It was around this time last year that Ford made the announcement that left us all weak at the knees – they were going to be producing one final edition of our beloved Ford Falcon GT 351. The official title was to be the Ford Falcon FPV GT F 351 (“F” for final – sad face), and the mixed reaction of anticipation and nervousness amongst fans was palpable.
Would this 2014 model live up to the iconic 351 model? Would enthusiasts be rewarded with a worthy new toy, or would it leave a bad taste in our mouths?
It’s been just over 6 months since the 500 cars were snapped up; plenty of time to make an evaluation. First things first, it’s important to note that the 500 models did in fact fly off the shelf quite easily, an early indicator that the 351 community were for the most part embracing this blast from the past move from Ford.
Another very noteworthy fact is that Ford managed to raise an incredible $393,700 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation by auctioning off build number 001 and 500, which pulled in $157,600 and $236,100 respectively. This is already a commendable feat and at the very least makes the launch worthwhile.
But what of the actual car?
Here are some stats to get your engine going:
- The 2014 Ford Falcon FPV GT F 351 was the most powerful GT sedan Ford Australia had ever created, with a supercharged 5.0L engine advertised to reach 351kW but actually reported to meet up to 404kW in the right conditions
- Claims from the insiders suggest the GT F 351 can get from 0 – 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds
- Sitting on an R-Spec chassis, the car features front and back Brembo brakes and 19-inch wheels for impeccable handling
In terms of how it actually felt to drive, the FPV copped some mixed reviews. Some heralded this as the return of the great, while others felt as though the quiet exhaust and engine left them hanging for more.
Overall though, the general consensus was that this new model was one hell of a car to drive. When it comes down to it, the 351 didn’t gain its cult following because it was a great sum of parts; it’s much more than that. And if you consider the final edition from this perspective, we certainly think this was a fitting end to a model that will always have a special place in our hearts.
About the author: The team at Are You Selling are enthusiasts when it comes to the motoring industry. We specialise in making it easy for people right around Australia to sell their cars, offering cash for your unwanted vehicle in a hassle-free way. Talk to us today!