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2007 Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction
Lot
34

1971 Ford Falcon XY GT Phase III Sedan

$525,000

melbourne

Sold

Specifications

Engine V8, 351-cid
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Body Work Sedan
Colour Ultra White
Interior Saddle
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Steel disc
Brakes Disc/Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

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 old 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 36 years later. Without question the most collectable production car ever made in Australia, the Ford Falcon XY GT-HO Phase III has also proven a seriously good investment in recent years and Shannons are pleased to offer a this fantastic example - the first since the boom in the muscle car market.