Ford Falcon XY - Fastest 4 Door Sedan in the World!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ธ.ค. 2023
- Here’s the next episode in my Falcon series, that began with XK. Here we have the legendary XY model. The GT-HO Phase III was the fastest 4 door sedan in the world at introduction. What is your favourite Falcon? Please Like 👍 and Subscribe for more old car videos. Cheers Mark
- ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Here is my latest Falcon video. This one on the legendary XY model. The GT-HO Phase III was the fastest 4 door sedan at introduction. Who doesn’t love the Shaker? Is the XY your favourite Falcon? Please hit that Like 👍 button as it’s free, only takes a second and it helps the channel. Please also Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and you can hit the Bell to be notified as new videos are released. Cheers Mark
There are probably more genuine XY GTHO’s on the road today than left the factory.
Yes. An oldie but a goodie 👍
Mel Nicholls at the wheel, the needle just over the 140mph mark. Great days pre Fun Police.
Yes, what an iconic image! 👍
Xy gt phase 3 was the fastest production car in the world at 14.4 quarter mile
That was massive in those years in 1971 for a standard car
Yes. Four door of course. 👍
a wreckers here, on s road, used to aquire them, then distribute parts,, so now theres about 5000 xy gt ho,s around.. should of mentioned, some of the engines went into ltd / fairlanes, to get rid of them..@@markbehr88
1970 1/2 U.S. Produced 4 door Falcon 429 Ram Jet was faster , USA parent didn't bother arguing with Aussie claims as they had 2 doors that were much faster and didn't race 4 doors
The 168MPH Maserati Quattroporte never got that memo, would be on the bumper on the Falcon flashh its light to move over and zoom past it with ease
Is it a “production” car though in the true sense of the word or more a limited, hand built car?@@lot6129
Great little breakdown on the model run Mark. The XY was indeed a world class car. Just makes it all the more scandalous that we can't make our own cars anymore.
Thanks man. I couldn’t agree more! 👍
When I was a kid in NZ mining town a coy called Downer had at least 2 of the Falcon 4x4 utes driving around
Wow. That is very cool. 👍
Thanks for a great review Mark, what a legend of a car 🔥 I’ve got laugh at _some_ of todays young car crowd who call 14 second car _pedestrian_ .. IMO, absolutely *no respect* to how we got here today 😏
Thanks very much. Agree. Based on the technology, 14 sec quarter mile is very quick. I know the electric hair dryer cars can do that, but for how long? 🤔
Some really good info there Mark, and in jest there may be only 300 HO”s made , but today there is about a million of them.
And as many dreamers who claim to have owned one.
@@darrylmackie9184 so so true, I never owned one but I did sit in one once. That’s classified as ownership in some peoples eyes.
Ha hah. Very true. I went around Bathurst in one once when we filmed The Mother of Performance Cars FPV GT tv ad. That was fun. 👍
The thing is, and I should know as I built two GTHOs in each of 1969 and 1971 for Bathurst with SVM, and that is these were 130mph cars. The standard XWGT in 1969 was actually a little faster than the 71 XYGT as the latter were 150kgs lighter.
But keeping with the XY and the Cleveland, the factory output was 260-270hp...165kw. The GTHO was about 310hp. On Lynxs dyno before the 71 Bathurst race we saw a best of 368hp for our qualifying motors and yes, we could see 145mph down conrod. But that was a race car with two months of engine blueprinting work. The standard intake, cam and carb strangled it to 6200. Hence the rev limiter. And more than that and you would lose the valve gear and oil pressure anyway.
Thanks. Great to get insight from someone in a race team back in the day. It is certainly a hot topic even after all these years. 👍
I still have my XW II owned since '89.
No way would I swap the old dub for a why.
Regards Liz.
Had GT Falcons and V6 Capris When I was a kid. Only had XA coupes in the GTs. Even back then people wanted the XW and XY. Last one was a genuine RPO 83. Had wheels that filled the rear wheel arches and looked fantastic. When I tried to sell it in 1979 I couldn't get any more than $2700 for it Later had two 300 SEL 6.3 Mercs which a previous poster referred to. They would all go over 140 mph. If you were doing 100 kph on the freeway and floored the throttle they would wheelspin. They're the car that stoped the falcon being the fastest 4 door
Some amazing cars you had there! 👍@@chasermalloy7406
@@chasermalloy7406merc 300 could brake better much better ???
Another very informative video.
Thank you Mark.
All these Fords were tuff cars.
I might add that the Jaguar XJ12 could do 146 mph, which pips the 144 mph of the HO.
If you drive a 6.3 Mercedes Benz of the time you will not forget it, but its top speed was recorded at 137mph.
For top speed the Jag wins, but the Merc and the Ford have more brutal acceleration.
The Mercs couldn't keep the rubber attached to the road,
same as the Fords.
@@nkelly.9 Thanks very much. Glad you enjoyed it. I do like the Series 1 XJ Jaguar (and the 420G). 👍
Quality content. Thankyou.
Thanks you very much. I hope you subscribe and enjoy more episodes on the channel. 🙏
I remember the Fairmont GT in South Africa. I worked on a few of them. Really Great cars.
Yes, I believe quite a few of those ended up back in Australia. 👍
I love it a whole another world down under. Much love from Canada.mate!
Thanks very much Tony 👍👍👍
I got a lift from Harrington back to Sydney in a 351 GTHO as a teenager many, many years ago. I remember the accerleration being impressive but I also remember how much hard work the driver (a cousin) had to put in for anything that wasn't a straight line. The Bulledelah pass was fun but he needed a break by the time we go through it. That car was definitely not driver friendly.
Yes, no doubt a high effort driving car. 👍
i raced one only thing i can think of did not know how to drive my car handle exe
@@donaldthomson8965 I guess at low speeds, with no power steering, it would be high effort, but once rolling no issue. 👍
PROPS TO ALL who raced them then !
