What is the rarest Ford Falcon?
The rarest Ford Falcon is the XY GT-HO Phase IV, with five cars built for homologation and racing, making it the most scarce Falcon in production history.
For readers seeking a fuller explanation, this article explores what the Phase IV was, why production was so limited, and how collectors view these cars today.
What is the Ford Falcon XY GT-HO Phase IV?
The GT-HO Phase IV was a high-performance variant developed by Ford Australia in the early 1970s, intended to meet international homologation rules for touring car racing. It represented the pinnacle of Falcon performance at the time, incorporating substantial mechanical and handling upgrades over the standard GT-HO models. Its development and strategic aim were shaped by competing in Australian racing and the regulatory environment of the era.
Design and specifications (overview)
Design notes and anecdotes about the Phase IV highlight major performance and suspension enhancements, along with distinctive styling cues to differentiate it from prior HO models. While exact figures vary by source, the Phase IV is widely regarded as a radical leap in Australian muscle-car engineering for its day.
Production numbers and rarity
Official production figures are widely cited as five XY GT-HO Phase IV cars built in 1973 for homologation and racing, establishing the Phase IV as the rarest Falcon variant. Some sources mention an additional chassis used for development, but the five-unit count remains the standard reference for what reached production.
Contested or unclear aspects
Because Ford Australia faced regulatory and political pushback at the time, archival records are incomplete, and some histories differ on minor counts. The prevailing view among historians and collectors today is that five Phase IV cars were completed, and their extreme rarity is reinforced by the limited number that survive to this day.
Why the Phase IV matters to collectors
The Phase IV is a cornerstone of Australian automotive history: a legitimate factory performance car designed to compete at the top levels of touring car racing, and a symbol of a volatile era in the Australian motorsport landscape. Its scarcity, provenance, and the aura surrounding its brief existence elevate its status within the classic-car market.
Notable survivors and market presence
Known Phase IV cars are held by private collectors and institutions, with appearances at auctions and special events generating considerable attention. When they do come to market, they command high prices, reflecting their rarity, historical significance, and desirability among enthusiasts of Australian motoring heritage.
Summary
The Ford Falcon XY GT-HO Phase IV stands as the rarest Falcon due to its five-unit production run and enduring mystique surrounding its engineering, racing heritage, and limited surviving examples. It remains a marquee example of Australian automotive prestige and a benchmark for collector value in the classic car world.
