Sold between 1972 and 1973, the XA was the first series of Ford Falcon to be solely designed and manufactured in Australia. It featured an entirely new body which was larger and roomier when compared to its XY series predecessor and was referred to as the ‘coke-bottle’ look.

More options were available compared to the previous generation, although the choice of engines was the same. Notably all 4.9L and most 5.8L V8 options were now Aussie-made, and the GT variant of the Falcon XA had the option of the Aussie-made 5.8L or an import fitted instead.

A two-door hardtop was added to the range of body-style options featuring longer doors and frameless windows. This was the first time a two-door hardtop was offered on an Australian Falcon since the XP series of 1965-1966.

The XA Falcon range were the first Falcons fitted with in-dash vents for face level flow-thru ventilation, although they only worked when the car was in motion.

THE CAR

One of only 885 produced.

This is a fantastic example of a 1973 Ford Falcon XA GT two-door hardtop, finished in striking ‘Red Pepper’ paintwork with a black hood and black trim to match. This is a numbers-matching car with only 61,524 kms showing on the clock.

The car features a 5.8L (351ci) V8 engine with a compression ratio of 11:1 that delivers an excellent exhaust note. Power is put to the road by a 4-speed floor manual transmission and the car handles well with factory power steering and servo assisted front disc brakes and rear drums.

The engine bay is exceptionally clean and well maintained and the car now sits on 12-slots with deep-dish wheels on the rear which gives it a tough stance.

The black vinyl interior is in original condition with some wear and tear and features a ‘wrap-around’ dash that was avant-garde for the time. The dash pad is original and has some cracking.

Fitted with a speedometer, tachometer, ammeter, a clock, fuel, oil and water pressure gauges – all of which are in working condition.

The car is equipped with an aftermarket ‘Super Fringe’ retro-sound radio that looks ‘period correct’ but includes Bluetooth functionality for calls and audio. There is an amplifier in the boot ensuring great sound quality.

Additional options at the time of original purchase included sports road wheels, a laminated windshield tinted band and a protection package featuring full length side protection moulding and front/rear over riders on chrome bumpers.

A certificate from the Ford Motor Company of Australia Limited displays the following information:

Serial Prefix: JG66NJ
Serial Number: 62557
SIDO: 671514
Model Code: 18218 – Ford XA Falcon GT 2 Door Hardtop
Engine Code: T – 351 CID 4V
Transmission Code: L – 4 Speed Floor Manual (All Synchro)
Paint: X – Red Pepper
Trim: B2 – Black Cloth Trim
Options:
03 – Seat Belts (Mandatory)
04 – Protection Group R.P.O.
11 – Laminated Windshield Tinted Band
52 – Sports Road Wheels
55 – Black Hood
71 – Super Fringe Deluxe Pushbutton Radio
Tyres: 46 – ER70H x 14 Wide Oval Radial Ply
Date of Manufacture: January 1973
Retail Dealer: 1104 - Byrne Ford, Chermside QLD

The certificate also lists the production figures for the vehicle as follows. Its option combinations gives it the following profile:

Total Build: 885
Engine: 885
Transmission: 470
Paint: 83
Trim: 8
Options: 1

This vehicle is loaded with power and has the looks to match – a true Aussie icon. Currently on historic registration in SA.