Brett and Angie Lonnee
Car: 1969 XW Falcon GT Hometown: Adelaide, SA
What is it?
“We were fortunate to nd a completely unrestored, matching-numbers early model 1969 GT Falcon. It’s Diamond White with Light Saddle interior. It’s got the 351ci Windsor, fourspeed manual Toploader gearbox, standard 9-inch rear-end with 3.00.”
When did you buy it?
“Many people would have heard a good barn nd story. Well, this is our version of that story. Back in 2014 I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, when part of an estate settlement was this 1969 GT Falcon, partly stripped down with the previous owner looking to do a restoration. That never happened, so it sat there for 17 years, till Angie and I bought it and after scouring the old shed found, as promised, all the parts in boxes, tins and baskets.”
Why did you buy it?
“Well, I grew up in a time where the Moffat, Brock, Jane, Geoghegan and Beechey rivalries were formed or continued as they roared around the Mountain. The roar and smell of a big V8 engine during that muscle car era became permanently etched in my memory.
“I have a different de nition of the term ‘midlife crisis’. For us, it was more like a lifestyle decision, where, when you are in your prime, family/children/education/mortgage were a higher priority and there was no spare cash for big boys’ and girls’ toys. So, the passion and memories never leave, they become part of your DNA so when the nancial burdens ease, we were nally in a position to own a piece of Australian motoring culture.
“After nally getting our new pride and joy home, it took Angie and I the next 12 months to piece the old girl back together. We pulled the motor and rebuilt the original engine – which was in great nick for its age – to HO specification and through the remaining driveline, replacing the clutch, xing brakes and wheel bearings.”
How does it go?
“Well, every time you get behind the wheel, she puts a smile on your face. Everyone can relate to the car and it’s a great conversation starter, as people come and want to share stories with you. You get, ‘I can remember my Dad had one’ or similar and the next thing you know, two hours have passed.
“As for performance, very respectably in the low 12-second bracket for the quarter mile. Not too shabby!”
Anything you’d like to add?
“You will notice the car has the Aussie Muscle Car decals covering it. Angie and I are no different to many other Australian families who have had loved ones’ battle cancer. In entering the Aussie Muscle Car Run, we get to enjoy our passion for muscle cars and raise money that goes directly to the Leukaemia Foundation. This provides vital funds in research, which hopefully provides a cure to blood cancers.
“So we would to thank our sponsors, who have generously donated & supported our car: Rodney Plowman Restorations, Pascale Construction, Town Country Concrete Cutting & Drilling, Intertek, Olympus Australia, Chemetall, Peter and Kathy Russo and the Mustang Owners Club of South Australia.”
Where can people donate?
http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org. au/4DoorSlammers