XY GT-HO Phase III. March 2008

Yet with a estimated selling price of $700,000 - $780,000, the 1971 Ford Falcon XY GT-HO Phase III 'Bathurst' Sedan was right up there with the latest automotive glitterati. 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 model's 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, the Falcon XY GT-HO Phase III has become the most collectable production car ever made in Australia and correct cars in top condition are rapidly appreciating assets, with prices nudging the three-quarter million dollar mark.
Making this car special is that it is one of just five examples built in Frosted Pewter metallic and, with factory options fitted from new - including a left-hand hand mirror and 8-track stereo - something which is almost unique amongst Phase IIIs.
Better still, the car is one of the 50 made with factory fitted close-ratio Top Loaders and a 3.5:1 31-spline Detroit Locker 9-inch rear end.
The vehicle, which has never sustained any accident damage, subsequently underwent a total restoration by Frank Portelli's Classic Car Detailing in Melbourne in 1997. It remains in mint condition today, having travelled approximately 6,000 miles since. It is a unique model that some lucky buyer will enjoy.