Ford Australia Falcon GT XW GTHO Phase II
The Ford Falcon XW GTHO Phase II occupies a hallowed position in Australian motorsport history as the car that bridged the gap between the original GT Falcon and the legendary Phase III. Produced in 1970 as a homologation special for Group C touring car racing, the Phase II was built in a limited run of approximately 400 units, each one a thinly disguised racing car for the road.
The heart of the GTHO Phase II was a comprehensively worked-over 351-cubic-inch Cleveland V8. Unlike the standard Falcon GT's relatively mild state of tune, the GTHO engine received a Holley 780 cfm four-barrel carburetor, a high-rise intake manifold, free-flowing exhaust headers, and careful port matching. The result was approximately 300 gross horsepower, a significant increase over the standard GT's 290 horsepower and a quantum leap in real-world performance.
The transmission was a close-ratio Top Loader four-speed manual, chosen for its strength and precision. A limited-slip differential with 3.25:1 ratio completed the drivetrain, providing a balance between acceleration and top speed. The combination was devastating on the road, with the Phase II capable of covering the standing quarter mile in 14.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 225 km/h.
Ford's engineering team paid careful attention to the chassis, fitting uprated front and rear anti-roll bars, stiffer springs, and heavier-duty shock absorbers. Front disc brakes were ventilated units from the GT, while the rear drums received cooling fins for improved fade resistance during racing. The suspension upgrades gave the Phase II significantly better handling than the standard Falcon, though the live rear axle remained a limitation.
The GTHO designation stood for 'GT Handling Option,' and the Phase II was indeed a significant step forward in chassis dynamics. Special 14-inch wide-rim wheels fitted with radial tires replaced the standard GT's narrow rims, providing more grip and better stability at high speeds.
The Phase II's competition debut at the 1970 Bathurst 500 saw Allan Moffat drive to a commanding victory, proving the car's potential. This result provided the momentum for the development of the even more extreme Phase III, which would become the most famous Australian muscle car of all time.
Today, genuine XW GTHO Phase II Falcons are extraordinarily valuable, with prices reflecting their motorsport significance, extreme rarity, and the passionate devotion of Australian muscle car collectors.
Authentication is critical as fakes abound. Verify through Ford Australia build records and the GTHO registry. Numbers-matching engine and drivetrain are essential for full value. Check for rust in floor pans, inner guards, and spring hangers. GTHO-specific components including the intake manifold and exhaust headers are extremely valuable on their own.
Approximately 400 GTHO Phase II units were produced in 1970, primarily in sedan form. Each car was hand-finished on a separate section of the Broadmeadows assembly line to ensure the GTHO-specific components were correctly installed.