Million dollar GT-HO - big numbers for WA auction

By: Mark Higgins, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 17.02.2021

Ford Falcon Phase III GT-HO

Ford Falcon Phase III GT-HO

Private collection under the hammer

A record price of $1,150,000 was paid for a 1971 Ford Falcon XY Phase III GT-HO at Slattery's online auctions in February 16, 2021. 

The headline-grabbing GT-HO from an impressive private collection saw strong and relentless bidding for the well-known, concours award-winning car. 

According to report by Street Machine mag, Sydney lawyer Dan Appleby bought the superstar car on behalf of a client, and got the job of securing the HO because said client knew of Dan’s ’72 boat-tail ‘Riverboat Gambler’ Buick Riviera (SM, Mar ’20)

"I do this type of thing a little bit for clients just to keep their confidentiality, but normally with real estate," laughs Dan.

Finished in Electric Blue with black vinyl trim, one of just seven produced in this combination, it underwent a meticulous and comprehensive ground up restoration in 1998. 

Following the restoration it went on to win the hotly-contested Falcon GT Nationals in 1999 and 2003 and was runner up in 2011. 

It also starred on the silver screen in the TV ad shot at Mt Panorama for the release of the FPV BA GT. 

After 25 years of ownership, Mark Lamb auctioned the GT-HO through Shannons in 2016 and though it passed in for $480,000, it was reportedly sold after for a higher price. 

According to Steve Waterman of Slattery auctions in Perth, WA, the GT-HO was a matching number vehicle and, of the 300 Phase III GT-HOs built, this was the one to have. 

"From the moment the GT-HO appeared on the Slattery's website enquiries have been constant," he said. 

Another record setter at the auction was the $233,000 paid for a 1972 Holden Torana LJ GTR XU-1 'Bathurst' special in original and unmolested condition. 

Valiant Charger buyers were quick to jump on the well preserved 1972 VH E49 (non big tank) racing the price up to a very strong $253,000.   

In total $2,954,000 was realised for the eight lots on offer that also included a 1977 Holden Torana A9X hatch – $435,000, a 1971 HQ GTS  Monaro – $171,500, one of the last HSV Maloo GTS-Rs  –  $230,500, another HSV, a 2017 GTS-R W1 – $365,000 and lastly a 1975 Datsun 260Z – $116,000. 

The collection was owned by Perth businessman Chris Marco and put up for auction by the receivers of Mr Marco's AMS Holdings, which was wound up under Federal Court orders in December 2020.

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