New book covers Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III in detail
Australia’s most iconic car gets encyclopedic treatment in a new work after the previous book sold out in four hoursAustralians never grow tired of reading about the Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase III, and a new book on the subject, ‘The 1971 Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase III Register’, will pique interest in the fiery V8-engined sedan once more.
Starting out as a car homologated in race-winning trim to contest touring car events back in the early 1970s, the Phase III GTHO Falcon is widely regarded as the world’s fastest four-door sedan in its day (which is open to dispute).
At the time, it represented incredible value for its performance potential. In the hands of drivers like Allan Moffat and Pete Geoghegan, the Phase III Falcon was a formidable weapon on the track.
Ford’s fastest GTHO was so devastatingly quick (on the road as well as the track), that news of a Phase IV version for the upcoming XA model was greeted with consternation by state and federal governments when it was reported by the media in 1972.
Politicians immediately spoke out against the ‘supercars for the road’ and all development work on the Phase IV Falcon ended there, as did arch-rival Holden’s work on a V8-engined LJ Torana.
In recent times, the XY Falcon Phase III GTHO has set new records for auction prices, further enhancing its own mystique.
Indeed, such is the aura surrounding the Phase III GTHO in this, its 50th year, that the new book is sure to receive a rapturous welcome from fans.
The book, which has been officially licensed by Ford and includes details of every vehicle of the type sold, reportedly addresses myths, reveals formerly secret information and casts light on subjects previously shrouded in mystery.
Containing rare photos and factory documentation from the period, the so-called ‘Blue Edition’ of the ‘Register’ is “filled with information known previously only to insiders”.
Ross Vasse, the brains trust behind the Blue Edition, says many fans were left disappointed that they could not lay hands on the earlier Black Edition, which sold out in record time.
The entire print run of 300 was sold within just four hours. Vasse believes that “scalpers” snapped up as many as they could to on-sell at a profit.
The Blue Edition, which goes to print in October, can be pre-ordered online for $275 plus $24 for postage and handling.
And this time, the deadline for ordering won’t be disclosed, to discourage the racketeers.
Related: Record-breaking Ford Falcon GTHO gets a new owner
Related: Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III sets auction record
Related: Pitfalls of owning a classic car
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