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2019 Shannons Sydney Late Autumn Classic Auction
Lot
44

1997 Ford EL Falcon GT Sedan

$38,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine V8, 4942cc
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Body Work Sedan
Colour Sparkling Burgundy
Interior Grey
Trim Leather with Cloth Inserts
Wheels Cast Alloy
Brakes Discs

Description

This lot is no longer available

Ford marked the 30th anniversary of the original Falcon GT in style in 1997 by launching a GT version of the EL Series II Falcon.  Already regarded as the best-handling Falcon to date, the EL was developed into the GT by Ford Australia's high-performance partner, Tickford Vehicle Engineering, setting new benchmarks for roadholding, ride comfort and – thanks to the sticky Yokohama A510 rubber - outright grip.  Under the bonnet was a fully-imported Windsor 5.0 litre V8 with 'GT40' cylinder heads pumping out 200kW, resulting in a 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.0 seconds flat and a quarter-mile sprint of 14.97 seconds; the suspension was lowered and stiffened, while the assorted wings and scoops ensured the new GT wouldn’t be mistaken for anything else on the road.  Ford offered the EL GT in both automatic and manual guises, each using a locally-sourced BTR box with four or five ratios respectively, along with a Hydratrack HR4 limited-slip diff.  Based on the luxurious Fairmont Ghia, the Ford featured a bespoke full leather interior with climate control, sophisticated 250-watt sound system and a wood-rimmed Momo steering wheel and gear knob, along with special GT badging with a unique build number.  Like the 25th anniversary Falcon GT model, a limited number (officially 250 for Australia, plus a further 20 delivered in New Zealand and two for South Africa) were built at a recommended retail price of $69,500, although with demand outstripping supply, some were reported as selling for as high as $85,000.