The last of the second generation of Falcons, XY’s were produced between 1970 and 1972 and are regarded by many to be the best looking Falcon ever made.

There were eight passenger vehicles and three commercial models in the lineup. Top of the tree was the legendary Falcon GT, but for those who didn’t want the high price tag, a GS Rally Pack option was available on the Falcon 500, Futura and Fairmont sedans and wagons.

The original sales brochure touted “Add the GS Option Package and exciting things will happen”.

The pack included special “GS” pinstriping, badges, chrome dress rims, GT dash and steering wheel (with GS horn button), bucket seats, a centre console, power steering, air conditioning and front disc brakes.

Customers had a choice of various drive trains and 351ci engines were rarely ordered.

THE CAR

This is a 1971 Ford XY Fairmont sedan that has been upgraded into XY GS replica with a 351ci Ford V8 engine.

As per a letter from Ford Australia, this car was sold new by Fairway Ford in Unley, South Australia.

It was manufactured in July 1971, finished in Nugget Gold (Metallic) with Light Saddle trim and originally fitted with a 302ci V8 engine, 2V carburettor, disc brakes, T Bar Cruisomatic gearbox, seat belts and a heavy-duty battery.

It was one of only 5 cars produced with this colour/trim/option combination.

The car underwent a full restoration and bare metal respray over a 7-year period between 2013 and 2020 and was tastefully upgraded to a GS Rally Pack replica.

The car now runs a fully rebuilt 351ci Ford 2V Cleveland V8 with a Holley 650 carburettor which has great power and runs smoothly. It has extractors and a dual 2.5-inch exhaust system. The gearbox is a rebuilt C4 automatic and the car now has a 9-inch LSD diff running 3.25:1 gears. Just over 2,000 miles have been travelled since the restoration.

Painted in its correct Gold Nugget colour (now in 2 Pack), inside the cockpit is beautiful new Light Saddle trim, new headlining, seat belts, door cards, carpet and crash pad.

A GS Rally Pack option kit has been added which includes a 8,000 rpm tacho, 140 mph speedometer and GS steering wheel with functioning rim blow horn. GT style bonnet locking pins have been added as have working fog lights, over riders, rear venetian blind, rear mud flaps and chin spoiler.

All chrome and stainless-steel components were restored as was the glass except for the windscreen which is original to the car.

The original 14-inch steel rims have been refurbished and redline tyres fitted. In the boot there is a matching spare wheel, factory tool bag, original style jack and some tools.

Driving this car is a pleasure, the engine is responsive, transmission smooth and Fairmont suspension supremely comfortable for a car of this age.