The Ford Motor Company Falcon XY GT is a sports sedan based on the Ford Falcon XY. Released in 1970 by Ford Australia, with the GTHO Phase III released in 1971. Some 1,557 units were produced from September 1970 to December 1971 with 300 GTHO Phase IIIs produced from May 1971 to November 1971. It was the fourth in the initial series of the Ford Falcon GT. A limited number were exported to South Africa, wearing Fairmont GT badging. The Fairmont GT model is starting to increase in value as Falcon GTs become harder to find and buyers beginning to see the Fairmont as a genuine GT.
With the rev limiter disabled it is theoretically capable of and can exceed 7,000rpm in fourth gear. The rev limiter is set to 6,150rpm. The engine type was a 351 Cleveland (carried over from the XW GT/GT-HO Phase II). While Ford stated an output of 300 horsepower, the engine was reputed to produce over 350 horsepower.
Technical details
Engine specifications: Engine: 351 cubic inch Cleveland V8 (5.763 litre)
Bore and stroke: Power (DIN): at 5400rpm (factory claim) Torque (DIN:) 515Nm (380 lb-ft) at 3400rpm (factory claim) Compression ratio: 11:1 Configuration: front mounted, longitudinal, 90 degree V8 Head design: pushrod and rocker OHV with solid lifters Exhaust system: cast iron manifold, low restriction twin exhaust Fuel system: 600cfm Autolite four-barrel carburettor Ignition system: single point distributor Manual gearbox : Type: four-speed all-synchronised 1st: 2.78:1 2nd: 1.93:1 3rd: 1.36:1 4th: 1.00:1 Reverse: 2.78:1 Manual gearbox : Type: four-speed all-synchronised close ratio 1st: 2.32:1 2nd: 1.69:1 3rd: 1.29:1 4th: 1.00:1 Reverse: 2.32:1 Automatic transmission: Type: heavy duty three-speed C6 OR FMX Rear axle: Type: 9-inch LSD traction lock is standard with 28 spline axles or 31 spline optional Manual ratio: 3.25:1 standard with optional 3.5:1 or 3.91:1 Automatic ratio: 2.75:1 Suspension: Front: independent ball joint, coil springs, shock absorbers, wishbones and anti-roll bar Upper control arm to accept the three-pin ball joint used, as opposed to the four-point ball joint used in the normal GTs and earlier GTHOs Rear: Hotchkiss type with semi-elliptic leaf springs, shock absorbers and live axle Brakes: Front: servo assisted discs Rear: servo assisted drums Steering: Type: re-circulating ball power assistance (optional) Ratio: 16:1 Wheels and tyres: Wheels: 6.0 x 14 steel - steel "five-slot" with "S" steel dress ring and centre cap 7.0 x 15 alloy - "five-spoke' Bathurst Globe (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: Width: Height: Weelbase: Front track: Rear track Weight: 1325kg (manual) 1415kg (auto) Turning circle: Fuel tank: 75 litre (16.4 gallons) - 163.8 litre (36.0gl) optional Seating: five Performance: Top speed: (auto)
Standing 1/ - 14.4 seconds (manual )
GTHO Phase III
The Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III was built for homologation, looked almost identical to the GT and was a modified version of the Falcon GT built in 1971 with a heavily upgraded engine, a four-speed top-loader gearbox and Detroit locker nine inch differential. It was also equipped with special brakes and handling package, plus a fuel tank.
Winner of the 1971 Bathurst 500, driven by Allan Moffat, the Phase III has been described as "...simply one of the best cars in the world, a true GT that could take on Ferraris and Astons on their own terms..." by Sports Car World.