1971 Ford XY GT Falcon Sedan

Description

Regarded as one of the greatest Aussie muscle cars ever made, the XY Falcon GT was launched in November 1970 as an evolution of the XW model. Ford improved the mighty Cleveland 351-cid V8 by adding a bigger Autolite 600 cfm four-barrel carburettor and raising the compression ratio to 11.0:1, boosting power output to a thumping 300 horsepower at 5400 rpm and torque to 380 lb/ft at 3400 rpm. Three diff ratios were available (3.0:1 was standard, 3.5:1 and 3.91:1 optional), along with a choice of four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmissions. Externally, the XY GT retained the matt black bonnet panels, grille and real panel and Super Roo decals but introduced the famous ‘Shaker’ bonnet scoop for the first time. Ford improved the GTs braking capabilities by installing bigger Kelsey-Hayes discs up front and the wheels were also stronger, using a distinctive five-slot design. The GT could be ordered with an optional 36-gallon fuel tank, along with a sunroof, air conditioning, Globe alloy wheels, radio and 8-track cassette deck. In 1971, Allan Moffat and the Falcon dominated Bathurst and Fords filled all but one of the top six places in the classic enduro that year. Sold new for just two years, the XY GT was built in strictly limited numbers (757 were made in 1970, 800 in 1971, with a further 300 Phase IIIs) and has become one of the most collectible Australian muscle cars of all. The ultimate development of a family of fast Fords that began with the XR GT in 1967, the XY GT remains a fantastically capable road burner today.