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Record-Breaking Ford Falcon GTHO Phase IV Auction
An ultra-rare 1972 Ford XA Falcon GTHO Phase IV has sold for just under AUD$2 million, smashing the record for the most expensive Australian-road car ever produced. One of just four ever built, the Falcon GTHO Phase IV is among Australia’s most prestigious muscle cars, landing perfectly between the Alan Moffat-inspired 71 XY GTHO Phase 3 and the 1973 XA Falcon GT 2 Door Hardtop. A true piece of Australian motoring history, the locally-made muscle car has finally changed hands, with a price tag that eclipses the previous record of $1.15 million paid for a pristine 1971 Ford XY Falcon GTHO Phase III earlier this year.
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Image: Australian Muscle Car Sales
Specialty car brokers Australian Muscle Car Sales were responsible for the transaction, which has seen the car reportedly go to an anonymous Sydney buyer. While the broker was reluctant to hand out an official sale figure, Australian Muscle Car Sales did confirm it was just shy of AUD$2 million.
“Several months ago AMCS was approached by a discreet collector to obtain what is considered to be one of the most prized motor cars ever made in Australia. We can reveal that a deal was reached, with the car changing hands for just under $2m and will remain in Sydney,” the business wrote. “We believe this to be the highest single price ever paid for an Australian made road car.”
Image: Australian Muscle Car Sales
The story of this 1972 Ford XA Falcon GTHO Phase IV and indeed its stablemates is an interesting one. Developed under the direction of Ford racing chief Howard Marsden and John Wynne at Ford’s Special Vehicles Unit in June of 1972, the car was one of three sedans hand-built by Ford for endurance races. But disaster soon struck.
“Out of the blue, a June ’72 motoring article made its way on to the front page of the Sun Herald newspaper with the now infamous headline that Ford, Holden and Chrysler would soon be placing 160mph Supercars on the street. The “bullets on wheels” outcry was unleashed, politicians fumbled for answers, corporate executives ran for cover halting development immediately, and the rest is mired in history, legend and folklore of what might have been,” Australian Muscle Car Sales wrote.
The three teams scrapped the in-development models, leaving just four 1972 Ford XA Falcon GTHO Phase IV prototypes in existence and without a home. Ford Dealer Max McLeod of Rockdale, Sydney picked this one up, finished it off and moved on to the showroom floor, roll cage and all.
Image: Australian Muscle Car Sales
For the last 20 years, the 1972 Ford XA Falcon GTHO Phase IV has been lovingly own by Sydney man Paul Carthew, however, earlier this year, Australian Muscle Car Sales was approached by a determined collector looking for the exact model. After doing some light maintenance, the broker was able to unload the vehicle to one very lucky, and presumably very wealthy fan.
“Today this time capsule race ready road car has covered a mere 4,698 miles from new and remains a stunning, living tribute to the efforts of Ford Lot 6,” Australian Muscle Car Sales said in a statement. “It is the only unrestored Phase 4 remaining and is an incredible time-warp survivor from the era. Original seam welded body in works Brambles Red paint, original B2 Black cloth interior, it even wears its original factory tyres on original Bathurst Globes.”
Image: Australian Muscle Car Sales
Image: Australian Muscle Car Sales
Image: Australian Muscle Car Sales
Image: Australian Muscle Car Sales
Image: Australian Muscle Car Sales
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Nick Hall
Nick Hall is the Editor-in-Chief of Man of Many and an accomplished journalist. He completed a Bachelor of Creative Industries at the Queensland University of Technology, with a double major in Journalism and Music. Prior to working at Man of Many, Nick spent two years as a journalist with Inside Franchise Business, focusing on small business, finance and legal reporting. In 2021, Nick was named B&T's Best of the Best Journalist of the Year. With an extensive background in the media industry, Nick specialises in feature writing, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment content. A qualified barber and men's stylist, Nick also holds a Cert III in Barbering from the Queensland Hairdressing Academy.
