An Australian homologation icon, the 1965 Ford Cortina GT500 represents the cutting edge of Ford’s local competition program under legendary racing figures Harry Firth and Ian Tate. Developed specifically for the demands of Mount Panorama and the Armstrong 500, just over 100 examples were produced to satisfy regulations. Powered by a highly tuned 1500cc 5-bearing Kent engine with Weber induction and close-ratio Lotus gearbox, the GT500 was engineered for sustained high-rpm endurance running, supported by a long-range twin-filler fuel system and reinforced chassis. Its distinctive brake cooling ducts and competition upgrades proved their worth when Barry Seton and Midge Bosworth secured outright victory at Bathurst in 1965. Lightweight, raw and purpose-built, the GT500 stands today as one of the most significant early competition Fords produced in Australia.