The 1973 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO83 Hardtop is an ultra-rare and highly significant piece of Australian muscle car history, born from Ford’s motorsport ambitions during the early ATCC Group C era. Developed as a homologation special, the RPO83 combined Phase IV spec performance upgrades, such as the Holley 780 CFM carburetor and HM (Head Mod) GT HO extractor manifolds on a standard GT platform, with no external badging or fanfare to reveal its true capability. Its legacy is underscored by the domination of Mount Panorama by Moffatt and Goss in 1973 & 1974, behind the wheel of the RPO83 based Falcons, as it was designed to specifically support.
With just 120 Hardtops produced, the RPO83 stands as one of the rarest, most potent and most collectible Homologation Falcon GTs ever built.
Chicane Auctions is proud to present this exceptionally rare and highly collectible 1973 Ford XA GT RPO83 Hardtop, a standout example of Australian muscle car royalty. A complete Nut & Bolt / Bare Metal restoration was completed in 2005 by Grand Tourer and then went on to become a Falcon GT Nationals Award-Winning example. One of just 120 RPO83 Hardtops ever produced, this car represents the apex of Ford Australia’s 1970’s performance GT heritage. Rarer than the revered XY GT Phase III and regarded by many in the GT community as a superior survivor in scarcity and specification.
VIN: JG66NG17202K
Model Code: 18218 – Falcon XA GT RPO83 Hardtop
Engine Code: T – 351C CID V8 4V
Trans Code: L – 4sp Manual Floor Shift
Paint Code: 7 – Walnut Glow
Trim Code: P – Parchment Vinyl
Compliance Date: 08/73
03 – Seat Belts (Mandatory)
04 – Protection Pack
11 – Laminated Tintband Windscreen
16 – Black Vinyl Roof
55 – Bonnet Black
61 – Dual Mirrors
83 – Performance Pack
87 – Tinted Side and Rear Glass
90 – Delete Predelivery Wax
Power: 330 bhp (246 kW) at 5400 rpm
Torque: 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) at 3800 rpm
Beneath the bonnet lies its era correct 1972 (casting 2L30) 351ci Cleveland 4V V8 – fully rebuilt by respected GT engine specialist, the late Neil Thompson of Grand Tourer. Featuring its original RPO83 numbered Holley 780CFM carburetor with factory style HM (Head Mod) GT HO Phase IV header extractors, originally developed for ATCC Group C homologation. The engine is rebuilt with its big 4-dot heads, a solid camshaft and roller rockers to Phase 2 specification, providing both exceptional drivability, performance and long-term reliability. Electronic ignition has been fitted with the correct ‘yellow top’ coil being included with the sale. The driveline and suspension were completely renewed as part of the comprehensive nut & bolt restoration completed in 2005. The factory Top Loader 4-speed manual gearbox was stripped, inspected, and reassembled with new seals, while the 9-inch differential was rebuilt with a solid spacer, new seals, LSD clutch packs, and fresh bearings. The entire undercarriage, suspension, and mechanical components remain in fantastic condition, having travelled just 9,000 odd careful miles since the restoration was completed.
This original body GT is an absolute stand out in its factory-correct Walnut Glow Metallic paintwork, offset by its black vinyl roof and matching black-out bonnet. Every external detail was restored in 2005 by Grand Tourer, with great attention paid to correct fittings, trim and panel alignment.
However… paint preparation imperfections causing paint blistering are now visible throughout various areas of the paintwork / body. The reserve price has been lowered to reflect this. An inspection is recommended to assess the extent of any imperfections, as photos do not reveal clearly.
Still remaining as a visual masterpiece that captures the essence of early ’70s muscle, this all time Ford GT Hardtop style will never be repeated.
Inside, the car features a fully restored and near flawless Parchment interior, highlighted by its crisp original instrumentation. Much of the interior is factory original, with reproduction trim materials matched exactly to original specifications, used during restoration process in bringing it to this level. The only upgrade being the fitment of AM/FM internals to the Dealer fitted original Super Fringe radio. The attention to detail mirrors the quality seen throughout the car, nothing has been overlooked. The interior is hard to fault.
An independent inspection was conducted by ICAARS – Mark Barraclough, to carefully verify this cars authenticity for auction sale with Chicane. While the inspection and review confirmed this car is the original factory XA GT RPO83 Body and Identification tags, the shock tower support stamping and engine number stamping has been altered / enhanced. While this does not detract from its performance, drivability, or presentation, it does influence its position in the collector marketplace. The current Owner / Vendor has now adjusted the reserve price to reflect this updated understanding.
