Ford XA Falcon GT 1973 Bathurst

The 1973 saw some significant rule changes to the Bathurst race. It was the first year to feature the 1000km race distance, and introduction of a maximum allowable time for individual driver stints, making two drivers per cars compulsory. It was also the first time around Bathurst for the Falcon Hardtops, the Hardtops had very little testing which showed in their high attrition rate.
Murray Carter had competed in the 1973 ATCC in a Phase III Ford XY Falcon finishing 7th in the Championship, during the year he famously lent Allan Moffat his car for the Adelaide International raceway after Moffat's car was stolen the night before the race. By the time the endurance race of the Australian Manufactures Championship, Ford introduced the XA hardtop racecar. A car that Murray Carter himself had a hand in the development.
The 1973 Bathurst saw Murray Carter pair himself with Lawrie Nelson, who had competed in 2 rounds of that years ATCC in a E49 Valliant Charger. Early on the Hardtop of Murray Carter/Lawrie Nelson suffered a blown tyre, the car able to be was nursed into the pits. A new tyre was fitted and they continue racing. Of the five Hardtops to start the race the only two lasted 1000km race. The wining car of Allan Moffat/Ian Geoghegan, and Murray Carter/Lawrie Nelson who finishing the race in 7th position.
The first Hardtop to retire was the factory backed Fred Gibson/Barry Seaton, suffering a engine problem after just 17 laps. The McLeod Hardtop of John Goss/Kevin Bartlett took pole position , but was involved in a accident during the race which damaged the radiator causing an eventual blown head gasket. The John French/Bob Skelton in the Bryan Byrt Hardtop blew its engine on Pit Straight while in 4th position.

Features

Item includes certificate with individual production number.