Ford Falcon Hardtop Anniversary 2017
A gathering of 150 Ford Falcon coupes celebrates one of Bathurst's most iconic victories
Ford Falcon Hardtop Anniversary 2017
It takes a significant moment in time to cause people to continue celebrating it 40 years later. For Ford fans, that moment was Allan Moffat and Colin Bond’s iconic 1-2 victory in the Hardie-Ferodo 1000 on Mount Panorama in 1977.
It was a stellar season for Ford. The Moffat team enjoyed seven wins from 11 touring car championhip rounds, with five of them 1-2 victories. However, the Bathurst win wasn’t without some controversy. Moffat’s car was ailing toward the end of the race after co-driver Jacky Ickx had been hard on the brakes during his stint behind the wheel.
It was an order by team boss Moffat that kept team mate Colin Bond from taking first place (no doubt seeing the value in cars 1 and 2 placing first and second, respectively). Years later, Bond would lament his decision to follow orders, while Moffat has been quoted as saying he has no regrets with his decision.
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In 2007, the Ford Coupe Club of Australia came together to pay homage on the 30th anniversary of the historic win. From there the Hardtop Anniversary was born and the club has been putting on the event every two years since.
Normally held in Echuca, Victoria, the event moved to the actual location of the victory for its 40th anniversary. The venue change saw 150 coupes make the journey to Bathurst from all corners of the country – some 35 more over the 2015 event.
Falcon owners from as far as Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory cruised their coupes to The Mountain for the celebrations.
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For their efforts, entrants enjoyed plenty of laps around the famous circuit as well as official and casual dinners, trips to local attractions and a final show and shine in pit lane on the Sunday that completely filled the pit area. The assembled Falcons were joined by traders and signing sessions with Ford racing icons of the era including men of the moment, Moffat and Bond.
Keep up to date with the Ford Coupe Club of Australia for news on the 2019 event.
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