1969 Ford Fairmont XW/XY GT Replica Sedan

Description

Ford Australia’s second generation Falcon began with the Mustang-influenced XR series in September 1966 and was the first to be offered with the option of V8 muscle under the bonnet. Unlike earlier Falcons, the new XR had plenty of local input in both the design and componentry and gave rise to the uniquely Australian muscle car, the GT. The succeeding XT and XW models heralded a whole host of improvements, including better equipment levels and more powerful engines, before the ultimate development, the XY model range, was introduced in October 1970. Regarded as one of the greatest Aussie muscle cars ever made, the XY Falcon GT was powered by the mighty Cleveland 351-cid V8 featuring an Autolite 600 cfm four-barrel carburettor and raised compression ratio of 11.0:1 to boost the 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. Allan Moffat and the Falcon dominated Bathurst in 1971, with Fords filling all but one of the top six places in the classic enduro that year. 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.