Ford Australia Falcon GT

vs

Ford Shelby GT350H

Australia vs USA — 1967 vs 1966

Ford Australia Falcon GT (1967)
Ford Shelby GT350H (1966)
Specifications
Falcon GT XY GTHO Phase IIIShelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer
Horsepower300 hp306 hp
Torque360 lb-ft329 lb-ft
Engine Size5,752 cc4,736 cc
0-60 mph6.4 sec6.6 sec
Top Speed142 mph130 mph
¼ Mile14.4 sec14.9 sec
Weight3,312 lbs2,850 lbs
Wheelbase2,819 mm2,743 mm
Length4,826 mm4,613 mm
Units Produced3001,001
Original MSRP$4,547
Value (Excellent)$1,500,000$450,000
Collectibility10/1010/10
Rarity9/109/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1967 Ford Australia Falcon GT XY GTHO Phase III brings quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity to the table, and the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer answers with lighter weight, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

The rivalry between Australia and USA automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1967 Ford Australia Falcon GT XY GTHO Phase III versus 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1967 Ford Australia Falcon GT XY GTHO Phase III producing 300 hp and the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer delivering 306 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Australia Falcon GT uses a V8 Cleveland 351 BOSS displacing 5,752 cc, while the Ford Shelby GT350H relies on a V8 OHV with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1967 Ford Australia Falcon GT XY GTHO Phase III edges ahead at 6.4 seconds versus 6.6 seconds. The Ford Shelby GT350H carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 462 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 300 units built, the 1967 Ford Australia Falcon GT XY GTHO Phase III is considerably scarcer than the Ford Shelby GT350H's 1,001 examples. On the collector market, the 1967 Ford Australia Falcon GT XY GTHO Phase III commands a significant premium over the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.