Description

Car 5D – The McLeod Ford XA GT Hardtop Falcon

At the 1973 Hardie Ferodo 1000, the McLeod Ford XA GT Hardtop Falcon, driven by John Goss and Kevin Bartlett, proved to be the quickest car on the mountain. Goss claimed pole position with a blistering 2m33.4s lap and went on to set the fastest lap of the race – a new lap record at the time.

The pair were in a commanding position until disaster struck. Mid-race, Goss became tangled in an incident when George Garth’s GTR Torana rolled at The Energol Cutting. With no way to avoid contact, the Falcon sustained damage to its front guard and radiator, forcing it out of contention.

While much attention is often given to Doug Chivas running out of fuel while leading, many argue that Goss was the hard-luck story of 1973, his hopes undone by sheer misfortune.

One unique detail makes this car stand out in Bathurst history – its front spoiler. Homologated for XA GTs in August 1973, the McLeod Ford Hardtop was the only Falcon fitted with one at that year’s race, adding to its legendary status.