The XY GTHO phase three, what can you say, defiantly the most iconic car that Australia ever produced. Some body needs to start production on them again. AS America does with most of its old Muscle cars YOU can buy reproduced every thing in the States. Thank you for bringing this series to Us
Thanks very much David. You’re right. You can buy brand new Camaro and Mustang bodies these days and enough repro parts to make a whole car. There are certain panels made for the old Falcons, however, the quality of some are not up to scratch. Glad you are enjoying the series. The next model will be the XA, which was a major departure style wise for the Falcon. 👍
Absolutely! Build a new 'old' XY GT, but modernise in with up to date Brembo brakes, better handling suspension and SRS etc.
re portedly, the xy did 160 mph. but was doctored down to 140.. so all the petrol retrds would kill themselves.. you forgot the detroit locker.. didnt watch it all.. there was a 4x4 ute, over my fence in a breakers scrap yard for yrs.. never had the money to ask how much. this is 3 yrs ago.. s.a..also theres an original hq.?. 4x4. plus wagons, ambulances floating around. f100 "78.. in the 70,s. it cost $2. fill the tank.. saw gt,s with the 30, odd g tanks,, there for ages.. i had an xb gt, there not gt,s. a gs xb coupe, escort twin cam, then got into f100,s. now have a rare highboy, f250 75. , a 340 r/t challenger. 4.2tdi s/duty, best truck ford built, not sold to public, same as the h/boy.. took me 20 yrs to find one..@@markbehr88
@davidmotoman4956 wow that's interesting! Know any specific US companies who do these reproductions? Please let me know
@davidmotoman4956 wow that's interesting! Know any specific US companies who do these reproductions? Please let me know
Great video Mark! Very informative.
Thanks Glenn. Merry Christmas to you and the family 👍
Great insight into the 4wd ute! Thanks!
@@cameronalexander359 Thanks very much. Glad you liked it. 👍
The part about the 4WD ute was fascinating, very enjoyable thanks Mark.
Thanks very much. 👍
The mechanic at Ashford nsw, had one. (In mid 80's). There was 2 gold xt gt's, just out of town too. The Ute looked great.
I've got this magazine of the 144 mph shot. My Phase 3 driving neighbour gave it to me in '71 when i was 6.
Very cool 👍
it was doctored down by the newspaper, to 140. from 160.. fact..
@@harrywalker968 keep it real and thank gosh they didnt have to stop in a hurry
Uncle had a gtho or a Ho-ee as he called them. Like a nitrate blue with black sports . As a kid I’d stare at the kangaroo stickers on it . Just great experience. ❤🇦🇺
Fond memories hey Laurie 👍👍
That's was a fantastic video. I grew up in a family of Ford lovers. Dad and brother. My brother still owns a XW Fairmont. I also started my driving experience with owning Fords, first was a XT Falcon 500, followed by ZB's ZC, XW, last ford I owned a few years ago was a Xy Falcon 500 250 3 on the tree. Was a awesome car, I would go bush in it all the time, it would out do some 4×4's. Even pulled one out of a bog once. I miss that old XY, only sold it because of a relationship breakdown. Silly me didn't know how pricey they became. Hence why I don't have another one now.
Thanks very much. Please check out the other episodes 👍
I had that poster of the HOEY off the clock.👍
Yes, what a great image that was. 👍
Thank you for the video and sharing Mark. This was quite interesting. The Falcon there really developed its own strong identity. I will say I noticed American Ford parts on this car as well.
Thanks Olds98. Yes, plenty of American parts and plenty of unique ones too. Interesting the Shaker differences for one and our Australian Design Rules (ADRs) required manufacturers to have wrap around tail lights and front indicators circa 1969, whereas the US required side marker lights in 1968. It is very interesting to see the differences. I also added the Fairmont GT for South Africa where they had Super Rhino instead of Super Roo. 👍
@@markbehr88 You can see the Falcon roots from the American car, but you see where it started to change. It is always interesting to see what Ford and GM did globally. I know that in the last ten years or so everything is global and not different as it was in the past.
@@OLDS98 Yes, it was much more interesting back then in terms of unique designs, without the heaviness of today’s vehicles (brought about by safety requirements and now batteries).
@@markbehr88 Indeed true.
Gtrx Holden would be an interesting car to cover . I really enjoyed this episode.😊
Thanks very much. I will do the GTR-X. That was such a cool car. I wished they had of made it. I would own one for sure 👍.
@@markbehr88 as would I , imagine a young FORD fanatic falling in love with the proposed new GTR-X , I know Traitor , Heretic !
@@robertmorris6529 I love it too and will do an episode on it one day. 👍
HEY MARK MY DAD BOUGHT A 6.3 MERC WHEN I WAS A BOY AT REDCLIFFE QLD BECAUSE WHEN HE WAS SITTING AT THE LIGHTS IN HIS FORD GALEXIE HE GOT BLOWN AWAY BY A MERC HAHAHAHA IT PISSED HIM OFF SO HE GOT IT, YOU REMINDED ME OF THAT WHEN TALKING ABOUT THE HO.
Good to hear. What year Galaxie was it? I love my Galaxies 👍
It was the French connection model with gene Hackman @@markbehr88
1968 ford Galaxie @@markbehr88
Good episode
Thanks Peter 👍
For a long time, the XY was an overlooked classic. But judging by the 36,000 views (and increasing) you have attracted to you channel for this episode Mark, more and more car enthusiasts are appreciating how good it was.
Thanks David. I think you are correct. I wish I had of bought a very nice 351 Fairmont sedan in white from Canowindra years ago. It was about $3,800 then.
Hi Mark, hope your well, A great looking car the Falcon XY , I do love the 351 GT and GT HO phase 3 , i know the Mercedes 6.9 was fast but the Falcon was the fastest 4 door saloon car at the time. I do like the 4x4 ute or pick up truck. I also love the old tv ads, as always great to watch Take care👍
Thanks Shaun. All good here but some wild weather per the thunder you could hear in the background. Yes, they were and are mighty cars. I learned a bit too re the 4WD ute. You don’t see them too often. Glad you like the ads. I think they lend something re the times the cars were released. 👍
@@markbehr88 Hi Mark I hear the thunder hope the weather is not to bad for you, your in the Aussie summer now and we in the Welsh winter it's ok at the moment it's about 6c
@@shaun30-3-mg9zs Even though it’s summer here the weather has been very strange. One minute rain and thunder storms, the next hot, humid heat. Keep warm there in Wales 👍
That xa ute is tuff as no Holden Ute can match
I like the look of the Ford better but to be fair, the Holden has a separate chassis, so pretty rugged versus unitised. 👍
Love the opening photo of the HO gauges!
