Ford Falcon 1980 News

     

As Ford this week announced plans to axe 440 jobs from its two Victorian plants and throw the future of the Falcon into jeopardy, the legendary five-time Australian Touring Car Champion and three-time Bathurst winner has come out in support of the family car and the company. “Certainly from our perspective it would be a shame to see the Falcon disappear off the face of the earth,'' he said. “It's one of few rear-wheel-drive platforms in the world and Aussies have traditionally enjoyed rear-wheel-drive cars.'' Johnson says there is nothing wrong with the product. “The product is an excellent car. All Ford products are excellent,'' the long-time Ford racer said. “I don't think the styling is bad and now that they've brought out the four-cylinder model and have the EcoBoost engines, they are much more economical. “Surely there is still a market for people who enjoy the luxury of a car with a lot of room.' 'He says the problem is the lack of an export market. “Where Holden have a slight advantage over Ford is they have an overseas export market which keeps production numbers up,'' he said. “That's the problem. They need an export strategy. Ford is reducing daily production from 209 to 148 vehicles in November in response to an industry-wide slump in large car sales, despite a $103 million funding package Ford received from its US parent company, the Victorian and federal governments in January. The package is aimed at securing the manufacture of the Falcon and Territory SUV at Geelong and Broadmeadows until at least the end of 2016. Industry analysts predict the Falcon will be axed at the end of that period. “I hope they keep it. It's been very good for us,'' Johnson said. “I don't know where it's heading. Between now and 2016 we may see a resurgence in sales. “Markets change and one would hope the economy will repair itself in the meantime and we might see a few things pick up. “I'm the eternal optimist.'' Johnson, who runs a three-Falcon team in the V8 Supercar series, says he will he still race Falcons even if they are scrapped from production. “My favourite Falcon is any one that won a race,'' the laconic driver said. “Realistically the ones that most people relate to is the XD and XE. They were tough-looking cars.''  

Unless they conduct major overhauls of their existing models, Australian carmakers will have difficulty meeting Industry Minister Kim Carr's target.

Brock used the Shelby Mustang operation in the US and AMG in Germany as models for his HDT Special Vehicles, which in turn provided the model for Holden Special Vehicles and Ford Performance Vehicles. The first special was the VC HDT Commodore, released in 1980. It's now a classic and appreciating in value.The car Brock modified was the top-of-the-range VC Commodore SL/E, already loaded with plenty of fruit. It came with Holden's 5.0-litre V8, but Brock and his team fitted large valves for better performance. It put out 160kW at 4500 revs and 450Nm at 2800 revs, enough to have it racing to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds.Brock offered the choice of Holden's four-speed manual gearbox or the three-speed auto. A limited-slip differential was standard. Brock fitted uprated springs and Bilstein gas shock absorbers, which improved handling.A fibreglass bodykit; wheel-arch flares, front bib spoiler and a rear wing; gave the car a sporting image. Colours were limited to white, black or red. Brock built 500 VC HDT Commodores. Models of the Brock cars are generally sold outside the trade.If you could believe the published values for a VC HDT, you'd expect to pay about $20,000 for one in good condition, but try double that now.Check the hard-to-find special Brock components are there; signed steering wheel, Irmscher alloys, high-flow air cleaner. The bodykits were made of fibreglass, which didn't withstand a knock. Check the various bodykit components for cracking around the attachment points and distortion between mounting points.Len Kennedy says he was impressed with the VC HDT, but debated spending the extra $6000 or so over a standard SL/E before eventually succumbing to the Brock ride and handling. Kennedy says his car has done 130,000km with little trouble. The Brock Commodore memory is kept alive today through Brock's former company, HDT Special Vehicles, now at Revesby.Co-owner Len Pennisi says values are increasing. “Unfortunately with Peter Brock's demise last year, cars quadrupled in value ... everybody wants a piece of that era,” he says. “Collectors are buying them, not selling them again; and they're not getting driven."“A lot of people are buying them to make money, like buying a house.” HDT Brock Commodore VCYear: 1980Price: If you could believe the published values for a VC HDT, you'd expect to pay about $20,000 for one in good condition, but try double that and expect it to keep going up.Engine: 5.0L/V8 160kW/450NmPerformance: 0-100kmh 8.4 secsRating: 75/100Verdict: Attractive Australian sports sedan that has the potential to increase in value. Rivals Falcon S XR6Years: 1992-1993Price: $8000-$9000 Nissan Skyline SilhouetteYears: 1986-1990Price: $5800-$6500 XB Falcon GTYears: 1973-1976Price: $15,000-$25,000 Features High fuel consumptionPotential to increase in valueSolid performanceCheck to ensure it is the real dealRumbling V8 exhaust noteReassuring handlingComfortable ridePresence of special Brock parts Have you driven this classic Aussie performance car? Do you have one stored away, quietly increasing in value? Let us know below...