Description
This guide has been written for the EL Falcon GT, a limited edition model built in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the XR Falcon GT. Like its predecessor the EB Falcon GT, the EL GT was produced through the joint venture of Ford Australia and Tickford Vehicle Engineering (TVE). The EL GT was sold in the Australian, New Zealand and South African markets with an original price of $69,500 (AUD). Classic Register maintains a register of EL GT Falcon cars here, and we encourage owners to submit the details of their vehicles, so the history of individual cars can be preserved.[1]
Like the EB GT, the 30th anniversary EL GT was aimed toward the luxury performance sedan market, with initial testing commencing in 1995. All EL GT vehicles were based on the up-market Fairmont Ghia model,[2] although now they had their own unique model code, and received unique performance enhancements.
The EL GT has a number of unique features which distinguish it from its standard counterparts and other Tickford engineered Falcons, and their specifications and low production numbers have naturally made them modern classics. This guide aims to clearly outline the original specifications of these vehicles, and provide prospective restorers or purchasers with relevant background information. Should you have any additional information you believe could improve this guide, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Period of manufacture:
- Production cars were built from 17 February 1997[3] – June 1997.[4]
- Pre-production vehicles were built from late 1995 (the HGT vehicles), with P numbered vehicles built from around September 1996.[5]
Production numbers:
272 vehicles were produced in total (150 vehicles were manual, 122 were automatic). This excludes the 5 early test vehicles which were not full specification Falcon GTs, as explained below.
Production vehicles: 272[6]
- 250 sold in Australia (including cars numbered P01 – P11 + cars numbered 001 – 239).
- 2 sold in South Africa, referred to as Samcor cars (numbered 240 - 241).
- 20 exported to New Zealand (numbered NZ1 – NZ20).
Early test vehicles: 5[7]
- These vehicles were numbered HGT1 – HGT5. They were built from late 1995 and were used to develop individual aspects of the EL GT, but were separate from the ‘P’ numbered vehicles. The HGT vehicles were not full GT spec cars, and only had certain aspects of the GT modifications applied for testing. For example, specific testing for aspects such as suspension setup, brake development, cooling system and body kit design, were applied to separate cars.[8]
- According to Project 064 - the 30th Anniversary GT Story[9] all HGT mule vehicles were refurbished and sold off, and several enthusiasts have noted these vehicles as being present at car shows over the years, including a silver EL GT. This silver GT has been labelled a replica by some, but it has been suggested the car was used to develop the GT's body kit [10] and it is supposedly listed as "colour incorrect" on page 12 of the media kit product launch.[11] [12]