacturers' homologation demands.
A Falcon GTHO Phase III has set auction records in Australia, fetching A$750,000 and previously A$683,650, highlighting its status as both a collector’s item and investment asset.
XA series
The Australian-designed XA series continued to offer the GT variant along with a new two-door hardtop body style. Distinctive features included unique front fenders with faux air vents and a bonnet equipped with NACA-style air intakes. Customers also benefited from an expanded range of colors and options such as silver blackouts on the bonnet and lower body panels.
GT-HO Phase IV
Ford progressed its HO lineup with the introduction of the XA Falcon and developed the Phase IV model intended for competition under Group E Series Production Touring Cars, including participation in the 1972 Hardie-Ferodo 500. However, following a front-page Sun-Herald article on June 25, 1972 that sparked political opposition—including calls for prohibition by New South Wales Transport Minister Milton Morris—CAMS announced termination of Group E rules in favor of Group C regulations starting in 1973. Group C permitted racing modified road cars without requiring homologation specials.
Consequently, Ford canceled the Phase IV program on July 2. At that stage, one production vehicle had been completed while three XA GT sedans were under development at Ford Special Vehicles. Only one saw racing action; another was sold to rally driver Bruce Hodgson but was later destroyed in a crash in 1981. These vehicles have since become highly sought-after collectibles: one remains with owner Gibson in Queensland, while another originally intended for Allan Moffat was auctioned in Sydney for $2 million in 2018—a record price for an Australian sports sedan.
The only factory-built Phase IV car was sold in 1973 by Jack Brabham Ford to a Sydney buyer who repainted it from Calypso Green to Zircon Green. After passing through several owners, it was restored to original factory specifications as documented by an Australian Fords publication.
XB series
Introduced in September 1973, the XB GT marked the final Falcon GT model for almost two decades until the release of the 25th Anniversary EBII GT in October 1992. The XB GT showcased a bold front design with a twin nostril bonnet, drawing inspiration from the 1971-1973 Mach 1 Mustang. It became the best-selling GT variant, with a total of 2,899 units produced, including 1,950 sedans and 949 hardtops. In August 1975, Ford launched the limited-edition John Goss Special hardtop, honoring Goss's unique accomplishment of winning both the Australian Grand Prix and the Bathurst 1000.
EB II and EL series
In 1991, Ford Australia collaborated with Tickford to establish Tickford Vehicle Engineering (TVE), its dedicated high-performance division. TVE was responsible for developing Falcon XR sports models and introducing enhancements such as LPG systems and sunroofs across Falcon and Fairlane lines. Taking advantage of the reintroduction of a V8 engine after 1982, TVE released "25th Anniversary" and "30th Anniversary" Falcon GT editions based on the EB II platform. These models represented a transition from raw performance to sophisticated grand touring vehicles, featuring interiors inspired by the upscale Fairmont Ghia.
BA to FG series
After limited achievements from FTE’s AU-based T-series models between 1999 and 2002, Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV)—a joint venture formed in 2003 between Prodrive and Ford Australia—revitalized the GT badge. FPV produced GT variants on the BA (2002), BF (2006), and FG (2008) Falcon generations. The range included the standard GT, the more powerful GT-P, and starting in 2008, the premium GT-E. From 2007 through 2014, several special editions enriched the lineup:
- GT "40th Anniversary" (March 2007; limited to 200 sedans with 25 units exported to New Zealand) paid tribute to the original 1967 Falcon GT. It featured unique interior detailing, exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, and an "R-Spec" suspension package.
- GT "Cobra" (October 2007; comprising 400 sedans and 100 Super Pursuit utes) celebrated three decades since the Falcon Cobra’s debut. This edition boasted enhanced engine output (290–302 kW) and torque (540 Nm), alongside an "R-Spec" handling package.
Special editions based on the FG series included:
- GT "5th Anniversary" (October 2008; limited to 200 sedans) commemorated FPV’s fifth anniversary with distinctive paint choices, multi-spoke alloy wheels, six-piston Brembo braking system, and a premium Nudo leather interior.
- GT "Black" (August 2011; restricted to 125 sedans), unveiled at the Sydney Motor Show, featured an all-black exterior including wheels and trim components, powered by a Boss 335 supercharged 5.0-litre V8 delivering 335 kW.
- GT "R-Spec" (August 2012; comprising 350 sedans and 75 utes), also debuted at Sydney Motor Show, offered a supercharged V8 equipped with launch control, wider rear tires, optional Brembo brakes, and distinctive red accents inspired by the Mustang "302 Boss" Laguna Seca.
- GT-F "351" (June 2014; totaling 550 sedans and 120 utes) represented FPV’s final GT release. The "351" badge symbolized both engine performance figures and lineage tracing back to earlier XW through XB models. This edition incorporated R-Spec chassis enhancements along with black highlights complemented by matte black striping.