Tacho = 6,800 Speedo = over 140mph!
The driver is wearing a pullover with no gloves! The golden days of OHS!!!
Yes. Great image! 👍
Mick ,just a hint find and read Mel Nicholls story from Sports Car World .
Listening on headphones, that thunder really caught my attention!
Yes, I couldn’t control that one 🫣. Hope your ears are ok? 👍
@@markbehr88 It wasn't that it was loud so much as it was completely out of the blue. I actually pulled my headphones off because i thought we had a storm rolling in haha
I gotta say it RUNING ON EMPTY 😍😍😍😍 aussie history should be shown in schools
Great movie. 👍
Great video and good series. Thanks. XY is my no. 2. Can't go past a fully optioned XB GT
Thanks very much. Glad you are enjoying the series. XB will be coming up soon, after XA. Then I will be doing the Fairlanes 👍
@@markbehr88 excellent
XB GT i always thought pope was a catholic but 4 wheel discs a winner
Interesting facts keep the videos coming.Was that you going for a walk in your shorts?
Thanks Gerard. Ha. I was only 7 back then. 😀
Absolutely the XY-GTHO is the most Iconic model ever made Domestically . That's not even a question . The 427 Monaro comes second .
That was also an amazing car. Shame they did not make more Monaro 427s 👍
@@markbehr88 . Yeah . Utterly BRUTAL Supercar .
the only one they made was the one they put together for the bathurst 24 hour race
@@chopperking1122 . That is NOT true .
Ever heard of Homologation ?
But there were not many made .
Diplomatic immunityyyy! Golden touch😂😂
Glad you liked it. 👍👍
Very interesting video. A couple of things I noticed. The XY GT doing the burnout, has a large badge on the left front guard, where the GT and GTHO typically were badgeless. And the XY 4wd ute, all of the pictures you showed had them wearing the GTHO front lip spoiler made by Nylex. You didn't mention the 250-2v motor, or the introduction of the GS, and the fact that the same model (ZD ) Fairlane could be ordered with all engines bar the HO motor! I am enjoying your vids, and I hope you can give us a good in-depth on the development stories of the turbo barra. I am yet to hear any good insider tales on an awesome motor!
Hi there. I didn’t really notice the badging on the GT doing the burnout. That was from a period road test by Motor Manual (I think). Maybe it was an early press car or stripe delete? Not sure. I did note the spoilers on the Falcon 4WD utes. They were all factory brochures and images. I thought it an odd addition as it would be susceptible to damage but maybe it is covering some of the engineering elements? I did cover the GS models in the episode and mentioned their availability? The GS debuted in the XW (which I cover in that episode too) I didn’t cover the 250 2V though. The high output 351 was actually not available in the ZD, whereas it was available in the ZC model. I am going to cover the Fairlanes separately in future episodes. Glad you are enjoying the episodes. When I get to BA I might see if I can contact my old friend Gordon Barfield, who was the Ford Product Planning Manager. He is the “father of the turbo”. We worked on many models together when I was at FPV. Appreciate your comments 👍.
I just re-looked at the burnout GT and, as I suspected, it is a stripe delete car, so you receive the metal badges on the sides in lieu of the stripes. We did the same thing at FPV when you ordered stripe delete. Cheers Mark.
Thanks for the clarifications, I watched late at night, and may have "missed" a moment or two 😂
Looking forward to the Barra content. I miss my G6ET!
@@onedayiwillmakesomecontent All good. The great thing is it is free to re-watch it too 😀👍
Fairlane and normal Falcons came with 351 2V only. The 4V headed engines were GT only.
The 4wd utes did seem to generally have the GT front spoiler. And I have never seen a 4wd ute with bar treads, ever!
G'day Mark. Awesome looking car! I can imagine driving something like this here in the USA, and having people ask *"What's that?"* and I tell them *"It's a Ford Falcon GT!"* By 1970-71, Ford changed the appearance of the Ford Falcon, apparently to look like nothing before it. The Aussie design I show them still looks for the most part like the previous generation, with the only obvious differences being the grille, the the taillamps, and where the driver sits, on the starboard side of the car. 🙂
Thanks Jason. I think Ford Australia certainly did a fine job with the Falcon. In America the Falcon was a compact and the Galaxie was the main car, whereas here, the Falcon was our main car and the Galaxie a very expensive luxury model (with some LTD bits added). 👍
No, the Fairlane was the biggest selling Ford passenger car in Murrrca, in '68 to 1970,@@markbehr88. The Galaxy was barely seen in Straya, as most premium Ford sales were heading to the locally developed Fairlane.
Us Aussies know how to mass produce a RIGHT HAND DRIVE VEHICLE and made to be driven on the right hand side of the road and the WORLDS FASTEST 4 DOOR PRODUCTION ❤❤❤car to Boot and that was way back in 1971 , VERY VERY IMPRESSIVE for a POPULATION as small as AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺 is . WE are the envy of the world regarding OUR V8 SUPERCAR MOTORSPORTS
🤦🏼♂️ It was only the fastest 4-dr for a year or so,@@markomealley7282- and it was over half a century ago..?! Still blabbing about a fast family sedan _in 2023?_ That's ridiculous.
Being a RHD vehicle, and us driving on the left (not right side, as you say) doesn't make it or us, special or better or right. It's just a position! It's the same as Japan, UK, India, Indonesia and some others.
Also, our Supercar series is _not_ the envy of the world. It only has two brands, in one type/formula, and one isn't even sold here. Soon it won't be sold in its home country!
@@markomealley7282 Agree. Definitely punching above our weight 👍
Ford 250ci ironhead motor. One of the best engines Ford ever released in Oz.
Yes, torquey and reliable.
jeep Australia manufactured vehicles in brisbane they supplied jeep wagoneer running gear for use in the falcon 4wd and did a lot of development for the 4wd conversion. the 6cyl ford motors were previously fitted to australian built jeep cj's as the 6cyl option, so the motor was already compatible to the jeep gearbox . jeep owned the rights and tooling for the buick v6 and manufactured and fitted those to usa built cj's. but due to the buick v6 being unused in australia the falcon 6cyl was used because of it's australian manufacture and spare parts availability. jeep sold the buick tooling to gm in the 70's and the buick v6 ended up coming to australia eventually as the 3.8l ecotec v6 in the commodore.
the 4wd badge and the 4wd graphic on the falcon 4wd advertisement are straight from the jeep wagoneer.
