Ford Falcon XB GT Review: The Muscle Car That Became A Movie Legend
Once a hidden gem of Australian car culture, the Ford Falcon XB GT has emerged as a global icon—thanks to its muscle car prowess, bold design, and a starring role in the legendary Mad Max franchise.
Key Takeaway:
The 1973–1976 Ford Falcon XB GT is more than a muscle car—it’s an international cult classic. With a 351-ci Cleveland V8, muscular styling, and a rebellious edge, the XB GT stands tall among classic performance legends. Its cinematic fame, rarity, and raw driving experience make it one of the most overlooked yet desirable muscle cars today.
Contents
What Is The Ford Falcon XB GT?
Launched in 1973 by Ford Australia, the Falcon XB GT was a high-performance variant of the XB Falcon lineup. It followed the XA GT and improved upon it with enhanced aerodynamics, mechanical refinements, and a more aggressive design. Powered by a potent 351-cubic-inch Cleveland V8, the XB GT combined American muscle spirit with Aussie engineering designed for long-distance endurance across vast terrain. This wasn’t just a car—it was a machine built for both asphalt and legend.
Powertrain & Performance: American Heart, Australian Soul
The XB GT came standard with a 351-ci 5.8L Cleveland V8, delivering 300 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque—on par with American muscle cars of the same era. Available with a 4-speed Toploader manual transmission or an optional FMX 3-speed automatic, the GT offered strong mid-range torque and thrilling acceleration.
Unlike its US counterparts, the XB GT was exempt from American smog regulations of the 1970s. That meant purer performance, sharper throttle response, and an exhaust note that turned heads across the Outback.
Performance Figures (Unofficial Tests):
– 0–60 MPH: ~6.8 seconds
– Quarter Mile: ~14.8 seconds
– Top Speed: ~135 MPH
Engineering For The Outback: Built To Cruise, Ready To Roar
Australia’s roads are long, rough, and unforgiving. The Falcon XB GT was engineered with these realities in mind. With a heavy-duty suspension setup, long wheelbase, and durable unibody construction, it delivered confident highway performance and rugged reliability.
While it wasn’t meant to corner like a Porsche, it thrived as a high-speed cruiser and torque-heavy powerhouse. A front disc brake setup, ventilated rotors, and power-assisted steering added modern usability to its raw muscle car character.
From Obscurity To Pop Culture Legend: The Mad Max Connection
The Ford Falcon XB GT might’ve remained a regional icon if not for one thing: Hollywood. When director George Miller cast the blacked-out 1973 XB GT coupe as the “Pursuit Special” in Mad Max (1979) and The Road Warrior (1981), the car exploded onto the global stage.
Dubbed the “Last of the V8 Interceptors,” the modified XB GT—with its extended nose cone, supercharger, and raw aggression—became an icon of post-apocalyptic cinema. Suddenly, collectors and car lovers worldwide wanted to know: “What is that car?”
Featured Films:
– Mad Max (1979)
– Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
– Fury Road Nods (2015)
Design: A Muscle Car With Aussie Attitude
The Falcon XB GT featured a wide, low stance with a fastback roofline and sculpted lines that set it apart from its American cousins. Unlike the Mustang or Charger, the XB GT had a uniquely Australian flavor, blending muscle car aggression with endurance racer styling.
Design Highlights:
– GT-specific blacked-out grille and dual nostril hood scoops
– Rear GT badging and stripes
– Slotted wheels with performance rubber
– Coupe or sedan options (though coupes are most collectible today)
Rare, Collectible, And Rising In Value
With only a limited number produced—fewer than 2,000 XB GT coupes—surviving examples are highly sought after. Due to Australia’s relatively small domestic market and harsh road conditions, pristine models are rare.
– Current collector prices (2025):
– Driver-quality XB GT: $50,000–$80,000
– Restored examples: $100,000+
– Mad Max replica builds: $120,000+
Values are rising fast, especially in the U.S. and Japan, where demand for unique, movie-connected muscle cars is growing.
Conclusion: Why The Ford Falcon XB GT Deserves A Place In Muscle Car History
The Ford Falcon XB GT isn’t just “Australia’s Mustang.” It’s a performance icon in its own right. From its howling V8 to its cinematic legacy, the XB GT combines brute power with cultural depth. For collectors, it’s a rising star. For enthusiasts, it’s a raw and thrilling reminder of what muscle cars used to be—loud, fast, and unapologetically wild.
In a world obsessed with American classics, the Falcon XB GT proves that true muscle can come from anywhere—and that sometimes, legends rise from the dust of the Outback.
What Is The Ford Falcon XB GT?
The Ford Falcon XB GT is a high-performance muscle car produced in Australia in the 1970s. With its 351 ci Cleveland V8 engine and sleek design, it became famous worldwide after its appearance in the Mad Max movies.
FAQs
What engine did the Ford Falcon XB GT have?
The Ford Falcon XB GT came standard with a 351-cubic-inch (5.8L) Cleveland V8, producing around 300 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with either a 4-speed Toploader manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission.
How fast is the Ford Falcon XB GT?
Unofficial tests recorded the XB GT’s 0–60 mph time around 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of approximately 135 mph. It was one of the fastest Australian muscle cars of the 1970s.
Was the Falcon XB GT in Mad Max?
Yes, the 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT coupe was heavily modified and featured as the Pursuit Special (a.k.a. the V8 Interceptor) in Mad Max (1979) and The Road Warrior (1981), making it a global cult icon.
How many Ford Falcon XB GTs were made?
Fewer than 2,000 XB GT coupes were produced between 1973 and 1976, making them relatively rare, especially in original or well-restored condition.
How much is a Ford Falcon XB GT worth today?
As of 2025, prices range from $50,000–$80,000 for well-kept examples, with fully restored or Mad Max replica builds exceeding $100,000–$120,000, depending on condition and provenance.
Is the Ford Falcon XB GT a muscle car?
Yes, the Ford Falcon XB GT is widely considered an Australian muscle car, known for its powerful V8, aggressive styling, and performance-oriented engineering, rivaling American classics of the same era.
What makes the XB GT different from the XA or XC Falcon GT?
The XB GT introduced sharper styling, improved suspension, and better aerodynamics compared to the XA. The later XC focused more on comfort, making the XB GT a sweet spot for performance and visual appeal.
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