The GT STORY

The GT Falcon is unquestionably the quintessential Aussie muscle car The new XY GT rolled off the line in late 1970, and was followed in 1971 with the all-time classic GT HO Phase III. With between 350 and 380bhp (270 - 280 kW) and 380 ft/lbs (513Nm) of torque, it was reputed then to be the world's fastest 4-door production car.

 

Looking suitably aggressive8 with its air intake protruding through the bonnet and bold side stripes, the XY GT's were affectionately known as "Shakers" to many people, a nickname derived from the shaking action of the bonnet scoop and particularly noticeable while the engine is idling.

 

There were 1,557 XY GT's made from September 1970 to December 1971. There were 300 XY GTHO Phase III's built between May 1971 and November 1971. Engine 351 Standard Specifications: Engine: 351 cubic inch Cleveland V8 (5.763 litre) Bore & Stroke: 102 x 89mm (4.00 x 3.50in) Power (DIN): 224kW (300bhp) @ 5400rpm. Note: Output was understated as 300bhp to satisfy insurers.

 

 

 

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 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 even now, 36 years later. Without question the most collectable production car ever made in Australia, the Ford Falcon XY GT-HO Phase III has become a rapidly appreciating asset in recent years but slipping behind the wheel all this becomes largely irrelevant, as the cars true worth can only be experienced behind the wheel.

Generally accepted as 350-380bhp Torque (DIN:) 515Nm (380lb-ft) @ 3400rpm Compression Ratio: 11.5:1 Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, 90 degree V8 Head Design: Pushrod & rocker OHV with solid lifters. Note: 2 optional lifts available with the same duration Exhaust System: H&M headers with low restriction twin exhaust Fuel System: 780cfm Holley 4 barrel carburettor Ignition System:

 

Twin point distributor Larger harmonic balancer 6150 rpm rev limiter Windage tray and baffles in sump Manual Gearbox : Type: 4 speed all-synchronised 1st: 2.32:1 2nd: 1.93:1 3rd: 1.36:1 4th: 1.00:1 Reverse: 2.78:1 Manual Gearbox : Type: 4 speed all-synchronised close ratio 1st: 2.32:1 2nd: 1.69:1 3rd: 1.29:1 4th: 1.00:1 Reverse: 2.78:1 Rear Axle: Type: 9in LSD Traction Lock is standard with 28 spline axles or 31 spline optional Ratio: 3.25:1 standard with optional 3.5:1 or 3.91:1 (Optional)

 

Suspension: Front: Independent ball joint, HD coil springs, HD shock absorbers, wishbones and HD anti-roll bar Upper control arm to accept the 3 pin ball joint used, as opposed to the 4 point ball joint used in the normal GTs and earlier GTHOs Rear: Hotchkiss type with semi-elliptic leaf springs, shock absorbers, live axle and rear anti-roll bar added Wider front track due to the use of XA type 3 pin upper control arm Spacers on front when Globes fitted Brakes: Front: 286mm (11.25in) Servo assisted Discs with dust shields removed Rear: 254mm (10in) Servo assisted Drums.

 

Wider & finned plus proportioning valve fitted Steering: Type: Re-circulating ball power assistance (Optional) Ratio: 16:1 Wheels & Tyres: Wheels: 6.0 x 14 Steel - Steel '5 Slot' with S Steel dress ring & centre cap 7.0 x 15 Alloy - '5 Spoke' Globe Daytona(Optional) from 1972 Tyres: 185 x 14 - E70HR14 Instrumentation: Speedometer: 140mph Cleveland Tachometer: 8000rpm Oil Pressure: Gauge Water Temperature: Gauge Fuel: Gauge Ignition: Warning Light High Beam: Warning Light Brakes: Warning Light Clock: Analogue Dimensions: Length: 4689mm (184.6in) Width: 1869mm (73.6in) Height: 1397mm (55.0in) Weelbase: 2819mm (111.0in) Front Track: 1499mm (59.0in) Rear Track 1486mm (58.5in) Weight: 1524kg (3360lb) Turning Circle: 11.2m (36.6ft)

 

Fuel Tank: 163.8 litre (36.0gl) standard Seating:

 

5 Performance: Top Speed: 225km/h (142mph) @ 6150rpm with 3.25:1 differentail 0 - 60mph (0 - 100 km/h) - 6.4 seconds Standing 1/4 mile (400m) - 14.2 seconds