Thanks for the additional info. I actually own a 1988 Jeep Gran Wagoneer. Interesting the cross pollination of components. 👍
Nice red colour❤❤
Thanks for the great vids. I have a bit of a soft spot for the XW. Personally I think the rear end of the XW with the three tail lights a side is aesthetically more pleasing than the two tail lights a side XY. And I prefer the one piece front grill of the XW over the split grill XY. To me the XY GT looked like an XW GT that had eaten too much junk food.
Thanks. I get what you mean. I very much like the XW too check out my video on that (if you haven’t already?). Maybe an XW with the Shaker? 👍
I had no idea they made that many different Falcon models!
Yes, pretty cool and I haven’t done the series yet on our unique Fairlanes and LTDs. Stay tuned!
@@markbehr88oh wow!
@@tonyscarcare5657 pretty cool hey?
Mark love the XR and XT v8 models the body lines also the XY GTHO was the fastest, but Holden fans won't admit it plenty of other great Ford V8 XA-XC coupes the Windsor's and Cleveland's still today one of the best v8 engines. Wanna hear it again ......
Thanks Russel. I like the XR and XT too. They are simpler, lighter looking cars than the XW and XY although I like those too. In this model series I would like a dark blue or burgundy XR V8 Fairmont sedan and maybe a dark green 302 V8 Fairmont XW sedan. I did drive a very rare white factory 351 Fairmont sedan years ago. I could have bought it for about $4,000. Sorry I didn’t as it drove really well. 👍
Time for your medication, and a look at all the glossy pictures.
@@darrylmackie9184 Oh goody, I love glossy pictures.! 😀
Cleveland was a piece of crap only modern engineering and technology has made it a somewhat reliable engine .
A lot of people would disagree.
Great series, would love to see one done on the Fairlane models.
Thank you. I will be doing a Fairlane series next. Have to finish the Falcons first. I will also do Holdens and Chryslers. You can check out past episodes for other cars too. 👍
@@markbehr88 excellent I can’t wait please put in some of your great knowledge into the ZD Fairlane as I am a proud owner of a beautiful original example.
Thanks. I sure will. I will start with the ZA and work through to the end. 👍@@tonxbezzina7015
I am a real true blue Holden boy at heart. But talk XY GTHO and I am all ears. A friend of mine had one and I rode in it many times.
John. You are the mark of an objective enthusiast. While we all have our preferences, it’s great when we can at least appreciate the “other” team’s car. Hats off to you. 👍
why.??.. there basic crap.. plus, if you add 20 hp, you need ford running gear.. fact.. an escort 4 sp, is the same size as an ausie 4 sp.. junk..
MAAAAATTE , if you want a car,, you can allways get parts. looks good,, different, BUY AMERICAN.. like my 340 r/t challenger, sublime, [ green to you ].. you need 3 holdens, keep 1 going,,if,, you can find 3.. theres thousands of manufacturers making parts in u.s.. i have 4 u.s. vehicles, 4x4rs.. naw warrees.... mate,,
WAIT hang on a second , a four wheel drive ute? many many years ago i was working for a cocky way out in Casino NSW ,making a bit off money working hes property ,he was an ol fella ready to move on to a retirement village out at Lismore i think so hes property needed sorting out,in a shed was a jacked up four wheel drive ford ute ,he told me Thiess mines in QLD gave it to him when he finished hes contract in 1975,he parked it there and it didnt move ,like its wheel bearing seized up ,i had a look and thought he was full off it as it had Jeep runnin gear ,he told me ,you get it goin its yours or ill pay you a weeks wages inleu,i thought it was a ford body on a jeep chassis so i took the weeks wages instead
Yep. That was a rare factory job. 👍🫣
there was 1 over my fence in a breakers yard, alloy, metal ect.. 3 yrs ago.. never had money to ask.. fk,,i was 63.. contractor,,allways broke.. also had mini,s old morris.. s.a. salisbury, brown tce. plus, being on 1/2 acre, i didnt have room, for another 10 yr project.. now i have a 340 r/t challenger, sublime. was looking for big block mustang, but there all sht.. a torino gt, would be nice.. or 69 comaro,,with ford running gear,, seeing holdens are half ford anyhoo..
My brother in Laws brother brought a brand new super roo xy GT. Metallic Gold 4 speed. Remember its amazing torque. As surged brutally from low revs in 1st and 2nd gear. 3rd and 4 th for the open road. Where the GT pulled rapidly on the highway from above 70 kmph. Especially in 3rd gear for extra rapid overtaking.
Great memories 👍👍
@@markbehr88 Yep, sure were
my first car 18 years young 302 on L plates what a car
Wow. Great first car! 👍👍
Nice cars! However- back in the early 1970's a mate owned a real factory sleeper.. It was the small 4 door M/B sedan, which normally had a 4 cylinder engine.. This one had the 6.5 liter V-8 from the 600 series installed. It was dry sumped to lower the bonnet line! Road & Track tested it and said it was the fastest 4 door sedan in the world back then. It could run to 140 m.p.h. and they said 'cruise all day at 125 mph -with 4 adults in it!!' I drove it once and it was real fun..
It sounds amazing. Shame it was not a production car like the Falcon GT-HO. 👍
It was a limited factory car. Not a home job!@@markbehr88
thats because he doesnt know what hes talking about . mercedes put the 6.3 V8 in place of a six cylinder in 1968 to make the 300 SEL , one of the fastest production 4 doors @@markbehr88
Goodday Mark,
Great video & I bought the limited edition Phase III book as well.
I am a Mopar Guy but I question the horsepower.
The Mustang Boss 351 in the States was the most powerful 351 ever produced for a Mustang rated at 335 hp.
The horsepower you are mentioning surpasses the Boss 429 horsepower rating at 375 hp.
The 390 hp rating is Big Block numbers
440 with a Six Pack.
My favourite Falcon & more deserving is the XA.
There were Plymouth 426 Hemi , 4 doors build in limited numbers for law enforcement in the States.
