Just what is it about the Phase III GT-HO that has made the car such an icon and the king of the local muscle car scene? The fact that, of the 300 original examples built, just over half survive in original condition? That it was the ultimate Falcon GT in terms of raw performance, not to mention the fastest four-door sedan in the world at the time? Perhaps it's the racing heritage - the GT-HO proved just about unbeatable at Bathurst, taking out five of the top six places in 1971, with Allan Moffat at the wheel of the winning car. Whatever it might be, for most Aussie blokes with even a passing interest in cars, the Phase III has become a legend and this ultimate status has translated into unprecedented appreciation in recent years. Based on the hottest Falcon of the era, the XY GT, complete with Shaker hood and thumping 351-cid V8, the HO option added a front spoiler and full-width rear wing to an already tough looking package. Under the bonnet (complete with stripes and lock-out pins) there were new heads and valve gear while a four-barrel Holley 780 cfm carburettor and higher compression ratio of 11.5:1 helped boost output to a staggering 370 bhp at 5400 rpm. With a choice of three diff ratios and a close-ratio gearbox optional, other modifications included thicker stabiliser bars and bigger rear drums. All of this added up to the finest handling, quickest and most desirable GT Falcon ever produced in Australia. Make no mistake, the Phase III remains a seriously fast motor car - figures like 14.4 seconds down the quarter mile and a top speed of 142 mph remain impressive even now, 36 years later. Without question the most collectable production car ever made in Australia, the Ford Falcon XY GT-HO Phase III has become a rapidly appreciating asset in recent years but slipping behind the wheel all this becomes largely irrelevant, as the cars true worth can only be experienced behind the wheel.

Completed in May 1971 with Sido Number 096351, documents confirm this Phase III was painted Monza Green with black trim and came with the following options; seat belts, laminated windshield, 36-gallon fuel tank and radio/8-track tape player. First delivered through Goldfields dealer Westland Autos of Kalgoorlie, West Australia on the 10th of June 1971, the car cost the proud new owner, a Mr. John Foxton, the grand total $5,638.00. Being a May 1971 build car, this Phase III was equipped with 31-spline axles, optional 3:5 diff ratio and aluminium 'buddy bar' manifold. The Phase III remained in West Australia for most of its life, undergoing a comprehensive restoration back to factory original condition in the late 1990s. Every component was rebuilt or replaced as necessary and when the project was completed, the West Australian owner exhibited the car at various concours and was adjudged second in class at the 2001 GT Nationals. The Phase III subsequently went to a Melbourne buyer and during his ownership was displayed at the Melbourne International Motor Show on the Shannons stand. More recently, the car moved to Sydney and has been in the present ownership for the past few years. Correct in every detail, the Ford presents in magnificent condition both inside and out. To be sold with supporting documentation from Ford, logbook, the original Buyer's Order Form and a history file. The car also features Allan Moffat's signature on the glovebox. The vehicle is currently registered in New South Wales.

Note: Shannons advise that all potential buyers research all vehicles before purchase to authenticate originality.