1979 Ford Falcon XD Moonraker – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 19.06.2020

1-of-1 built by Ford Australia’s design team for the ’79 James Bond flick

Here’s a fun find, and we’re betting a number of you have never seen this before.

Back in 1979, two notable things (amongst others) came out – the Ford XD Falcon, and James Bond’s Moonraker film.

To coincide with the screening of the Moonraker film around Australia, a team at the Ford Australia’s design centre – headed by Herb Grasse – built this unique one-of-one XF Falcon ‘Moonraker’ for use as a movie promotional item.

Following its duties on the show-circuit, the car was given away as a prize on the Don Lane show in 1979, and was won by a family in Northern Melbourne.

41 years later, this one-of-one vehicle built in-house by Ford Australia is for sale having covered 180,000 original kilometres in its life.

Underneath the Moonraker embellishments, the XD is a genuine 351 Fairmont Ghia and is said to retain its original numbers-correct running gear.

Many of the modifications were bespoke one-off creations, including: custom interior, functioning on-board computer, moonroof (needs repair, but comes with a spare), custom paint, LTD wheels, and a rear spoiler (which is not currently fitted).

It’s an oddball for sure, but represents a unique opportunity to purchase a unique in-house Ford creation, few of which ever escape into the public.

The XD Moonraker is an interesting footnote of local manufacturing history, and presents entirely originally and unrestored.

No price has been listed, however the sellers state that the car will be sold via a private tender process, with genuine offers invited up until the end of June.

Check out the Moonraker here!

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