Yes the XY GT HO was a legendary muscle car but the biggest mistake was it should of been a 2 door Falcon.
Looking forward to the XA & please don't call it a coupe like every other supposed Ford expert they are HARDTOPS.
Cheers
Louis Kats 👍
Thanks Louis. There may be differences in emissions re the US engines?
Plus the US figures were often understated due to insurance pressures etc. That affected pretty well all muscle cars. Herb McCandless (Mr 4 Speed) told me the Mopars all had understated power outputs quoted. (Check out the episode as part of my recent USA road trip). Maybe the Mustang Boss had more torque and the GT-HO was more engineered to rev down Conrod. I don’t know, however, I am sure someone will weigh in with more info. I will make a point of saying hardtop when I do the XA 👍. Cheers Mark
@@markbehr88
Thank you Mark for your reply.
True figures were under rated take for instant the Chevrolet LS5.
In a Chevelle 360hp
In a Impala 390 hp.
Just subscribe will check it out
Cheers
Louis Kats 👍
380hp is the excepted figure. Factory rated 300hp the same as a GT. The same as the Boss351s were rated 335. Insurance purposes, the engines were basically the same.
@@louiskats5116 Thanks Louis 👍
The loss of the 158 mph four door Maserati Quattroporte Tipo 107 4.7 litre Series II in late 1969 made the 1970 Phase II (145 mph at 6300 rpm with the bigger 310 degree cam un-revlimited) and the 1971 Phase III, 144 mph on the 6150 rpm rev limiter with the two smaller nominal 300 degree at lash cams...it made those Falcons the fastest four door from 1970 to early 1972.
Thanks Dean for that additional info 👍
@@markbehr88 The official Autolite rev limiter top speed of the Phase IV was 160 mph at 6150 rpm on a 3:1 ratio axle on 205 70 VR 15 Michelin tyres, but quoted initially as about 153 mph in the Sun Herald Super Car Blow Up. Each version from Phase II to Phase III to Phase IV had a slightly less radical engine tune, with the GTHO heads were being FSV ported and improved in 1972, the cam 50 thou intensity going up in the Phase III and IV with less at lash duration. Because there were less than disposal 37 police cars with Phase IV style engines made, and only four cars had the whole Phase IV package, it was only the XA GTHO that was designed to beat that 158 mph Tipo 107 Series II Quattroporte top speed. For me, the XY Phase III was the state of the art of public release Fords. The Phase IV definitely had a massive performance from cylinder head flow increase from just 264 CFM to 274 CFM because of the milder, but much increased peak valve lift cam. Hence the horsepower rating from Mick Webb's quoted 1988 Tim Britten interview figure of 350 HP net for the best full exhaust Phase III road car was raised to Bill Santucessione's quoted Australian Muscle Car 2005 figure of about 390 HP net, more than the 387 HP Gross Richard Holdener got from the Holley 780 CFM carbed 351 Boss Mustang he tested in 1997 for US Hot Rod. Al Turner's mob at FSV would have been all over Maserati's planned 1972 Aga Khan 4.9 Quattroporte and Holden's V8 GTR, with just a modified H code import Cleveland engine, still with iron intake. The US import M code Cleveland was fragile under such a performance increase, but it did so with taller gearing, similar weight, better aerodynamics, reduced peak rpm, but much more efficiency. We was robbed by the wowsers. But the Phase III is real, and all else is speculative. I love that Sports Car World photo.
@@deanstevenson6527 Loving this info. Thanks very much 👍👍
But the key word with the "fastest 4 door sedan" label is "production" - fastest 4 door production sedan. Production meaning mass-produced in factories.
Was the Maserati mass-produced or hand-made?
And then there is the acceleration performance too, where the GT-HO would dust the Mercedes 6.3, Jaguar V12 and the Maserati.@@wizzard5442
As more a Holden guy.. It was the Phase III, XB, and my mates XD (ex pursuit police XD, Factory V8 manual.. with 12 Slotters...) It's true... 12 Slotters only work on a Ford......Id love any of them...
It’s good of you to say that, given you are a Holden fan. The mark of an objective person. 👍
@@markbehr88 When good cars are good cars.. who's to argue ?
@@Rhythmattica Agreed 👍
@@markbehr88 Btw.. when Allen Moffat moved to the RX7, i understand, but damn, even as a Holden fan, It left a hole....
Ahh.. The old Hardie Ferodo days..
Bestt racing...Eva!
@@Rhythmattica yes, I think he did that purely based on sponsorship as Ford turned off the $$ tap despite the 1977 1 , 2 Victory. I didn’t mind the RX7. Cool looking car but I missed those big Falcon hardtops going up the mountain. Those were the days….👍
In regards to the 4WD ute, I guess Ford didn’t have a full length chassis to fit under it.
But what an interesting vehicle, I never knew of the army aspect.
Thanks for your insight!
Thanks James. I learned a bit too in the research of this episode. 👍
@@markbehr88 I appreciate your research Mark, thank you!
Liked the 4WD Ute since first seen one in a mag, did see add for one in 80s think was 1800 dollars but didn't have the money, was nice you told about the running gear did spoto the spoiler which looked a bit different to the gts anyway that would ov gone first bush trip and/or for a bull bar to be fitted, if it had come about for me would ov slipped a V8 in
@@johngibson3837 Glad you enjoyed it. Agree re the front spoiler. 👍
Hi ihave never heard of the 4wd ute do you know if any made it to NZ,was a second year apprentice mechanic when these cars were new. Very good video thanks for your efforts. Regards Chris
Hi Chris. I am almost certain some would have gone to NZ. As one of my subscribers mentioned, some were also sent to South Africa. I reckon they are a very interesting vehicle. I am glad you enjoyed the video. If you get a chance please check out the others as it is interesting (at least to me) to track the history of the Falcon from the very beginning, to see how it evolved along the way. Sad we don’t have any new ones being made today. 👍
@@markbehr88 I will propose the topic to some of my friends who are car enthusiasts and I have just watched the Xk video and yes the final cars were their best efforts so obviously you cancel the model ! I have similar thoughts on the Commodores. Regards Chris
@@chrisbailey459 Thanks Chris. Glad you are enjoying the series and keen to hear your mates’ ideas. 👍
I remember as a young engineer visiting the Lara Proving Ground in what? 1988 being astounded by the 4WD Falcon running around as a beater. Really? You should do something on the speed runs the employees did from Geelong to Broady via the back road. Stories of Devo Deveson being pursued to the gates of Broadmeadows in GTs whilst police stopped by security. Before my time, but stuff of legend
Gee. I haven’t heard those stories. You should relay them here as I am sure the subscribers would love to read the tales. I used to drive to the You Yangs Proving ground every now and again - to do brochure shoots for the FPV range and also make a cool video with John Bowe on the BA FPVs. Maybe I will put that on here and talk to what we did. 👍
another worthy mention is the 440 powered 1969 dodge polara 4 door police car which had A top speed of 149.6 mph
u miss out mark on GS XY...also which had the 250 2v motor back by a four speed manual gear box ...???
