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2014 Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic Auction
Lot
42

1975 Ford XB 'John Goss Special' Coupe

$48,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine V8, 302-cid
Gearbox 3-speed automatic
Body Work Coupe
Colour Polar White & Emerald Fire Green
Interior White & Black
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Steel 12 Slot
Brakes Disc/Disc

Description

This lot is no longer available

Ford's XA Falcon was seen as a radical departure when introduced in 1972, with plenty of sheet metal reflecting the passion for big cars at the time. The XA was the first Falcon to be entirely designed and built in Australia and was also the first to offer both a hardtop coupe and long-wheelbase station wagon derivatives. The hardtop was actually launched at the London Motor Show in 1972 and featured longer doors, low fastback roofline, retractable side glass and a tunnel rear window treatment. In November 1973 Ford updated the Falcon range and the new XB series was chiefly notable for having front disc brakes as standard (power assist was standard on models from the Futura upwards). The XB could be identified by its different bonnet and honeycomb-type grille treatment, front and rear bumpers and wraparound tail lights and was available in either six-cylinder (200/250cid) or V8 (302/351-cid) guise. To commemorate John Goss' victory in the Bathurst 1000, Ford released a limited edition version of the XB hardtop in August 1975, each one equipped with the GS Rally Pack option (comprising side stripes, a three-spoke steering wheel, twin bonnet scoops and bonnet-locking pins), GT-style side vents, 12-slot wheels and all were powered by the 302-cid Cleveland V8. Customers could choose between a manual or floor-mounted automatic transmission. The John Goss Specials were sold in two colours only, Apollo Blue or Emerald Fire, both with Polar White lower body section, with colour-coded grille, bumpers and wheel rims. The only interior choice was white vinyl with contrasting black carpet and trim. Although Ford have never released official production figures, it is thought somewhere between 260 and 800 Goss Specials were built between July and November 1975 and it gained a strong following amongst Aussie muscle car enthusiasts, sitting alongside other limited-edition specials like the XC Cobra in the history of Ford Australia.