1973 Ford XB Falcon GT hardtop

Number Produced: 940 approx

this were a list of the top 25 fastest classic muscle cars, the XB Falcon GT would struggle to get on the grid. It’s another matter entirely when it comes to desirability. The Falcon coupe is just so sexy in a modern context that XB hardtops are commanding big dollars today. The XB GT, produced between 1973 and 1976, was the end of line for the original GT breed. It was milder, more refined than its forebears, lacking the ferocity of the XW and XY models. And while a Bathurst win eluded the model, Allan Moffat’s 1976 and 1977 Australian Touring Car Championship crowns have given the XB plenty of motorsport credibility. In the looks department it had a sharper-edged and more aggressive-looking front-end design, particularly around the grille, than the XA it replaced. The late great Ford stylist, Wayne Draper, told AMC that the XB GT styling was heavily influenced by the 1971 Mustang Mach 1, as requested by then Ford Australia boss Bill Bourke. The Mustang detailing is obvious, from the chiselled front, bonnet scoops and painted bumpers to the honeycomb grille detailing. Its appeal has been boosted by its starring role in the ever-popular Mad Max franchise – well, three of the four post-apocalyptic flicks at least – which also created a market for used XBs overseas. In fact, it’s fair to say that the XB GT is far more famous outside its homeland than the local legend, the XY GT-HO Phase III. Such is the fickle world of celebrity.

The XB had the longest racing career of any of the classic Falcon GTs – from the start of the 1974 season to mid-1977.

vXB GTs were produced in nearly 60 different colours. The most common colours were Yellow Blaze, Red Pepper and Polar White.

vThe XB was the first Falcon GT to use an Australian-made engine block, backing up claims that the XB was the most Aussie GT Falcon.

vPower Output: 300bhp (officially), 260bhp (realistically) Top Speed: 193km/h

8.1 seconds Standing 400: 21.0 seconds Price New: $5316

Did you know?

It was exported to the UK and sold through approved dealers.