Description

A model unique to Australia, the GT 500 was the car that Ford would take to the top of the mountain at the Bathurst 500, hence the name. Something special had to be developed to compete with the imported cars, that were allowed at the mountain for the first time in 1965. The Lotus-Cortina would have been more than adequate, but the eligibility rules required 250 be imported to qualify, as opposed to the production of 100 locally made cars to qualify, so the GT 500 was born.
It was designed for Ford Australia by Ford’s Works Team Manager, Harry Firth, in his Queens Avenue workshop in Auburn, Melbourne. It had an 8.5 gallon aluminium auxiliary fuel tank that increased the fuel capacity to 17 gallons, with the two tanks interconnected, and fed through twin snap-on fuel caps, located behind the rear window. These twin fillers were the result of a bit of craftiness on Harry Firth’s part, who realised that they would help reduce time spent by the car in the pits.
The car was released in July 1965 and only a 2 door was available, with fixed rear windows that didn’t flip open. Only 112 were produced, all between May and August, which sold like hotcakes. They achieved their intended destiny in the 1965 race, finishing 1-2 in Class D, and 1-2 outright. The success of the GT 500 led to eligibility rule changes for the 1966 race.

Item includes certificate and production number plate, mounted to the chassis.