Ford Australia Falcon EL GT 5.0 V8
The Ford Falcon EL GT of 1997 holds a special place in the Falcon story as the final model to carry the GT badge with the venerable Windsor pushrod V8 engine. Produced in a strictly limited run of just 250 units, the EL GT was a conscious celebration of the Falcon GT heritage, dressed in distinctive Heritage Green paint with a Saddle Tan leather interior that evoked the classic Falcon GTs of the 1960s and 1970s.
The EL series Falcon was the final evolution of the EA platform that had transformed the Falcon from a somewhat crude rear-wheel-drive sedan into a sophisticated, independent-rear-suspension machine. The EL GT represented the pinnacle of this development, with carefully tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and attention to detail that befitted its status as a farewell edition.
Power came from Ford's 5.0-liter (302 cubic inch) Windsor V8, producing 185 kilowatts (248 horsepower) through multi-point electronic fuel injection. While not the most powerful engine in the Falcon's history, the Windsor V8 had been refined over decades and offered a delightful blend of torquey low-end response, smooth power delivery, and the characteristic V8 exhaust note that was central to the Falcon GT experience.
The EL GT featured unique 17-inch alloy wheels in a design specific to the limited edition, wrapped in performance tires. The suspension was calibrated by Ford's chassis engineers to provide a balance between the ride comfort expected of a luxury sedan and the handling precision demanded by GT buyers. Brembo-style front calipers clamped ventilated rotors, while the rear received solid discs.
Every EL GT was finished in Heritage Green, a dark, rich green metallic paint that was exclusive to the model. The interior featured Saddle Tan leather seats with GT embossing, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with GT badge, and unique EL GT numbered build plaque on the dashboard. Each car carried its individual production number, reinforcing the limited-edition nature of the model.
The EL GT was conceived as a collector's item from birth, and Ford Australia was not disappointed. Many examples were purchased by enthusiasts who recognized that this was the end of an era. The replacement AU Falcon would introduce an entirely new V8 engine, and the character of the pushrod Windsor would never return to the Falcon range.
Today, the EL GT is one of the most sought-after modern-era Australian Falcons. Its combination of limited numbers, unique specification, and end-of-era significance has ensured strong collector demand. Low-mileage, unmodified examples are particularly prized.
Verify build number against Ford records. All genuine EL GTs are Heritage Green with Saddle Tan interior - any other color is not authentic. Check for respray evidence. The Windsor V8 is reliable but check for oil leaks. BTR automatic can be fragile. Low-mileage examples with documented history command the highest prices.
Exactly 250 EL GTs were produced, all in Heritage Green with Saddle Tan leather interior. Each car was individually numbered with a dashboard plaque. Production occurred in 1997 only.