Hi Jamie. I didn’t mention the 250 2V specifically although I do cover off the GS option overall and show a few examples. Personally, back in the day, I would have just ordered a 351. 👍
i don't whether your as old as me mark had lots of xys back in the day owned lots of worked 351s my last real ford was a xb gt coupe which i hand built the motor my self way better than phase four specs still a ford man to this day at the age of 60 owning lots of fords still
@@jamiegreenwood7996 snap. We are the same year model 👍
good to here mark ..then u would remember@@markbehr88 these cars well bloke growing up in the same era as oneself
No it wasn't. In Australia Peter Wherret tested a 6.3 and said it was faster than the Falcon. I've owned the Falcons and still have a Mercedes 6.3 which is still a fast car today.As FPV owners have discovered .
Would love to see where the Peter Wherret reference is from? Torque, magazine etc as I would like to see that. Re. FPV. Maybe BA Mk1 models but not the later stuff. I was Product Planning and Marketing Manager for FPV.
Be great if you did a detailed history of the gtho… it’s ingredients, retail competition etc…
Maybe I can do that down the track. These (so far) are more model overviews - XK to XB so far. 👍
@@markbehr88 very interesting ( and a little sad ) clips.. subscribed..
@@AndrewGriffiths-enipad9miss Thanks Andrew. Agreed. 👍
Everyone who has thrown up alternatives to "the fastest four door production sedan" title,
may want to consider not only the GTHO's top speed, but standing quarter mile(400m) times.
According to an old test magazine I have that is 141.5mph and 14.7seconds.
0 - 160kmh 15.2 seconds.
Overall, not bad for a "Blue collar" car, under $6000, I would say.
Oh, what are they worth these days?
I should add, the test car was running a 3.25 to 1 rear axle ratio and wide ratio Top Loader 4 speed.
Agreed. The main rival was the 6.3 Mercedes but the GT-HO out accelerates it. And then there is the price difference back then. Not now though as you could buy multiple Mercedes 6.3 and Jaguar V12s for the current value of a GT-HO Phase III. 👍
Yeah and it had a rev limiter on it which it cut in at 6150 rpm so it stopped at 142 mph in fact they could pull 7000 in top for top speed over 150.
@@chuckselvage3157 yes. Agreed. 👍
Quarter mile times,,,, a bloody 6 cyl Valiant was 4/10 faster. And yes I saw the things at the street drags in period
Boiler maker using a 4wd as a work ute in qld in the 90s
Very cool. It would have certainly looked the part 👍
That was quite interesting. I didn't realize that Ford built XY four-wheel drive ute. I wonder if or how many of them are still around. I think it would be interesting able when Ford was going build phase 4. I wonder if there is 😮any engine sloper engine. Was the only difference the they the engine mounts set up so the engine was slop.
Thanks. I think there are a few 4wd utes left as they are quite collectible. As far as I know the engine mounts to make the engine slope, were the only difference to the engine itself. Obviously gearbox, diffs and suspension were all unique to the ute, using Jeep parts as needed. 👍
The 168MPH Maserati Quattroporte never got that memo, would be on the bumper on the Falcon flashih its light to move over and zoom past it with ease
Some question though, is that a “production” car in the true sense of the word or more a limited, handbuilt car albeit made on some sort of production line or on moveable trestles?
well looked it up it a fucken spots car then some or all have fucken turbos its size of a minie ?????
Nah, the Quattroporte never achieved 168mph until the 90's... earlier ones still achieved 10mph under that, which is very impressive but only with the 5 speed overdrive. Further, they are about as attractive as a Hillman Imp.
@@PeterAndersons Thanks Peter. Hilarious 😀👍
STILL Faster than the falcon...@@PeterAndersons
XJ12 just as fast, built lots more, you didn't suffer from vinyl poisoning, had class where the XY didn't, whisper quiet, not crude like a pickup truck, beautifully styled where the the XY wasn't....need I go on? Muscle Cars are good thou,gh - cheap, blue collar performance
Yes they are aren’t they. I do like the XJ Jaguar too , however, I would only want it in 4.2 litre form. The V12, while impressive, became afflicted by British Leyland’s paws.
A pussycar as fast?? dream on. They would not have had enough oil!
jag xj12. 4.3 v12. prone to not being driven.. due to breaking.. pre fuel injection.. ill take a ford pantera, over any fkn european crap, or falcon.. BUDDY,,THE FKN JAG IS A 2 DOOR,,WAKE THE FK UP. we never had 2 doors,,only in canadia..
where did you come from fuck
xy released september 1970
4 DR XA GT best looking Oz car EVER
Yes. Pretty sweet. 👍
I got 114 mph out of a 265 ,auto Charger, along time ago😅.
Yes. I had a few friends with Chargers, from the 245 all the way up to the VK 360 (ex Highway Patrol). Cool cars and the sixes were excellent. Interiors of the 770 were good too. A little light in the rear though. A bag of cement recommended. 👍
i did 195ks, in an ea 3.9 falcon,, then,,put my foot down,,then, took it off, quik.. there was more.. smooth as.. &, a wagon.. only upgrade was an exhaust.. went like a v8, & 5 sp std..
@@harrywalker968 I believe that. When the EA Falcons were new a friend who worked at Ford had a very early 3.2 central injected Falcon. That engine was dropped after a short while. We saw 200 kmhr indicated on the speedo.
