With daylight saving still extending our playtime, it was pleasing to see many members arriving early at the Drouin Golf Club and setting up an impromptu display of their sports and classic cars out front of the Clubrooms. Inside the dining room, the focus was on Carl Lintzen?s immaculate 1967 XR Falcon GT resplendent in GT Gold which was the only colour available on this, the very first Falcon GT model.
Carl had been smitten by Ford?s early muscle car since seeing and hearing one competing at the Geelong Speed Trials in 1967. The idea of purchasing one came to fruition following the 75th Anniversary of Ford at Geelong in 2000. The XR was the first of the American-designed Falcons to offer a V8 engine option which was instrumental in the car?s popularity with the Police Force and Ford?s Competition branch which was looking for a replacement of the Cortina GT as a Bathurst 500 contender. The GTs went on to win the 1967 Bathurst event in the capable hands of Harry Firth and Fred Gibson, a second car crewed by the Geoghegan brothers finished second – the foundation of a dynasty had been established.
After looking at a couple of GTs, Carl purchased this matching number XR GT from Perth in 2000, where it had been owned by an enthusiast who had used it as a daily driver before completing a sympathetic restoration of the vehicle. Carl decided to have the car transported by truck to Victoria where he collected it from Laverton and drove it home to Warragul ? well, at least as far as Narre Warren before a flat battery and lack of charge halted procedures. The car is beautifully presented and in fairly original condition, but with a few period modifications which enhance the performance and reliability. It always attracts plenty of attention and Carl has refused a genuine offer to purchase this car. It?s unlikely, however, that?this XR GT will on the market any time soon, as it?s been promised to Carl?s son, whenever the old man wishes to hand it over!
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