1:18 Scale. Ford XA Falcon GT 1973 Bathurst Winner 50th Anniversary, GOLD livery

1:18 Scale. Ford XA Falcon GT 1973 Bathurst Winner 50th Anniversary, GOLD livery

After the 1972 Supercar scare, new rules were introduced in 1973. Ford built two new GT Hardtops for the Manufacturers Championship. Many of the components were handed down from the previous ill-fated Phase Fours. The new XA GT Hardtops were fast in the lead up to Bathurst. The 1973 Bathurst was to be the first of the 1000km races. The XA Falcons were fitted with revised suspension with different spring rates, together with the newly homologated four-wheel disc brakes and light-weight Globe wheels. Special engines had been built up for Bathurst, but Moffat was disappointed with his third place in practice and overnight both the Moffat and Gibson cars were re-fitted with the original Sandown engines.
On race day the decision was justified as both cars had plenty of race pace. Gibson expired early in the race with a hole in the block, Moffat charged on and by quarter distance was being chased hard by Brock in a Torana.

Moffat’s co-driver, Pete Geoghegan took over at the next stop. Geoghegan not only gave Moffat a well-earned rest but also pulled the XA Falcon up from fourth to first place before handing the car back to Moffat. The Brock / Chivas Torana ran out of fuel while leading and lost four agonising minutes as Chivas pushed the empty Torana up pit straight. Moffat now found himself two minutes clear, in front of the second placed Bond Torana and a further one and a half in front of Brock. Bond was soon to pit with a punctured tyre that put Brock up into second place.

Moffat now with a commanding lead only required a short stop to top up with fuel and then cruised the final laps home to record his third Bathurst win.

Brought to you by Classic Carlectables

More Australian Race Cars Here