Barn Find: 1970 Ford XY Falcon GT

This incredibly original barn find 1970 Ford XY Falcon GT is heading to auction after 51 years in storage.

Just when you think there are no more secrets, that every barn and shed has been searched, that every iconic Aussie muscle car has been accounted for, up pops something like this one-owner Ford XY Falcon GT with a genuine 24,000 miles on the clock.

Key to this rare Falcon’s low mileage is the fact that it has just been liberated from 51 years in storage, where it has sat hidden in plain sight in suburban Cremorne, a stone’s throw from Punt Road, one of Melbourne’s busiest thoroughfares.

It’s being offered by Melbourne’s Chicane Auctions with no reserve, the online auction ending on January 30, 2025, an unrepeatable opportunity to own an untouched example of one of Australia’s most sought-after cars with an incredible story.

Just 1557 XY GTs were built between September 1970 and December 1971, with 163 of those painted in this car’s distinctive Yellow Ochre. Add not only the black interior but the incredibly high specification, including automatic transmission, power steering, wind-back sunroof and dealer-fitted air conditioning, and you have a unique car.

First purchased from Wright Ford in Sydney on November 27, 1970, this early XY GT was driven back to Melbourne by its original (and only) owner on a permit before being first registered in Victoria as KTH 281.

Another intriguing wrinkle is that at the time Wright Ford was an authorised Shelby Performance Parts dealer. While it’s impossible to know what – if anything – is fitted under the surface of the 351ci Cleveland V8 without cracking it open, the presence of multiple stickers and badges, plus the Shelby T-bar for the auto shifter, suggest it may have come in for some further attention.

While there are a few missing items such as the rear spoiler and hubcaps, there are several new-old stock parts included with the sale (Image: Chicane Auctions)

Ford Australia’s factory claims for the XY GT back in the day rated the Cleveland’s power at 224kW (300 bhp) at 5400rpm, and torque at 515Nm (380 lb-ft) at 3400rpm, although the engine was reputed to produce over 350 horsepower.

Regardless, for the first few years of its life this XY GT was used regularly, clocking those 24,000 miles in short order before being parked up for the next half-century. Why? It’s a great question, but apparently the owner was fortunate enough to have other cars at his disposal and neither needed or wanted to sell the GT.

It was started regularly until 12 years ago, when the owner’s circumstances changed and prevented such activities. There are a couple of small dents that the car received while in storage and the rear spoiler, hubcaps and grille surround have sadly been misplaced, but the grille itself is present, just removed from the car for safe keeping.

Also included in the sale are several new-old stock parts still in boxes and plastic, which are sought-after items in their own right!

While the car hasn't been driven on public roads since 1973, it did receive regular engine starts until around 12 years ago (Image: Chicane Auctions)

Poke your head through the window and the interior is effectively brand new. Look beyond the dust and there is not a mark or blemish on the seats, steering wheel, dash or headlining.

Breathe in and your hair is suddenly long and lustrous, your moustache thick, and Eagle Rock is blasting on the stereo. The smell is pure 1970s and this car’s sheltered existence means nothing has had a chance to replace it.

The discovery of this time warp XY GT has understandably created a stir in the collector car community and it’ll be fascinating to discover the eventual fate of this amazing piece of Australian motoring history – will it be preserved, or restored?

Auction Details

The Falcon XY GT will be sold unreserved, with inspections available by appointment at Chicane Auctions Showroom in Melbourne, throughout January. The Auction will be held online.

• Auction Closes: January 30, 2025
• Inspections: By appointment at Chicane Auctions' Melbourne showroom during January
• For more information: To make inspection bookings or register for the auction, visit chicaneauctions.com.au, phone +61 3 9580 7369, or email admin@chicaneauctions.com.au