Well-travelled GT-HO going to auction with Grays
Most XY Falcon GT-HO Phase IIIs have a story behind them, but this example, consigned for auction with Grays Online this coming 11 December, has a fascinating recent history.
From its debut in 1971, Ford’s Falcon GT-HO was one of those “instant classics” of Australian motoring and its legend has only grown with each year. Put that down to its impressive performance, thanks to a bunch of extra go-fast bits above the already quick and capable XY GT, all designed to deliver Ford victory at the annual Mount Panorama enduro – which it won convincingly in 1971.
In its 300-unit ‘Phase III’ form, the GT-HO is treated with near-godlike reverence by everyone with even a passing knowledge of Australian-made cars. Well, maybe not everyone, as some owners and enthusiasts decided not to keep their cars in climate-controlled garages. Instead, they decided to use them as they were originally intended – travelling big miles on Aussie roads in Aussie conditions.
From the Nationals . . .
The car pictured belongs to Leo Khouri, who’s well known on the Falcon GT community and one of the most knowledgeable blokes in the country when it comes to GT-HO features and history.
With around half a dozen Phase IIIs in his garage at any one time (the number’s gone up and down over the years), Leo has bought, sold and restored more of these cars than most of us can dream of. He’s also been a regular at the GT Nationals; an annual event that brings together owners across the full spectrum of Falcon GT production.
courtesy Cleargate Pictures
It was at one of these Nationals - where so many cars are trailer queens - that the idea was born for these all-Australian cars to see all of Australia.
Leo, along with mate and fellow Phase III owner, David Frake, first discussed the idea of an around-Australia drive a few years back. It sat on the backburner, then gained new momentum at the end of 2018. Making the drive a fundraiser for charity gave Leo (a cancer survivor) and David additional impetus, ahead of a commitment to get in get the foot down in March, 2019.
courtesy Cleargate Pictures
. . . to the Nation
Starting in Melbourne, the drive would head north on an anti-clockwise route around Australia, motoring through New South Wales and Queensland, then across the Top End and into WA before turning back into the interior for a run down the middle of the country, finishing in Adelaide in time to take part in the 2019 Falcon GT Nationals that Easter.
The adventure took 40 days and others join in at various stages, including Mark Lamb in his Phase III, which made for an impressive sight – and more than $2 million in Aussie metal - when all three cars were in convoy.
courtesy Cleargate Pictures
All up, Leo and David covered over 15,000km (almost 9,500 miles) in their classic Aussie muscle cars, taking in Bathurst, Broome, the Gold Coast, Townsville and Alice Springs, to name a few. And as proof of the original intent behind the drive, mechanical problems were few and far between.
At Adelaide for the Nationals, the dust and bugs of the road were still on the two cars, which made for a contrast against the gleaming concours machines they shared space with!
courtesy Cleargate Pictures
With the drive being a once-in-a-lifetime thing, Leo signed up Cleargate Pictures to join the tour and capture the occasion for a special documentary titled “Odyssey”.
Publicity generated by the drive has seen more than $17,000 raised for nominated charity, Soldiers and Sirens (that counsels ADF personnel and first responders). Due to COVID, the fundraising has stalled of late, but the GoFundMe page is still open and you can donate HERE
. . . .and to Auction
After proving the durability of his 8/71-built GT-HO Phase III on the road, Leo continued to drive the car before deciding this year to put it on the market – choosing Grays Online to handle the sale.
Leo actually bought this Phase III at auction in 2007, so the upcoming auction with Grays Online will complete the circle of his custodianship of the car.
Prior to the Odyssey drive, the car was prepared by Victorian-based GT specialists, Grand Tourer, with post-Odyssey refurbishment entrusted to Gerace Restorations.
Now, before you think that this Phase III was bashed and thrashed on its journey, a look at the studio images shows otherwise. Yes, this car did see dirt, gravel, sand and mud on the Odyssey, but it was driven sensibly, so the remarkably good unrestored condition it was in beforehand has been maintained.
For GT-HO Phase III purists, this car runs all the factory-correct features, including the 351 (5.8-litre) Cleveland V8, four-speed top-loader transmission and Detroit locker nine-inch diff, along with period-correct suspension, brakes (disc front/drum rear) and ‘Bathurst Globe’ alloy wheels. Listed mileage was 28,798 (miles) at time of writing.
The Ultra White paint is factory correct and the Saddle vinyl interior is mostly original and in good condition. The interior hasn’t been missed with, so there’s no aftermarket stereos, speakers, gauges or other non-period features inside.
Regular maintenance by Gerace Restorations has ensured the new owner needs nothing but to get in and drive. Leo encourages this, adding that the car is ready to take on another trip around Australia!
This genuine, unrestored 1971 Ford XY Falcon GT-HO Phase III will go to auction through Grays Online this week. Bidding opens at 4:00PM on Friday, 11 December and closes at 8:30PM on Wednesday, 16 December.
For further details and a full set of photos, go HERE.
