Return to MarkOastler's garage

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Published on 08 February 2024

Yes, interesting you mention this car, smackeyacky. When Ford ceased local V8 production in 1982, Jim Faneco of CDT Gemini fame saw an opportunity to create a niche turbo-six performance Ford to rival Brock’s HDT Commodore. Brock’s arch rival Dick Johnson granted Faneco commercial rights to use his name on these cars, which were called the ‘Dick Johnson Grand Prix’ XE Falcon. They were produced in Melbourne at the CDT factory in both turbo and non-turbo models. Working with turbocharging guru David Inall, the turbocharged high-performance version of the 4.1 litre inline six pumped out 190kW, which was mighty output for its time and produced GT-HO-grade standing 400m times in the mid-14s. Ford's single-rail four-speed manual was matched with a heavy-duty clutch and disc-brake LSD rear-end lifted from the Falcon V8 ESP. Stiffer and lower suspension was equipped with Enkel alloys and BF Goodrich Comp T/A tyres and a unique body kit consisting of front spoiler, flared wheel-arches and rear wing achieved the desired look, resplendent in Johnson’s famous ‘Tru-Blu’ racing colour. Inside were Scheel sports seats trimmed in ‘Grand Prix’ grey fabric, plus extra gauges, a premium sound system and Dick Johnson signature steering wheel. Only a handful were made (50 or less) so this is a rare ‘special vehicle’ in Aussie motoring history.