FALCON XY GT TRIBUTE

BIG HANDSOME XY BOASTS A CLEVELAND STROKER

THERE WAS a time, as recently as 15 years ago, when the whole idea of a replica or tribute GT Ford would have seemed a little absurd. Why would you go to all that trouble when a real one was readily available and not hugely expensive? Then the first big price waves hit – alongside the mining boom – and good GTs, and of course HOs, seemed to be worth literally their weight in gold.

In the last decade, not only have replicas become more numerous, but they’ve been accepted as a legitimate part of the classic car market, with XY Ford GTs at the head of the local pack. When an HO can climb well past half a million, a tribute GT at a fraction of the cost starts to look like a good proposition.

That’s what we’re looking at here – what seems to be a nicely-done XY that started life as a Fairmont in Teal Glow livery.

The seller, Australian Muscle Car Sales, says the original build was done 10 years ago with a refresh five years later.

The powerplant is by Kanaris Engines and is a 408 Cleveland stroker with ported aluminium heads, forged crank and numerous upgrades.

It’s breathing through a 750cfm Holley, claiming 620hp at 6750rpm when built, translating to 487hp at the wheels. Assuming that’s right, it should be a very quick car.

The transmission is a four-speed Toploader with an upgraded 9-inch diff.

In case you’re wondering, the sunroof is a period Golde unit.

Australian Muscle Car Sales has this one, plated as an 11/70 build, on at $115,000.