History
I purchased new, $5280., my First car. 70% Local content, everything made in Australia never lasted.
Painted and made on a Friday, Paint dribbles on side front guard.
Every panel fit on doors were different, rusted on folds of doors, boot, bonnet.
Drivers backrest of seat broke just on a year, (Ratchet), replaced luckily under warranty. Lucas alternator burnt out within a year, replaced with Japanese import, then never a problem.
Window winders broke, replaced with imported ones.
In 1984, TC Ford Cortina slammed in rear, Cortina towed away, driver hurt, I sledge hammered the rear guard from the wheel and drove 140Klms home, rear tail lights still working.
Insurance paid out $5400 with 250,000klm on the clock, (I clicked it back 100,000, Shhh!!!)
Overall, the engine never failed only head gasket changed.
Only thought at that time, was, if this was only 70% local content, imagine 100% on Fords and Holden’s etc, in my opinion the 70’s cars were the worst built in Australian history and notorious for rust.
I have no idea why anyone would pay ridiculous amounts of money for cars of that era.
I currently own an HSV GTO and 02 CV8 previously as well as a Ford EL Fairmont Ghia, and found they were all built with superb quality for an Australian car , a real shame the industry is about to die when now they have finally got it right.
Modifications
Replaced 4 speed box with 5 Speed, lower highway revs, better fuel economy
Replaced twin throat antipollution carb, with SSS twin SU carburettor
I installed integrated Air Conditioning, worked absolutely superb