What were them two blokes doing
Burying a body 😮
The 1970 1/2 U.S. Falcon 429 was the fastest 4 door sedan at the time and had a quicker 1/4 mile time than the GTHO ... I have won many bets with this fact .... The USA did not regard 4 door sedans as serious vehicles at the time and so did not press the issue against their Aussie siblings claims.
i would of made a bet with you the 1969 dodge polara with the 440 375 HP motor was the fastest 4 door car at 149 MPH . i would of taken your money because its officially recognized as being that . set that speed at their test track and held it until 2003 .
I do have a 1970 Mercury Cyclone with the 429 Cobra Jet with Ram Air. Certainly a very quick car.
1970 is the key though..... yes the dodge of 69 was faster
You didn’t mention the 250 2v high performance motor option
Yes, I only referred to the new 250. Left that option out 👍
E49 in a drag race ,GTHO for top speed .
That is true
Just been thinking about E49's and E38's , and in particular them racing at Bathurst, they were fast ,but how they got them slowed down at the end of con rod straight amazes me , as far as I know they had the same discs on the front that my VH Ranger XL has ,with no power assistance , and from my experience with the Rangers discs ,they can get all distorted and wobbly from getting hot going down hills in normal driving . Maybe the Falcons and Holdens had that problem as well? ,but I suspect they had better quality discs. I had a VF 318 Regal and it"s disc's were much better quality, maybe they were American made? ,whereas the VH and later models had to use all locally manufactured equipment.
@@barrycuda3769 All good Barry. I reckon pad material would be very different and more suited to racing. If you like Mopar check out my Never Seen old Chrysler Australia episode. 👍
@@markbehr88 Yes ,racing pads no doubt would have helped, probably the latest from Hardie Ferodo . I Will check that out, thanks.
@@markbehr88i believe lack of cooling air cause over heating there were efforts to direct more on to the calipers with venting etc on chargers
I remember at the time in a BMW 3.0Si leaving the Ford GT's in the dust.
Sorry, that is incorrect Top speed of the most powerful sedan variant was 131 mph and 400m in 15.7. So not even close 👍
@@markbehr88 Then if we go 2 doors, which is outside your specification the 3.0CSi, CSL
I had my CSi up against a red GTHO, poor bugger in the Ford.
Then we went up into the Dandenong ranges.
I had to pull over and wait.
@@rexjames0015 Through the twisties. Sure. If going to coupes it’s a whole different ballgame.
@@markbehr88 I still own mine, one of the 22 Australian delivered cars.
Wow that is terrific Rex. @@rexjames0015
Had afew gt falcons the phase 3 was never the fastest 4 door sedan there was a euro car that was actually faster. I have owned over 200 cars in my life and driven virtually everything and the xy gt ho is still my favourite and the most exciting car ive driven by a distance
Thanks Mr Porsche. If you read the thread, there is some good information there regarding detailed specs and comparison to the Maserati Quattroporte - which I would argue is more a low volume hand built car versus production car and even then, it is debatable. 👍
@@markbehr88you didn’t mention the phase 4 which there are 2 left.
@@Grant80 That’s because it was the XY episode. You’ll see the Phase IV in the XA episode as so far I have done XK to XY. 👍
@@markbehr88 sweet can’t wait
Dodge Polara 1969 4-door, 440ci automatic, documented 147mph. Look it up if you don't believe me.
I think the claim was the fastest four door sedan in the world at the time of release. Not before or after. 👍
1969 was close enough to 1971 to be considered current (and of course, the 1970 and 1971 Polaras even more so). The claim "Fastest 4-door sedan in the world" never really did stand up to scrutiny....a claim only ever made by journalists and not Ford Australia.@@markbehr88
I remember a Torana that absolutely killed these.... fastest 4 door..i think not...good story the old blokes like to tell .my father was one of them 😂..i know of 2 of the 4x4s siting in a paddock in Capalaba Rustin away...
I’m not aware of any examples where “the Torana absolutely killed these”. You have to look at the races where the Torana may have won. Certainly not based on speed. More tyres, fuel or some mechanical failure etc. The GT-HO won Bathurst in 71 (against the Toranas) and the 1973 Touring Car Championship (against the Toranas and based on the whole year’s racing) so …. It was certainly faster than the Torana. That point is indisputable even for the most biased person but it is notto say they won every race they ever entered and, yes, sometimes the Torana won, but I don’t think they “absolutely killed” them. Don’t worry, there will be a Torana series too and a Charger series. 👍
And as for the 4X4 utes, they were often used by mining companies where everything rusts away. If they are salvageable I am sure someone would want them or parts etc.
The 1969 Dodge Polara with the 375 horsepower 440 Magnum held the spot for fastest American sedan till the mid 2000's
0-60 MPH = 6.3 Seconds
0-100 MPH = 18.1 Seconds
1/4-Mile = 14.3 Seconds
Top Speed Recorded = 149.6 MPH (Chrysler test track in Chelsea, Michigan)
Thanks Mark for another fantastic video. I very much enjoyed your talk on the XY. Thank you for all the fantastic videos this year, and I look forward to watching you next year to. Merry Christmas to you and your family and I hope you have a great holiday. Kind regards, Andrew. :-)
The 168MPH Maserati Quattroporte never got that memo, would be on the bumper on the Falcon flashih its light to move over and zoom past it with ease
Thanks Andrew. Wishing you and your family the best wishes of the season too. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos too in 2024! 👍
Not strictly a series production car though is it?
@@DonsTrix There was also a couple of Dodge Coronet 4 doors built with the 426 Hemi engine.
From what I can remember the falcon was long before the fairmont although they look very much similar i am talking about South Africa now am i right or wrong now??
The Falcon is the standard car and the Fairmont is a more luxurious version. The ones that were exported to South Africa (GT’s) were Fairmont GT’s. We only ever had Falcon GT’s. 👍
One day someone will actually do an in depth comparison between an Original Mercedes Benz 300SEL 6.5 and an Original Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III to work out which one was actually the fastest 4 Door Production Car in 1971.
Now, that would be interesting although given their age, most people will rely of the road tests of the day when the cars were both new. I do think though that would make a great video. Maybe someone out there has both? 👍
And that pic is from HO down the Hume by Mel Nicholls in Sports Car world.
