The Final Four Australian built Fords are sold. Here are the auction results...

[joz*garage]

Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute - $81,000
Territory Titanium MKII - $68,500
Falcon XR6 Sedan - $81,500
Falcon XR6 Sprint - $122,000

[colic2bullsgirlore]

Choice Magazine solved the Holden Vs Ford dilemma in their July 1967 issue when they secretly bought a new HR special with a 161 motor for $2791.71  and an XR Falcon 500 fitted with the 170 pursuit motor for $2376.00. They shipped both vehicles to Great Britain to be tested by their british counterpart "Which' magazine exactly as they were delivered by the dealer. They dedicated the whole issue to the subject. here is a scan of a few pages from my copy of the magazine.

[colic2bullsgirlore]

Both cars were "delivered" with these faults from the onknowing dealers

[colic2bullsgirlore]

The 161 pulled the pants off the 170 pursuit

[colic2bullsgirlore]

[colic2bullsgirlore]

the conclusion?? there's horses for courses

[colic2bullsgirlore]

Perhaps the first "Bathurst' AKA the 4th Armstrong 500 (moved from the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit due to poor surface conditions in 1963) is also an indicator of what our car industry has become... no more win on Sunday ,sell on Monday now

[joz*garage]

nice early edition you got there, colic!

CONCLUSION

Clearly, P76 is right in there and capable of taking on the others. There are still rough edges to iron out and it doesn't really live up to the European image bit, and we might wish for more power, but as a first effort in this class it works surprisingly well.

Last year, when we did this comparison, the Holden won. Now we are not so sure. Ford's quality control on Falcon has improved out of sight and the Falcon is the kind of car the XY was. If only that bench seat were better, there is no doubt it would be the outright winner, largely because it is so relaxing and pleasant to drive.

The Holden needs a quieter engine and more work on control layout and pedal position, but it still has all the traditional Holden qualities and in our view is the best looking.

The Valiant is difficult to judge. It has the most powerful engine and the best performance for the money and, if you use it, a real American car feel, but it is rather crude in many respects.

https://www.wheelsmag.com.au/features/ford-falcon/1608/1973-ford-falcon-500-v-leyland-p76-deluxe-v-h...

[colic2bullsgirlore]

Harry Firth and Bob Jane made it home first in a Cortina..... class winners below the end of the "class" war was the end of Bathurst for me

[colic2bullsgirlore]

[colic2bullsgirlore]