Ford
Ford GT models, manufactured from 1967 to 1976, were derived from Falcon variants. However, GT editions of the XC and EA were never produced. Instead, Ford launched the Ford Falcon Cobra lineup in 1978.
Ford XB Falcon#XB 1973–76 351 cu in (5,752 cc) Cleveland V8 engine with 300 brake horsepower (220 kW) at 5,400 rpm and 515 newton-metres (380 lbf⋅ft) torque at 3,400 rpm Offered in both 2-door Hardtop and 4-door Sedan configurations.| Falcon base model | Production years | Engine details | Additional information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XR | 1967–68 | 289 cu in (4,736 cc) Windsor V8 – 225 bhp (168 kW; 228 PS), sourced from the Ford Mustang | A total of 593 units were built, all equipped with manual transmissions and finished in "GT Gold"; among these, 8 were painted "Gallaher Silver" and 5 in assorted colors. The non-gold GTs are considered some of the rarest early Australian sports sedans. | |
| XT | 1968–69 | 302 cu in (4,949 cc) V8 – 239 bhp (178 kW; 242 PS) | ||
| XW | 1969–70 | 351 cu in (5,752 cc) Cleveland and Windsor V8 – delivering 290 bhp (216 kW; 294 PS) and 385 lb⋅ft (522 N⋅m) torque XW GT HO variant – producing 300 bhp (224 kW; 304 PS) |
Produced 2,287 XW GTs and 662 GTHOs. The high-performance GTHO was introduced two months after the main model, followed by the GTHO Phase II in August 1970. | |
| XY (refer to Ford XY Falcon GT) | 1970–72 | 351 cu in (5,752 cc) Cleveland V8 with an output of 300 brake horsepower (220 kW); the XY GT HO Phase III reached up to 380 brake horsepower (280 kW) |
Variant: Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III | |
| XA | 1972–73 | 351 cu in (5,752 cc) Cleveland V8 delivering 300 brake horsepower (220 kW) at 5,400 rpm and 515 newton-metres (380 lbf⋅ft) torque at 3,400 rpm |
Available as a 2-door Hardtop and a 4-door Sedan. Production of the GTHO Phase IV commenced mid-1972 but ceased after only four units due to the "Supercar scare". Of these, three were race-prepared for the Bathurst 500, while one was sold commercially. |
Tickford
After a 16-year hiatus, Tickford reintroduced the GT badge to the Falcon lineup.
Ford EB Falcon#EB II EB II 1992 Tickford-developed Windsor 302 cu in (4,950 cc) 5.0 V8 featuring sequential fuel injection, OHV configuration with two valves per cylinderOutput: 200 kW (268 hp; 272 PS) at 5,700 rpm and 420 N⋅m (310 lb⋅ft) torque at 3,700 rpm
Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic Marking the 25th anniversary of the original Falcon GT, this edition saw production of 265 units with a refined grand touring focus. The interior was based on the Fairmont Ghia trim. Ford EL Falcon#EL EL 1997 Tickford-tuned Windsor 302 cu in (4,950 cc) 5.0 V8 The EL GT commemorated the 30th anniversary with a grand tourer emphasis, producing a total of 272 units.
| Falcon base model | Year(s) | Engine specifications | Remarks |
|---|
FPV
Beginning in 2003, FPV revived the GT designation under its own brand.
| Falcon Base Model | Production Years | Engine Specifications | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA | 2003–2005 | 5,400 cc (330 cu in) Boss 290 V8 delivering 290 kilowatts (390 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 520 newton-metres (380 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 4,500 rpm | Available in GT and GT-P trims (BA MkII reintroduced in 2014) |
| BF | 2005–2007 | 5,400 cc (330 cu in) Boss 290 V8 with 4-valve DOHC configuration, generating 389 horsepower (290 kW) and 384 pound-feet (521 N⋅m) torque GT Cobra engine variant producing 405 horsepower (302 kW) and 398 pound-feet (540 N⋅m) torque |
Offered as GT and GT-P (BF MkII from 2006) Special editions include the 2007 GT "40th Anniversary" (limited to 200 units; select exports to New Zealand) and the 2008 GT "Cobra R-Spec" (400 units) |
| FG | 2008–2014 | 330[convert: needs unit name] Boss 315 V8 rated at [convert: invalid number] at 6,500 rpm with [convert: invalid number] torque at 4,750 rpm. From October 2010 onward: |
Available trims: GT, GT-P, GT-E |
Motorsport
The Falcon GT secured notable victories in competitions such as the Australian Touring Car Championship, Australian Manufacturers' Championship, and the Bathurst 500/Bathurst 1000. The Ford Works Team actively campaigned Falcon GT models between 1967 and 1973.
See also
External links
- Supercars.net forum, accessed on 11 September 2006
- Falcon GT Club
- The Ford Falcon GT Story at Unique Cars and Parts