1971 Ford Falcon XY GT Sedan

Description

Regarded as one of the greatest Aussie muscle cars of all time, the XY Falcon GT was launched in November 1970 as an evolution of the outgoing XW model. Ford further enhanced the mighty Cleveland 351ci 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 rear panel and Super Roo decals, and introduced the iconic ‘Shaker’ bonnet scoop for the first time. Ford also improved the GT’s 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 a larger 36-gallon fuel tank, along other factory options such as a wind-back sunroof, air conditioning, Globe alloy wheels, radio, and 8-track cassette deck. On sale for just two years, the XY GT was built in strictly limited numbers, just 757 in 1970, and 800 in 1971, with a further 300 GTHO Phase IIIs versions built to homologate the model for racing. In HO form, the XY GT enjoyed a stellar race career, Allan Moffat and the XY Falcon dominating Bathurst in 1971, with examples 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 is still a fantastically capable road burner today and one of the most collectible Australian muscle cars ever made.