Special V8
Ford’s XD-XE ESP range was intended to inject some glamour into the local Falcon line-up and, to a large extent, it succeeded.
By the time the XE series rolled in, the platform had undergone a lot of development. In a feature in the series we noted: “The ESP, especially in 5.8-litre XE form, was intended to rekindle the excitement generated in the days when people flocked to Ford showrooms to see the GTs, but then bought a more humble ‘500’.
“In full Fairmont Ghia warpaint, the big-engined XE had an on-road price in 1983 of more than $20,000. That didn’t sit well with some people who remembered being able to buy a new GT sedan 10 years earlier for just $5200.”
Over time, the series has become a desirable one for the collector.
This car however has had considerable work done under the paint. It claims a Tickford TS50 5.6lt stroker V8 matched to a six-speed manual transmission. That should make it an entertaining car to drive.
Located in Sydney, it’s with Muscle Car Stables at $105,990.