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John Tzortzis's 1971 XY GT replica
It started out as a Falcon 500 and took a lot of work to get to this point. I’ve had it for about three years and bought it painted and done up. But I pulled it apart and did it all again.
There wasn’t anything really wrong with it, but I wanted a sunroof, a tougher engine, stronger gearbox and diff, and I put an Autometer dash in it.
The engine is a 393ci and made 624hp on the engine dyno and was put together by Wild Automotive. The carburettors are twin 750s. It does drink a bit – it can cost you $50 just to get out of the area.
I’ve wanted to build exactly this car since I was 16 years old, so it’s a long-held ambition. My wife and family have always been really supportive. They enjoy it – the moment I say we’re going to a car show, they’re up and ready.
The next project is underway – we’re building a TE Gemini sedan at the moment, for the two boys. It was their grandmother’s car, and she gave it to them last year. She’d had it for 28 years – a 1600 auto. We’ll leave it close to stock but will turbo the motor.
Photography: Guy Allen