GTHO Phase III
The Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III was built for homologation, it looked almost identical to the GT. The modified version the Falcon GT built in 1971 with a heavily upgraded engine, a 4 speed top-loader gearbox and Detroit locker 9" differential. It was also equipped with special brakes and handling package, plus a 36 imperial gallons (164 litres) fuel tank.
Winner of the 1971 Bathurst 500, driven by Allan Moffat, the Phase III has been described as "...simply one of the best cars in the world, a true GT that could take on Ferraris and Astons on their own terms..." by Sports Car World.
The GTHO's 351 Cleveland engine output was understated as 300 bhp (224 kW) to satisfy insurers. It is generally accepted to produce in the region of 360-380 bhp (265 kW -283 kW). Initial cars were equipped with an electrical rev limiter which came into effect at 6,150 rpm. With the rev limiter disabled, the engine was reputed to pull in excess of 7,000+ rpm, even in 4th gear. The "HO" portion of the name stood for "Handling Option", these options included bigger brakes, stiffer suspension, front and rear spoilers, a choice of 3 differentials and an optional close-ratio gearbox making the production GTHO very similar to the race version.
The Phase III GTHO was Australia’s, fastest four-door production car at the time. In 1971 it won the Bathurst 500 motor race in the hands of Allan Moffat, however at the time the Chrysler Valiant E49 Charger held the Australian 1/4 mile record.
Performance:
Top Speed: 227 km/h (141 mph) @ 6150rpm 0 - 60 mph - 6.4 seconds 0 – 100 km - 6.6 seconds Standing 1/4 mile (400m) - 14.2 seconds
Bathurst (6.172 km)(1972) (6.213 km) (modern) Fastest Lap time: 2:36.5 by Allan Moffat (1972 - Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase III)
Read more about this topic: 1971 Phase 3 GTHO
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