On April 29th Shepparton Motor Museum auctioned off a few well-known muscle cars. These gems were expected to rake in record paydays for the owners. However, before we review the results let’s explore what is causing all the excitement.
1969 Ford Falcon XW GTHO Phase I
It all began with the Limited Edition GT in 1967. Initially, only 255 were produced- until the public demanded more, so they made an additional 303 by the end of 1968. The GT was followed by the XR, the XW and eventually the XW GTHO, HO stood for handling options.
The XW was fitted with the 351 Windsor and bonnet pins to emphasize its potential power. Phase II of the XW GT is where the fun begins. The XW GTHO arrived in 1969, touting a Windsor 5.8 litre V8 with an output of 290 BHP and 385 ft./lbs. of torque. In Bathurst, the only difference was the engine came from Cleveland. It came with other amenities as well as a more substantial sway bar, a better intake manifold and the famous 600 cfm Holley Carb and claims an output of 380bhp or 284 kW.
The XW GTHO had a wide gear ratio which was reduced in 1970, along with beefing up the Holley to 750cfm and altering the rear axle. These and further improvements in push rods, tail shafts, etc. contributed to the win of Bathurst by Allan Moffat. The speed was phenomenal, mastering 0-100km/h times in 6.5 seconds and finishing the quarter-mile in 14.4 seconds. Truly, this is a collector’s dream car, a piece of history to be cherished forever. And it gets better!
The 1971 Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase III
With only 300 produced this is the car is among the most collectible. Its reputation for the fastest four door auto for years is well earned and supported by the 380bhp it bore. Doing 400metres in 14.6 seconds is credited to the 5.7litre Cleveland V8 and Holley’s Four barrel carburetor with a very close ratio gearbox. This was also when the “shaker” bonnet scoop became famous, and the XYs were forever known as “Shakers”. The bonnet scoop was known to shake with power with the engine idling.
The Auction
While the initial cost of the XW was just over 4,000.00 including tax, the anticipation for a high return on investment was held by all. A fully restored 1969 Ford Falcon XW GTHO Phase I in Grecian Gold with a black interior went on the block and netted a pretty penny of 201,000. Not a bad day at the office hey?
Early reports of the unexpected low sale price for the 1971 Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III were accurate but a bit premature. It seems the phone bids raised the final sale price to $500,000 for an unrestored Monza Green XY Falcon GTHO. This is considered the most sought after and collectible Australian muscle car and when examining the original price at little over five thousand- that is one successful retirement plan.
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