This 1972 Fairmont GT is a single owner example and one of only 1,585 built for the South African market. It comes with a full and extensively documented history, and has been restored and enhanced over the decades by the owner. In 2017, the car was re-finished in its original Peri Peri Red paint with factory black vinyl roof and red vinyl trim.

For the purists, we note there have been several modifications over the car’s life which could be reversed if desired. It currently has a performance Cleveland 351 engine fitted which is a later “Square block” motor, and makes upwards of 450hp. However, the seller informs us that the original 351 “D block” has been retained and put aside, and will come with the sale should the successful purchaser wish to restore it back to original specifications. The current motor has worked heads, a performance cam, rods and pistons. It’s also fitted with a 650 Holley carburettor, roller rockers and MSD performance coil and distributor.

The car was factory fitted with a 3-speed automatic transmission, but shortly after purchase (in 1974) a 4-speed top loader manual was fitted, and has remained in place since. A new clutch has recently been installed, as have new tyres.

Both the number stamped on the shock tower and the tag under the seat are present confirming this is a genuine Fairmont GT, and prospective purchasers are welcome to inspect. However, the seller notes that the front tag was lost when the car was re-painted in 2017. We are unsure whether the South African data tags can be re-created to correct this, but it would be worthwhile investigating particularly if you intended to import the car to another country where the tag may be necessary for compliance purposes.

The XY Fairmont GTs were built for the South African market during 1971-1972, and followed on from a very small batch of the previous generation XW Fairmont GTs. This was effectively Ford Australia’s export version of the Falcon GT, which had a number of unique features distinguishing it from its Australian counterpart. As opposed to the “Super Roo”, the South African GT is known as the “Super Rhino”.

Most of the components for these rare cars were built by Ford Australia in Victoria alongside the Australian Falcon GTs. The components were then shipped to the Port Elizabeth plant in South Africa for assembly, and a 351 4v Cleveland crate engine fitted. For more information on the specifications and history of the “Super Rhino”, see this interesting website dedicated to the cars: http://www.safairmontgt.com.au/

For further information, please contact Marius by signing in and clicking the contact seller button at the top of this page.

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