GTHO Phase III

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The GTHO Phase III was a modified Ford Falcon muscle car produced by Ford Australia in 1971. Powered by a heavily modified 351 Cleveland motor, with 4 speed top-loader, and Detroit locker 9" differential, the GT-HO was a powerful vehicle. It was also equipped with special brakes and handling package, plus a 36 gallon fuel tank. The Phase 3, as it is referred to by some purists, was very successful in the Australian Touring Car Championship. It was described by Sports Car World as "...simply one of the best cars in the world, a true GT that could take on Ferraris and Astons on their own terms." EBay Buyer's Guide XY Falcon GTHO Auction

1 Technical data
2 Value
3 Alternative Names
4 Race record
5 Successor
6 References

[edit] Technical data

The GT-HO 351 Cleveland motor produced over 380 HP (285 kW), and was fitted with a 6,150 rpm rev limiter. With the rev limiter disabled, it would pull 7,000+ rpm, even in 4th gear. The Phase 3 was the world's fastest four door production car for many years, however the Chrysler Valiant E49 Charger held the 1/4 mile record in Australia - and the 3.3L (202) 6-cylinder LJ Torana GTR-XU1 defeated the GTHO to win the 1972 Bathurst over 6 hours in the hands of Peter Brock after brake problems and wet weather put paid to the GTHO challenge.

Accomplishment	Result
0-60 mph	6.4 seconds
0-100 mph	14.6 seconds
Standing 1/4 mile	14.4 seconds
Top Speed (with 6,150 rpm rev limiter)	145 mph
Top Speed (without rev limiter)	155 mph

[edit] Value

The Phase 3 is in incredibly high demand. Good examples of the Phase 3 sell for in excess of $525,000. [1] Due to this demand, and rarity, there has actually been a flow on effect into values of the lesser XW-XY Falcons, particularly genuine GS and GT models. other models that also benefit from the success of the GTHO include the XA and XB GT hardtops as well as the lesser known Phase 1 and 2 xw GTHO.

[edit] Alternative Names

The name of the car is often abbreviated to 'GTHO Phase III' or even just 'Phase 3'. It was also known as the 'Shaker' because of the shaker scoop that protruded out of the hood and shook as the powerful Cleveland reved.

[edit] Race record

Ford Australia and Allan Moffat had great success with the Phase 3 in the Australian touring car championship where it was piloted to many race wins over its short life. Moffat's car is now owned by Bowden's Own, an Australian car care products company.[2]

1st TAA 1 Hour Race Calder 1972 1st Manufacturers Championship Surfers Paradise 1972 1st Manufacturers Championship Phillip Island 1972 1st Australian Touring Car Championship Symonns Plains 1973 1st Australian Touring Car Championship Calder 1973 1st Australian Touring Car Championship Sandown Park 1973 1st Australian Touring Car Championship Wanneroo Park 1973 1st Australian Touring Car Championship Surfers Paradise 1973 1st Australian Touring Car Championship Oran Park 1973

[edit] Successor

In 1972, the XY series Falcon was replaced by the redesigned XA Falcon range. There was the intention of an XA based 1972 Falcon GTHO Phase IV (three prototypes were built), which would have been superior to the Phase III, however its project was cancelled due to the 1972 "Supercar Scare".