2006 Melbourne International Motor Show Auction
Lot
33
1982 Ford XE 'Dick Johnson' Grand Prix Turbo
Sold: $18,000
Sold
Specifications
| Engine | 4.1 litre six, turbocharged |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 4-speed manual |
| Body Work | Sedan |
| Colour | Tru Blu |
Description
This lot is no
longer available
When Ford stopped making V8 Falcons in Australia in 1982, Dick Johnson saw a niche for a performance Ford to keep Peter Brock's new Commodore road cars honest and teamed up with Melbourne racer Jim Faneco who had previously been building hot Geminis under the Country Racing Team banner.
Working with turbocharging guru David Inall, they produced a turbocharged performance version of the 4.1 litre six cylinder Falcon that pumped out 190kW - enough to run the standing 400 metres in the mid-14 seconds and make most V8s of the time look asthmatic. To handle the extra torque, Ford's single-rail four-speed manual gearbox and a heavy duty clutch were used behind the turbocharged six, while out back, the Falcon used the disc brake LSD rear end lifted from the Falcon V8 ESP.
Further lowering and stiffening of the suspension produced a car that handled nearly as well as it went. Enkel alloys and BF Goodrich Comp T/A tyres filled the Falcon's mudguards, while a unique body kit consisting of a front air dam, flared wheel arches and a rear wing achieved the desired look. Inside, Scheel sports seats trimmed in Grand Prix grey fabric, extra gauges, a state of the game (for 1982) sound system and Dick Johnson signature steering wheel gave the Falcon an exclusive look. The final touch was the same Tru Blu paintwork of Johnson's then-current race car.