The Greatest Australian Muscle Car Ever Made...

When the Ford XY Falcon GTHO Phase III rolled off the assembly line back in 1971, it was Australia’s fastest production car. Many, myself included still consider it the greatest ever of the Australian muscle cars of the 70's.

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XY Falcon GTHO Phase III

Almost identical in looks to the GT Falcon on which it was based, the Phase III was upgraded in all the areas that mattered; engine, gearbox, differential, suspension and brakes for a start. The Cleveland 351ci V8 was quoted as producing only 300bhp. This was a ploy by Ford, as the engine was actually producing somewhere between 360 and 400bhp. This meant that it could cover 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds and had a top speed of around 228kph. The true test of any fast car is the 1.4 mile, and off the factory floor in 1971 it covered this distance in 14.4 seconds, making it faster than everything else, period. For its day, this was a rocketship.

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Sports Car World described it as:

""...simply one of the best cars in the world, a true GT that could take on Ferraris and Astons on their own terms..."

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The Bathurst 500

Only 300 of the legendary cars were built, the minimum number that would enable it to compete in the Bathurst 500 motor race that year. Allan Moffat comfortably powered one these 300 to easilly win the race. The remaining GTHO's were sold new for $5300 AUD. A good example currently will fetch somewhere in the vicinity of $750,000AUD. Indeed, they are one of the most sought after collector cars. I would love to own one of these.

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Engine Specifications:

Engine: 351 cubic inch Cleveland V8 (5.763 litre)
Bore & Stroke: 102 x 89mm (4.00 x 3.50in)
Power (DIN): 224kW (300bhp) @ 5400rpm. Note: Output was understated as 300bhp to satisfy insurers. Generally accepted as 350-380bhp
Torque (DIN:) 515Nm (380lb-ft) @ 3400rpm
Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, 90 degree V8
Head Design: Pushrod & rocker OHV with solid lifters. Note: 2 optional lifts available with the same duration
Exhaust System: H&M headers with low restriction twin exhaust
Fuel System: 780cfm Holley 4 barrel carburettor
Ignition System: Twin point distributor
Larger harmonic balancer
6150 rpm rev limiter
Windage tray and baffles in sump

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image sources:
www.shannons.com.au