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2017 Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic Auction
Lot
81

1969 Ford Falcon XW GS Sedan

TBA

No Reserve

Specifications

Engine In-line 6-cylinder, 221-cid
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Engine No. HE1063
Chassis No. JG23JR18711
Body Work Sedan
Colour Candy Apple Red
Interior Black
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Steel disc
Brakes Discs/Drums

Vehicle Report

Auction Terms & Conditions

Buyer Fee
A buyer's premium of 5% (GST inc) is payable to Shannons by the purchaser on the final hammer price of all Auction lots purchased (cars, motorcycles, memorabilia and number plates).

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Description

Ford released a new range of Falcons and Fairmonts in mid-1969, featuring revised styling with new front and rear sheet metal, a recessed rear window and a revamped interior.  Codenamed XW, the new model line-up was expanded by the return of the Futura, which sat between the basic Falcon and Falcon 500 models and the top of the range Fairmont.  Ford continued with the smaller sixes but buyers seeking more go could option the 302-cid V8, while the ‘hero’ GT offered near race car performance thanks to the potent 351-cid Windsor V8.  The XW range brought with it a host of improvements across the board, including a new dashboard with collapsible steering column and the Fairmont and GT models were equipped with Kelsey-Hayes “Turbo-Cooled” front disc brakes.  Two sixes were available, including the 3.1-litre (188-cid) and larger 3.6-litre (221-cid) units, with a three-speed manual gearbox standard (four-speed manual and automatic transmissions were both optional).  The XW’s interior was a big step forward, with a new jet aircraft inspired dash featuring deeply recessed instruments and bucket seats optional across the range (both standard on Fairmont and GT models).  For buyers wanting the GT look on a budget, Ford introduced the GS pack, featuring special rally stripes and chromed wheel covers and a list of interior enhancements that included a GT-style three-spoke steering wheel and dash, along with the option of bucket seats, centre console, power steering, air conditioning and tinted glass.  Although the GS was a cosmetic upgrade only, buyers could also specify the 302-cid V8, four-speed transmission, power disc brakes and wide-oval radial tyres to beef up performance.  Drawing inspiration from contemporary Mustangs, XW’s squared-off, more aggressive styling is arguably the toughest of the XR-XY series Fords and the model, in all its many guises, remains popular with collectors today. 

History

  • Unrestored & Unreserved Candy Apple Red XW Falcon GS
  • Featured in Survivor Car magazine
  • Desirable Toploader, disc braked car
Originally a demonstrator for Heath Motors in Beaufort, Victoria, this remarkably well preserved Falcon 500 came well optioned with a 221-cid six and Toploader four-speed gearbox, front bucket seats, sports console and the highly desirable GS Rally Pack.  The Ford’s first owner, a C P Pritchard, hailed from Torquay on the Victorian Surf Coast and the car later passed to an insurance assessor, who reportedly bought it for his mother.  The next Victorian owner bought the Ford in 1975, passing the car on to his son in 2005 and it spent many years off the road, accounting for the low mileage and original, unmolested condition.  The previous owner bought this survivor in 2010, adding driving lights and over-riders to the bumpers as part of a general recommissioning before selling to the current owner in 2014.  With only a little over 42,000 miles on the clock and accompanied by the original books, the Ford has been featured in Survivor Car magazine’s February 2017 edition (a copy of which is included), detailing the car’s full story.  Well maintained and in good running condition, the Falcon is currently on non-transferable club plates in Victoria and will therefore be sold unregistered and with No Reserve.  
 
Note: Shannons advise that all potential buyers research all vehicles before purchase to authenticate originality.