√Restored, low-mileage Ford Falcon GT heading to auction

This Ford XT Falcon GT was restored over the past decade after being left untouched in a shed for years – with its V8 engine now modified to make more than 330kW.

A 1968 Ford Falcon GT which has recently been restored – and tastefully modified – is due to be auctioned this weekend, with prices expected to exceed $100,000.

Listed by Lloyds Auctions, this Ford ‘XT’ Falcon GT rolled off the Broadmeadows production line in November 1968, finished in Candy Apple Red and delivered to a Ford dealer in Bowral in February 1969.

The XT Falcon was the second-generation model to be affixed with the iconic ‘GT’ badge, which had been introduced on the XR in 1967 to denote Ford’s fastest sedans – designed to take on Holden’s heroes around Australia’s iconic race tracks, such as Bathurst.

This particular road-going example has been owned by the family of its seller since 1993, with the current unnamed owner taking custodianship in 2010 following his father’s passing.

According to the listing, this Falcon GT had been stored in a shed for decades until it was pulled out to be brought back to life – with the intention of keeping it as a ‘matching numbers’ car in near-showroom condition.

The standard 302 cubic-inch (4.9-litre) ‘Windsor’ V8 was rebuilt in 2020 by Melbourne firm Competition engines for more than $21,500, and has now been stroked out to 347 cubic inches (5.7 litres).

While the restoration has resulted in the Falcon GT looking like it just rolled into the dealership more than 50 years ago, it has been given a number of minor modifications to unlock its potential.

Gone is the factory-fitted four-barrel Autolite carburettor, with a 650 cubic feet-per-minute (cfm) ‘double pumper’ carburettor now in its place, hidden under a stock-looking air cleaner.

While most of the Windsor V8 appears to be unchanged on the outside, almost all of its internals are new – from camshafts and pistons, to its timing gear, heads and ignition system.

According to a video uploaded to the speed shop’s Facebook page, the modified Windsor engine produced almost 330kW and 600Nm on the workshop’s measuring equipment – all of which is delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed ‘Toploader’ manual transmission and a Ford ‘nine-inch’ differential.

Additional changes to the XT Falcon GT from standard include a new exhaust, electric power steering, a modern infotainment system and speakers, plus new glass on all windows.

Though no official estimate has been provided, bidding for the XT Falcon GT has already surpassed $90,000 before the auction is due to officially open at 10:00am AEST on Saturday 26 August 2023.

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