Ford Falcon XT GT

With the XT Falcon in 1968 came a new engine, the 302 cubic inch (4.9 litre) Windsor motor. It boasted an extra five horsepower over the XR GT’s 289 cubic inch version and an increase in torque from 305 to 310 ft/lbs developed 600 rpm higher at 3800 rpm.

Wheel rims were widened to 6″, a limited slip differential was fitted as were driving lights, a front anti-roll bar and optional automatic transmission.

The most headlined XT GT’s were the three cars entered by Ford in the London – Sydney Marathon. Masterminded by Harry Firth, the team came home in 3rd, 6th and 8th places to take out the prestigious Teams and Manufacturers’ Prizes for Ford and Australia, with Ian Vaughan driving the top placed car.

Between February 1968 and June 1969 1, a total of 415 XR GT’s were built.

Ford Falcon XT GT

• Engine Specifications:
  • Type: Windsor 302 V8
  • Capacity: 4.942lt (302ci)
  • Bore & Stroke: 102 x 76mm (4.00 x 3.00in)
  • Power: (DIN) 172kW (230bhp) @ 4800rpm
  • Torque: (DIN) 420Nm (310lb-ft) @ 3200rpm
  • Compression Ratio: 10:1
  • Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, 60 degree V8
  • Head Design: Pushrod & rocker OHV with hydraulic lifters
  • Fuel System: Ford Autolite ‘4300’ 441cfm 4 barrel downdraught carburettor
  • Ignition System: Single point distributor
  • Exhaust System: Cast iron manifold, low restriction single exhaust
• Manual Gearbox :
  • Type: 4 speed all-synchronised
  • 1st: 2.78:1
  • 2nd: 1.93:1
  • 3rd: 1.36:1
  • 4th: 1.00:1
  • Reverse: 2.78:1
• Automatic Transmission:
  • Type: 3 speed C4
  • 1st: 2.46:1
  • 2nd: 1.46:1
  • 3rd: 1.00:1
  • Reverse: 2.20:1
• Rear Axle:
  • Type: 8in, removable carrier type, Limited Slip Diff
  • Ratio: 3.00:1
• Suspension:
  • Front: Independent ball joint, coil springs, shock absorbers, wishbones and anti-roll bar
  • Rear: Hotchkiss type with semi-elliptic leaf springs, shock absorbers and live axle
• Brakes:
  • Front: 279mm (11in) Servo assisted Discs
  • Rear: 254mm (10in) Servo assisted Drums
• Steering:
  • Type: Re-circulating ball power assistance (Optional)
  • Ratio: 16:1
• Wheels & Tyres:
  • Wheels: 6 x 14 Steel – Stainless steel covers
  • Tyres: 185 x 14
• Instrumentation:
  • Speedometer: 140mph
  • Tachometer: 6000rpm
  • Oil Pressure: Gauge
  • Water Temperature: Gauge
  • Fuel: Gauge
  • Ignition: Warning Light
  • High Beam: Warning Light
  • Brakes: Warning Light
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 4689mm (184.6in)
  • Width: 1875mm (73.8in)
  • Height: 1389mm (54.7in)
  • Wheelbase: 2819mm (111.0in)
  • Front Track: 1486mm (58.5in)
  • Rear Track: 1486mm (58.5in)
  • Weight: 1444kg (3184lb)
  • Turning Circle: 11.0m (36.6ft)
  • Fuel Tank: 75lt (16.4 gallons)
  • Seating: 5
• Performance:
  • XT Falcon GT (Manual)
  • Top Speed: 200km/h (124mph)
  • 0 – 60mph (0 – 100 km/h) – 8.5 seconds
  • Standing 1/4 mile (400m) – 15.8 seconds