Ford Australia Falcon GT XT GT 302 V8
The Ford Falcon XT GT, produced from 1968 to 1969, was the second iteration of Ford Australia's performance Falcon and a critical step in the evolution of the Australian muscle car. Building on the foundation laid by the groundbreaking XR GT, the XT GT refined the formula with improved engineering, better equipment, and the same potent 302-cubic-inch Windsor V8 that had made the XR such a revelation.
The XT Falcon represented a significant update over the XR, with revised styling, improved interior ergonomics, and better sound insulation. The GT variant received all these improvements while retaining the aggressive character that defined the performance Falcon. The distinctive GT stripe package, bonnet scoops, and wide-rim wheels immediately identified the car as something special in the Falcon range.
Under the bonnet, the 302 Windsor V8 produced approximately 230 gross horsepower through a four-barrel Autolite carburetor, exhaling through a tuned dual exhaust system. Mated to the robust Top Loader four-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, the XT GT could dispatch the standing quarter mile in approximately 15.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest Australian cars of its day.
The XT GT's handling was improved over the XR thanks to revised suspension geometry, stiffer bushings, and recalibrated dampers. Front disc brakes provided excellent stopping power by period standards, while the rear drums benefited from improved cooling. The overall package was more refined than the XR while retaining the raw, muscular character that Australian enthusiasts demanded.
The XT GT was available in a range of bold colors that reflected the exuberant spirit of the late 1960s. Inside, buyers found bucket seats, a sports steering wheel, full instrumentation including a tachometer, and GT-specific trim. The level of equipment was impressive for an Australian car of the era.
With 1,802 units produced, the XT GT was more common than the preceding XR GT but still relatively exclusive. The car proved its mettle in competition, with Ford using the XT GT as the basis for its touring car racing program while developing the more extreme GTHO variants.
Today, the XT GT is a highly respected collector car that bridges the gap between the groundbreaking XR and the legendary GTHO models. Clean, original examples command strong prices and are actively sought by collectors of Australian muscle cars.
Verify GT authenticity through Ford build records and club registries. Rust is the primary concern in floor pans, lower quarters, and boot floor. The 302 Windsor V8 is a strong and reliable engine. Check for correct GT-specific parts including stripe kit, bonnet scoops, and interior trim. Non-matching-numbers cars are worth significantly less.
1,802 XT GTs were produced between 1968 and 1969. Production was split between manual and automatic transmissions, with manual cars more desirable to collectors.