'Million-dollar' Ford Falcon GTHO up for grabs

The connections of this immaculate 1971 Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III reckon it could sell for more than $1 million at an auction in Bathurst later this month.

One of a number of properly unique cars going under the hammer at the Lloyds Classic Car Auction on Saturday, June 16, including a rare Holden A9X Torana four-door prototype, the XY 'Hoey' could easily crack the seven-figure mark, according to cricket great and owner, Jeff Thomson.

Thommo, one of Australia's most famous fast bowlers, bought the car for $23,000 in the late 1980s. If it goes for anything like what he expects, it will set a new record auction price for a classic Aussie muscle car, which in June 2007 was increased to $750,000 for a similar 1971 GTHO Phase III.

"This car broke a record for being the fastest four-door car in the world. Since Australian car manufacturing has ceased, it seems to me that prices have kicked on and Lloyds Auctions are set to break another record," said Thommo.

Even if it doesn’t make a million, with less than 100 fair dinkum GTHO Phase III vehicles understood to be in existence, a high six-figure price is almost guaranteed.

Thomson says the Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III features original seat belts, carpets and even spare tyre.

"This car has a soul. Everybody knows where it has been," says the owner.

It comes with original log books and even photos of Jeff Thomson in the Falcon.

Powered by a 351 cubic-inch Cleveland V8, claimed output was around 300hp or 225kW -- but this figure was often disputed by owners, who say the engine cranked out up to 380hp or 280kW.

The GTHO rides on 15-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and was factory fitted with improved brakes and suspension.

Driving through a four-speed manual gearbox, it was branded the world's fastest four-door production car in the early 1970s and posters of it graced the bedroom walls of many school boys.

Hence its demand today among cashed-up baby-boomers.

The Lloyds Classic Car Auction taking place at Mount Panorama, where the Falcon GTHO Phase III won the 500-mile Bathurst race in 1971, is being touted as a festival of sorts -- a pilgrimage for the Ford and Holden faithful.

As well as the 'Red Rocket' Holden Torana A9X four-door prototype up for auction, there's also a Ford ute that was used to tow Allan Moffat’s Mustang race car up for grabs.

Interested parties can bid in person or even online at www.lloydsauctions.com.au/classiccars.