Comedian and radio personality Merrick Watts is selling his iconic Aussie muscle car – a Ford Falcon XAGT. Self-confessed petrol head Watts simply doesn’t get time to drive the classic car and will be selling it at the Bonham’s auction at this month’s RACV Motorclassica to be held at the Royal Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne from October 21 to 23.
1973 Ford Falcon XA 351 Coupe
The car has some interesting history. It featured alongside Heath Ledger and Bryan Brown in the 1999 Australian crime film Two Hands. The first true all-Australian designed GT is expected to sell for between $40,000 and $60,000.
Ford’s XA was the first Australian designed Falcon and broke with the traditional styling of the previous XW/XY model, ushering in a new era of curves and for the first time, a two-door hardtop coupe. Showing a strong American influence, the hardtop was Ford’s belated answer to the runaway success of the Holden Monaro. Launched in March 1972, the XA was sold in various guises including the 302-cid and 351-cid V8s. The interior was modernised, with wraparound fascia, and front disc brakes became standard across the range, along with safety items like rear seat belts. The hardtop was sold as the Falcon 500 or Fairmont with the option of a GS pack, or in high performance GT guise plus the limited Superbird edition with special decals. Ford’s XA/XB/XC hardtops rate as one of the toughest Aussie muscle cars ever made and today have an almost cult following, thanks in no small part to the Interceptor used in the “Mad Max” movies.
Also under the hammer at the auction on the final day of Motorclassica, Sunday, 23 October, will be a 1967 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine which was one of three ordered by the Commonwealth of Australia for visiting heads of state and royalty and a two times Bathurst veteran BMW 635 CSi Group C formerly driven by Alan Grice and Denny Hulme. [RACV Motorclassica]
1967 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine
1980 BMW 635CSi
