trippytaka | cool shirts for car nuts

XY GT-HO Phase III Falcon

The XY GTHO Phase 3 commands respect… and it’s got ours.

There isn’t a car on Australian roads that’s as awe-inspiring, or revered as the 1971 Ford XY GT-HO Phase III Falcon. Powered by a brutally modified 351 Cleveland engine, the “HO” stood for “handling option”. With bigger brakes, race tuned suspension, a choice of three diffs and an optional close-ratio ‘box, the GTHO meant business.

Bathurst victory in 1971, at the hands of Allan Moffat, cemented the reputation of the Phase 3. This has helped the XY GT-HO become the most collectable Australian Muscle Car on the market. If you’re looking for an original one in top condition, you’d better have pockets at least half-a-mill deep. Yep… they’ve been nudging the million dollar mark in the last few years!

The design features on the XY GTHO that we love include:

• The ‘Shaker’ induction scoop
• Proud, bold GT Stripes
• Twin headlights
• The Super Roo sticker on the front ¼ panel

Tags: 1971, 3, 351, Cleveland, Falcon, Ford, GT, GTHO, HO, III, Phase, XY
Posted in The Classics: Cars We Love | October 31st, 2009