Ford XB Falcon GT 1974 Bathurst

At the end of 1973 the Ford Works Team withdrew from racing so Allan Moffat built a Falcon of his own. His commitment to win his 4th Bathurst was unwavering. Using the wealth of Ford’s facilities, personnel and many hours at the Ohio Test Centre (USA) he developed a machine with impressive specifications. Flown out in the belly of a Boeing 747 and launched at a function hosted by his long time sponsor BP, the Bathurst XB GT Falcon was
eye-catching, blue with “Moffat Ford Dealers”, an Australian flag and Brut 33 in huge letters on the side. Its engine fitted with newly homologated Ford parts gave it around 440 bhp and unlike the Sandown race car, it was fitted with a four barrel Holly carburettor, better suited to the endurance event with the long run down Conrod Straight. The car attracted an enormous amount of publicity and was touted on the day as the car to beat. Dieter Glemser was nominated as the car’s co-driver and although a one-time rival he was highly qualified for the job. In practice Glemser managed only a few laps on a wet track to qualify before the ignition system was swamped. As a consequence they started 15th on the grid. Their race started well with Moffat climbing to fourth place on the opening lap. But the first pit, with an engine miss-fire on the 12th lap proved to be the first of many stops and a blown clutch on lap 108 finally ended their race. It was one of the most expensive and glamourous attempts at winning Bathurst, in the history of the race.

Item includes certificate with individual production number.