Rare Ford Falcon GTHO Phase IV fetches record sum

An ultra-rare Ford Falcon GTHO Phase IV has broken the record for an Australian-built Ford, fetching $2 million at auction.

Tagged the most desirable Falcon ever, the concourse orange example is one of three Ford Falcon GTHO Phase IVs produced. It sold to a mystery buyer during a Lloyds Auction at the weekend.

While the XA GTHO fell short of pre-auction predictions, and shy of the $2.1 million garnered for a two-time Bathurst 1000-winning VH Commodore earlier this month.

“This was a fantastic result for the classic car market which is growing from strength to strength. The anonymous Australian buyer is extremely excited about owning a piece of iconic Australian history,” said Brett Mudie, chief marketing officer at Lloyds.

Developed for Bathurst racing duties, just four XA GTHO Falcons were built in Ford’s ‘Lot 6’ Special Vehicles unit before a media-driven ‘Super Car Scare’ forced Ford to abandon the motorsport program.

Fittingly, it was Bathurst winner Allan Moffat who dropped the hammer to seal the deal for the Falcon’s new custodian.

“It didn’t surprise me that the car sold for this amount,” Mudie said. “We were expecting it to smash the last record quite easily, with bidding already at $1.5 million three days before the auction.

“The Phase IV’s limited number, immaculate condition, celebrity affiliation (with links to Fred Gibson and Allan Moffat) along with its chrome bumper all contributed to the car selling at this price and will underpin its value into the future.”

Famous Falcons have proven big ticket items with enthusiasts and investors alike over the past six to 12 months. In June, a GTHO Phase III Falcon formerly owned by Australian cricket Jeff Thomson sold for $1.03 million.

“There is a clear trend if you look at the number of records broken over the last six months in particular. The people buying these cars are hard-working Australians looking for a reward but also looking for something to invest in,” Mudie said.

“Cars in original condition, with chrome bumpers, celebrity affiliation or prominent history are the ones that are rising in value first as we have seen again at this auction over the weekend.”