1972 Ford Falcon XA GT Coupe

Ford's first truly Australian Falcon, the XA, was a big departure from the previous XR-XY series and boasted up to date, curvaceous exterior styling and a more modern interior. Although a GT version of the new Falcon was included right from the outset, it was an altogether more refined package than the somewhat crude, more race-oriented GTs of old. In another break with tradition, Ford announced a hardtop coupe version of the Falcon with the aim of using it for racing. Launched at the 1972 Melbourne Motor Show, the stylish newcomers had fastback styling like the big American Torinos, with pillarless side window treatment, longer doors and dished rear window. The GT package, available in either hardtop or sedan guise, consisted of special wheels, blacked out bonnet and sill panels, vents on the front wings, special badges and interior trim. Mechanically, the XA GT retained the Cleveland 351ci V8 (developing 300bhp) with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. The XA GT enjoyed a very successful racing career, becoming the only Ford GT to win at Bathurst on more than one occasion after taking successive victories in 1973 (with Moffat/Geoghegan) and 1974 (Bartlett/Goss). The XA GT was a rare car, with production figures indicating just 1868 sedans and 885 coupes were made.