Delivered new through Bethel Ford in Horsham Victoria, this stunning RPO83 has been owned by the Vendor since 1998. This example is presented with a Ford Letter of Authenticity, an ICAARS Authentication Certificate, an ACCHS Report, a comprehensive restoration receipt file from Grand Tourer Restorations and its original Victorian Black & White plates. Its nut-and-bolt, bare metal rebuild was undertaken by Grand Tourer – an authority in Ford GT restorations nationwide. The car has earned accolades and awards in the 2005 GT Nationals as Best Restored Overall along with other awards. This car is well known within GT circles and is one of the rare RPO83 Hardtops still in existence.
With its rarity, factory specification, presentation and provenance… this is a rare opportunity to own a known piece of Australian motoring royalty.
VIN: JG66NG17202K
ENGINE: JG66NG17202K
ODOMETER: 39404 (indicated)
RESERVE PRICE GUIDE: $140,000 – $170,000 The Vendors Reserve Price is set between this Guide.
Inspection is welcomed & advised at our Showroom.
Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Please contact us to arrange inspection time or with any questions on (03) 9580 7369 or email us at – admin@chicaneauctions.com.au
BP 8.8% of Winning Bid Amount. (GST Inc.) Debited from Auction Winners Bank Card as deposit.
Example: $50,000 Winning Bid + Buyers Premium $4,400 (8.8%) = $54,400 AUD Total Amount.
The Winning Bidder will be sent an Invoice to be paid within 5 Days. Payment by EFT Bank Transfer.
All Vehicles must be collected within 7 days of the Auction Close.
*If the Reserve Price is not met, only the highest bidder has first right to negotiate any purchase.
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The buyer is responsible for arranging with transport company & all costs.
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Auction has expired
Highest bidder was: Pm
Bidder Name | Bidding Time | Bid | Auto |
---|---|---|---|
Pm | May 15, 2025 8:53 pm | $150,250 | |
Fava | May 15, 2025 8:51 pm | $150,000 | |
Jammo | May 15, 2025 8:50 pm | $146,000 | |
Pm | May 15, 2025 8:48 pm | $145,750 | |
Fava | May 15, 2025 8:47 pm | $145,500 | |
Pm | May 15, 2025 8:45 pm | $145,250 | |
Fava | May 15, 2025 8:43 pm | $145,000 | |
powerbeck@hotmail.com | May 15, 2025 8:43 pm | $144,300 | |
Fava | May 15, 2025 8:41 pm | $144,000 | |
Pm | May 15, 2025 8:40 pm | $143,250 | |
Jammo | May 15, 2025 8:39 pm | $143,000 | |
Pm | May 15, 2025 8:36 pm | $141,500 | |
Fava | May 15, 2025 8:35 pm | $141,000 | |
powerbeck@hotmail.com | May 15, 2025 7:03 pm | $140,000 | |
FrankP | May 15, 2025 6:24 pm | $135,000 | |
exec | May 15, 2025 6:03 pm | $123,250 | |
powerbeck@hotmail.com | May 15, 2025 6:06 am | $123,000 | |
FrankP | May 14, 2025 1:21 pm | $122,000 | |
powerbeck@hotmail.com | May 11, 2025 4:41 pm | $102,000 | |
chiefmicko | May 11, 2025 3:29 pm | $100,000 | |
powerbeck@hotmail.com | May 10, 2025 11:06 pm | $77,000 | |
Deanoss | May 10, 2025 9:43 pm | $76,500 | |
Gtfordwa | May 10, 2025 9:31 pm | $75,000 | |
nava.constructions@bigpond.com | May 10, 2025 9:07 pm | $70,000 | |
powerbeck@hotmail.com | May 10, 2025 8:44 pm | $65,000 | |
Gtfordwa | May 10, 2025 7:44 pm | $64,500 | |
powerbeck@hotmail.com | May 9, 2025 5:27 pm | $59,000 | |
r.swan@westnet.com.au | May 9, 2025 1:16 pm | $57,000 | |
powerbeck@hotmail.com | May 8, 2025 8:35 pm | $56,000 | |
powerbeck@hotmail.com | May 8, 2025 7:45 pm | $55,000 | |
sparky | May 8, 2025 6:52 pm | $50,000 | |
powerbeck@hotmail.com | May 8, 2025 3:37 pm | $35,500 | |
powerbeck@hotmail.com | May 8, 2025 1:45 pm | $35,000 | |
micko0437 | May 8, 2025 10:36 am | $30,000 | |
powerbeck@hotmail.com | May 7, 2025 11:55 pm | $25,500 | |
powerbeck@hotmail.com | May 7, 2025 7:37 pm | $25,000 | |
graham@wimmvals.com.au | May 7, 2025 5:11 pm | $20,000 | |
powerbeck@hotmail.com | May 7, 2025 4:32 pm | $15,500 | |
graham@wimmvals.com.au | May 7, 2025 2:06 pm | $15,000 | |
powerbeck@hotmail.com | May 7, 2025 1:36 am | $10,000 | |
Auction started | May 6, 2025 8:00 pm |