Classic Carlectables 1/18 Ford XA Falcon GT 1973 Bathurst Pole Position Diecast Model Car

Car 5D – The McLeod Ford XA GT Hardtop Falcon

• The comprehensive front end features vinyl covered headlights and driving lights, a finely moulded front grille and the front spoiler.
• The XA GT Hardtop bonnet ducts and hold-downs are nicely detailed and realistic.
• The boot was fairly sparse with only the fuel tank and fuel hose seen.
• Highly detailed steering wheel and dash featuring full instrumentation and components. Also shown is the unique dash-top gauge and the roll cage.
• The soft rubber seats feature the racing harness with detailed buckles and strapping. The fire extinguisher is tucked away behind the seat.
• The detailed door trims feature chrome door handles, mirror adjusters, door locks and window winders.
• Superb detail and craftmanship on the side-draught carburettors, engine block, rockers and hosing.
• The fine workmanship in the engine bay includes the Motorcraft Battery and radiator with their accurate decals reproduced.
• The metal working spring bonnet hinges allow bonnet positioning and smooth operation.
• The fine workmanship in the engine bay includes the Motorcraft Battery and radiator with their accurate decals reproduced.
• Exquisite chassis detail with working front suspension and steering. The springs, swaybar, wheel rims and brake discs feature nicely.
• Includes a Certificate of Authenticity, which also shows the production number of your model.

At the 1973 Hardie Ferodo 1000, the McLeod Ford XA GT Hardtop Falcon, driven by John Goss and Kevin Bartlett, proved to be the quickest car on the mountain. Goss claimed pole position with a blistering 2m33.4s lap and went on to set the fastest lap of the race – a new lap record at the time.

The pair were in a commanding position until disaster struck. Mid-race, Goss became tangled in an incident when George Garth’s GTR Torana rolled at The Energol Cutting. With no way to avoid contact, the Falcon sustained damage to its front guard and radiator, forcing it out of contention.

While much attention is often given to Doug Chivas running out of fuel while leading, many argue that Goss was the hard-luck story of 1973, his hopes undone by sheer misfortune.

One unique detail makes this car stand out in Bathurst history – its front spoiler. Homologated for XA GTs in August 1973, the McLeod Ford Hardtop was the only Falcon fitted with one at that year’s race, adding to its legendary status.