Jim's project started by finding an original HO (Phase 3) motor. The original body was long gone (damn!).

According to Jim, "The project started years ago when by a stroke of luck I got a call asking if I was interested in a GT motor that was hidden in a chook shed and about to go in a speed boat? All they knew it was a JG33 GT motor, nothing more. Quickly ringing Ford confirmed it was a HO (Phase 3) motor. Taking only 1 second to think about it (where to get the money from), I burnt the visa (1 of many times) and bought it before they realised what they had. I tried to find the original body but it was long gone.

Sourcing many original GT parts and getting rid of the first 2 XY bodies due to "rust - beyond repair", I found an original Vermillion Fire XY Falcon 500 GS rolling shell. It was an original 250ci, 4spd toploader with black interior. It was my dream colour scheme to build my replica GT HO.

Sticking to the original colour scheme (as per ID plate) I changed all exterior & interior look to replicate a GT HO. With a bare metal respray including a complete nut & bolt restoration the project took shape. I decided to build the car to cruise and running 3.5 gearing with a XY GT toploader the car is a charm to drive, even in peak hour traffic!"

These photos were taken on the recent Ford day in Geelong.

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