Yes, great story and pics. A sought after mag today. 👍
I test drove brown XY Fairmont from a Ford dealership in the early 2000s in great nick going for only $7500. I was underwhelmed by the 4.1 six so didn't buy it. It was a different time, what can I say.
Yes, I had a 4.1 Futura and found it boring to drive, whereas I later drove a 351 Fairmont and it was terrific. I should have bought that car! 🫣
@@markbehr88 that's the right description for it. It was boring to drive.
Did you know that an Audi S4 C4 holds the speed record. for the world's fastest four door sedan? In 2012, Jeff Gerner. reached a record speed of over 418 kilometers per hour, 260 miles per hour.Aug 21, 2023
Hi, thanks for the info. The claim re the GT-HO was that it was the fastest when it was launched. Not fastest of all time. So, more for 1970. 👍
specially built , running on the boneville salt flats ? hardly an everyday car out of the dealership !
Xa coupe is most legendary muscle car i believe
Look out for the next episode and check out the previous episodes in the meantime 👍
Don't forget the E49 Charger the fastest accelerating Australian muscle car and 14.4
Yes 👍
What about the Lotus Carlton?
The Fastest 4 Door Production car in the world claim is at it’s launch so of course there were faster cars that came later. 👍
The brick wasn't my favourite to say the least
I inherited one of these, it's in my grandparents barn , it's dusty, paints faded a fair bit , are they worth anything?
A few bucks! 👍
@@markbehr88 it has big black pitstripes on it , and on the badge it's a little kangaroo with wheels on it
@@EdmundSampson-pd7vi Yes that’s the one. Does it have GT-HO on the glovebox?
@@markbehr88 I can't keep up the BS , I was just pulling your leg
@@EdmundSampson-pd7vi I know. So was I😀👍
how about a seg on brabham,, had to go to u.k to build performance engines,,as holden were stuk in the 40,s.. & still are..
I met Jack Brabham once. What a legend. The Holden Repco V8 was an amazing engine. Winning a World F1 Championship driving a car you designed is legendary. 👍
I have heard that the 'HO engine produced more like 380 b/hp, but Ford downplayed the figure for political reasons.
Yes, I mention 300 for the GT and up to 380 for the GT-HO 👍
So it was the XY that first had the factory aircon as an option?
No, the integrated air con was first offered in the XW / ZC range. 👍
Ah nice cheers I had a suspicion but wasn’t 100% sure. If I could ever afford (or find) it I would love to put an original aircon system in my xw
@@munckintattoolover24 No worries. A big job and the vents are all integrated in the lower ends of the dash. They look great. 👍
XY GTHO, fastest 4 door sedan in the world - BUT the 6 cylinder 4.3 litre Hemi E49 Charger was quicker by 1 second to 100mph, than the Ford, where the HO drew away with it's longer legs.
Yes, no doubt the Charger had amazing accelerative performance. Very cool car and another Aussie home grown hero machine. 👍
still the same, mate bought a turbo 6 falcon, but the v8 run away..
the 1969 dodge polara with the 440 375 HP motor built for the california highway patrol officially held the record at 149 MPH until around 2004
I guess that was not a car sold to the public though, only to police depts when new. @@chopperking1122
Not sold to the public though. Only Police depts when new. @@chopperking1122
🥝✔️
I'm pretty sure lighter more aerodynamic e49 charger has a slightly higher top end...
No. The E49 1/4 mile time was based on a low ratio diff and the top speed of the E49 (not a sedan btw per the headline claim) was substantially lower than the Phase III. I think there are more details on that in the comments. Neither car would be good aerodynamically.
@@markbehr88 i believe bathurst chargers hit 135mph in race gt ho ph3 150mph
@@Eric-kn4yn that sounds about right 👍
Diplomatic immunity
It was the first thing that came to my mind 😀👍
Seth Efrica .
@@barrycuda3769 hope you liked it?
@@markbehr88 Your video? Yes ,very much ,I really appreciate people like you, who provide us with something new to watch and learn a bit more from , on the subject of the old cars .When it comes to Falcons Iv'e always liked the look of the '67 XR , one of those with maybe GTHO running gear .I had a very used XR six cylinder years ago ,one of many car I wish I still had .🙂
@@barrycuda3769 Thanks Barry. That’s very nice of you. 👍
Still got beaten by a 6cyl valiant down the 1/4
A Charger yes but as an overall performance car the GT-HO was a cut above. Otherwise we would have seen a Bathurst domination.
@@markbehr88 a cut above is stretching it, , like all cars of the era, they were all great, and are only worth what someone will pay,, some people are just stupid and will over pay
@@thefinisher2010 I agree they were all great. By a cut above I mean handling and top speed when you look at the Bathurst performance and Touring car championship performance versus the Charger (which I like too by the way). Regarding the prices. They are huge for nearly all the Australian cars these days compared to what you can buy from the US, UK etc but I guess that is the old supply and demand equation plus locals have very fond memories of the Aussie cars unlike the imports as they did not grow up with those. 👍
My bro had a phase 3 he got cheap with a blown motor in 77, had it rebuilt to phase 4 specs, I drove it in 1980 when I borrowed it for few weeks, got 120mph on the speedo one night driving back from Goulburn, it pulled like a train from 70 mph up to that speed, he sold it to a workmate later that year and it got totalled by a drunken idiot at Chapel rd Bankstown, I wanted to buy it but he was A-hole to me, RIP Red Pammie, I called it, at least I can say I've driven a GTHO. most yanks say it's just a falcon to them. at least it can go round corners unlike some yank tanks they had lol
Yes, imagine there were a few that met that fate. At least you can say you’ve driven one. 👍
My Jaguar XJ8 would do 150 mph
But not in 1970!
got a dodgy speed o ??
Areodynamics whats that
Something for planes I reckon! 😀
@@markbehr88 would have been faster with sleek body like today citeron set the bar high decades ago
Mercedes braked better ? its kinda important at 140+mph
Sure! 👍
Theres now over 100000 gthos getting around....not many falcon 500s😂
Now there’s a point Bill! 👍
I still like them though 👍@@markbehr88
but dont have id number?????
@@donaldthomson8965 yes. A lot of replicas. 👍