1973 FORD FALCON XA GT RPO83

RESERVE PRICE GUIDE: $140,000 - $170,000

1973 FORD FALCON XA GT HARDTOP - RPO83

MODEL OVERVIEW:
The 1973 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO83 Hardtop is an ultra-rare and highly significant piece of Australian muscle car history, born from Fords motorsport ambitions during the early ATCC Group C era. Developed as a homologation special, the RPO83 combined Phase IV spec performance upgrades, such as the Holley 780 CFM carburetor and HM (Head Mod) GT HO extractor manifolds on a standard GT platform, with no external badging or fanfare to reveal its true capability. Its legacy is underscored by the domination of Mount Panorama by Moffatt and Goss in 1973 & 1974, behind the wheel of the RPO83 based Falcons, as it was designed to specifically support.
With just 120 Hardtops produced, the RPO83 stands as one of the rarest, most potent and most collectible Homologation Falcon GTs ever built.

1973 FORD FALCON XA GT - RPO83
Chicane Auctions is proud to present this exceptionally rare and highly collectible 1973 Ford XA GT RPO83 Hardtop, a standout example of Australian muscle car royalty. A complete Nut & Bolt / Bare Metal restoration was completed in 2005 by Grand Tourer and then went on to become a Falcon GT Nationals Award-Winning example. One of just 120 RPO83 Hardtops ever produced, this car represents the apex of Ford Australias 1970s performance GT heritage. Rarer than the revered XY GT Phase III and regarded by many in the GT community as a superior survivor in scarcity and specification.

FACTORY SPECIFICATION:
VIN: JG66NG17202K
Model Code: 18218 Falcon XA GT RPO83 Hardtop
Engine Code: T 351C CID V8 4V
Trans Code: L 4sp Manual Floor Shift
Paint Code: 7 Walnut Glow
Trim Code: P Parchment Vinyl
Compliance Date: 08/73

FACTORY OPTIONS:
03 Seat Belts (Mandatory)
04 Protection Pack
11 Laminated Tintband Windscreen
16 Black Vinyl Roof
55 Bonnet Black
61 Dual Mirrors
83 Performance Pack
87 Tinted Side and Rear Glass
90 Delete Predelivery Wax

FACTORY PERFORMANCE: (RPO 83)
Power: 330 bhp (246 kW) at 5400 rpm
Torque: 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) at 3800 rpm

DRIVELINE:
Beneath the bonnet lies its era correct 1972 (casting 2L30) 351ci Cleveland 4V V8 fully rebuilt by respected GT engine specialist, the late Neil Thompson of Grand Tourer. Featuring its original RPO83 numbered Holley 780CFM carburetor with factory style HM (Head Mod) GT HO Phase IV header extractors, originally developed for ATCC Group C homologation. The engine is rebuilt with its big 4-dot heads, a solid camshaft and roller rockers to Phase 2 specification, providing both exceptional drivability, performance and long-term reliability. Electronic ignition has been fitted with the correct yellow top coil being included with the sale. The driveline and suspension were completely renewed as part of the comprehensive nut & bolt restoration completed in 2005. The factory Top Loader 4-speed manual gearbox was stripped, inspected, and reassembled with new seals, while the 9-inch differential was rebuilt with a solid spacer, new seals, LSD clutch packs, and fresh bearings. The entire undercarriage, suspension, and mechanical components remain in fantastic condition, having travelled just 9,000 odd careful miles since the restoration was completed.
EXTERIOR:
This GT is an absolute stand out in its factory-correct Walnut Glow Metallic paintwork, offset by its black vinyl roof and matching black-out bonnet. Every external detail was restored in 2005 by Grand Tourer, with great attention paid to correct fittings, trim and panel alignment.
However paint preparation imperfections causing paint blistering are now visible throughout various areas of the paintwork / body. The reserve price has been lowered to reflect this. An inspection is recommended to assess the extent of any imperfections, as photos do not always reveal.
Still remaining as a visual masterpiece that captures the essence of early 70s muscle, this all time Ford GT Hardtop style will never be repeated.
INTERIOR:
Inside, the car features a fully restored and near flawless Parchment interior, highlighted by its crisp original instrumentation. While much of the interior is factory original, reproduction trim materials matched exactly to original specifications were used during restoration process bringing it to this level. The only upgrade being the fitment of AM/FM internals to the Dealer fitted original Super Fringe radio. The attention to detail mirrors the quality seen throughout the car, nothing has been overlooked. The interior is hard to fault.
NOTE:
An independent inspection was conducted by ICAARS Mark Barraclough, to carefully verify this cars authenticity for auction sale with Chicane. While the inspection and review confirmed the car to have its original Body and Identification tags, the shock tower support stamping and engine number stamping has been altered / enhanced. While this does not detract from its performance, drivability, or presentation, it does influence its position in the collector marketplace. The current Owner / Vendor has now adjusted the reserve price to reflect this updated understanding.
SUMMARY:
Delivered new through Bethel Ford in Horsham Victoria, this RPO83 has been owned by the Vendor since 1998. This example is presented with a Ford Letter of Authenticity, an ICAARS Authentication Certificate, an ACCHS Report, a comprehensive restoration receipt file from Grand Tourer Restorations and its original Victorian Black & White plates. Its nut-and-bolt, bare metal rebuild was undertaken by Grand Tourer an authority in Ford GT restorations nationwide. The car has earned accolades and awards in the 2005 GT Nationals as Best Restored Overall along with other awards. This car is well known within GT circles and is one of the rare RPO83 Hardtops still in existence.
With its rarity, factory specification, presentation and provenance this is a rare opportunity to own a known piece of Australian motoring royalty.
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AUCTION DETAILS:
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This XA GT will be sold with a RESERVE Price Guide of $140,000 - $170,000 - (The Reserve is set between this Guide and will show Reserve Met once reached)
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Inspections are available by Appointment at the Chicane Auctions Showroom in Melbourne.
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The Auction will be held as an Nationwide Online Event, open to collectors across Australia.
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Visit the CHICANE AUCTIONS WEBSITE to BID & see all Photos / Videos!
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Auction CLOSES Thursday 15th MAY from 8:30pm!
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Inspection:
Inspection is advised and welcome at our Showroom by appointment.
Monday Friday 10:00 am 4:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am 2:00 pm
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Professional Inspections are advised and welcome by ICAARS (Mark Barraclough) or Classic Car Inspections (Damien Kemp) or a mechanic of your choice.
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Transport:
Enclosed Transport from Chicane Auctions - Melbourne Showroom to:
SYDNEY $1,600+*
COFFS HARBOUR $2,000+*
BRISBANE $3,000+*
ADELAIDE $1,600+*

• Prices are indicative estimates, pending final delivery address.

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Contact Us:
Please contact us to arrange inspection time or with any questions or email us at admin@chicaneauctions.com.au
Did you know Chicane don't charge their Sellers any fee.. at all.