Cars of the Month - September

1972 Ford XA Falcon GT sedan

Continuing a lineage that had started with the XR in 1967, the XA Falcon GT arrived in 1972, with the sedan coming first, then the all-new two-door hardtop five months later.

Standard XA GT spec included a 351ci V8, Toploader four-speed manual transmission and 9-inch LSD, with a three-speed auto optional. GTs with the ‘RPO83’ option got a larger carburettor and exhaust headers intended for the cancelled GT-HO Phase IV. Later RPO83s also received rear disc brakes.

A blackout bonnet with vents and twistlock pins set the GT apart, as did 12-slot steel wheels. In total, 1,868 XA GT sedans were built.

This 1972 XA Falcon GT is available from a private seller in QLD.

See more online with this ad code: JCW5310865

1970 Shelby GT350

While production of the original Shelby GT350 had ended in 1969, around 318 units (sportsroof and convertible) remained unsold. These were re-titled as 1970 models, with unique bonnet stripes and a front spoiler being the only differences.

The 351 Windsor V8 that had replaced the 302 in 1969 carried over to the 1970 models, producing the same 290hp and 385lb/ft (216kW and 521Nm). A Toploader (wide- or close-ratio) four-speed manual was standard, with an FMX three-speed automatic optional.

The last of the original GT350s were available in a range of colours, including bright ‘Grabber’ colours that Shelby had introduced in 1969.

This 1970 Shelby GT350 is available from Motown Auto, WA.

See more online with this ad code: JCMD5257668

1955 Ford F-100 panel truck

Ford’s enclosed ‘panel delivery’ truck predates even the Model T, so when the F-Series trucks launched in 1948, a panel delivery was part of that range. Only available as a ½-ton F-1 (not the ¾-ton F-2 or 1-ton F-3), updates to the panel delivery usually reflected what was added to the F-1 pickups.

By 1955, the F-100 panel delivery was available as a standard or Custom (the latter adding better seat padding and interior trim, a headliner and lined load area), with a choice of inline six or OHV V8 engines.

Panel delivery production of 12,274 for 1955 compared to almost 125,000 pickups. 

This 1955 F-100 panel truck is available from a private seller in QLD.

See more online with this ad code: JCW5274455

1976 Ford F-350

Ford’s bigger brother to the ½-ton F-100 and ¾-ton F-250, the 1-ton F-350 was officially available in Australia from 1967. The F-350’s 240ci (3.9-litre) inline six and four-speed manual drivetrain would remain until late-1974, when a 250ci (4.1-litre) six was introduced. A year later, the F-350 could also be had with a 302ci (5.0-litre) V8, with both engines offered in 1976. In 1978, a 351ci (5.8-litre) V8 replaced the 302, but a four-speed manual was the only transmission available throughout this period. 

While F-100s from the ’70s were popular bases for ambulances, F-350s often found use as tow trucks due to their high GVM rating.

This 1976 F-350 is available from a private seller in WA.

See more online with this ad code: JCW5294292

1972 Ford Ranchero GT

Ford’s sixth-generation Ranchero ute arrived for 1972 with a major makeover to reflect the new-look styling of the Torino it was based on. Curiously, it also reverted from unitary construction to body-on-frame.

Ranchero ‘500,’ ‘GT’ and ‘Squire’ variants were available, with the GT defined by bonnet scoops and colourful bodyside striping. A 302ci V8 was standard in the GT, but 351 (with 2- or 4-barrel carb), 400 and 429 V8s were optional. With Ram Air induction, a Ranchero GT 429 could produce up to 360hp (268kW).

Other GT options included a handling package, vinyl roof, 15-inch wheels, a four-speed manual with Hurst shifter, full instrumentation and bucket seats.

This 1972 Ranchero GT is available from a private seller in VIC.

See more online with this ad code: JCW5258552

1969 Ford XW Falcon GT-HO Phase I

The XW Falcon GT-HO debuted in August, 1969, specifically to homologate Ford’s assault on that year’s Bathurst enduro. The GT-HO (for ‘Handling Option’) added a front spoiler, rear stabiliser bar and stronger tailshaft. There was also a larger Holley carburettor, new intake manifold and heavy-duty alternator, plus changes to the internals of the 351ci V8 – which could be a Windsor (Phase I) or Cleveland (Phase I ½). A four-speed manual transmission was standard, with a three-speed auto optional.

It’s estimated that just 260 units of the XW Falcon GT-HO (Phase I and Phase I ½ inclusive) were built.

This XW Falcon GT-HO Phase I is available from Pete’s Classic Car Sales, SA.

See more online with this ad code: JCMD5292483