If you consider the distance between Australia and America and even more so the country’s right-hand drive (RHD) policy, it’s not hard to see why classic Aussie vehicles are a rarer site than special edition Lamborghinis in the States.
But once in a blue moon you’ll find an imported model from Down Under available for grabs in the classifieds like this 1974 Ford Falcon XB Ute.
The Ute is an Australian conception that dates back to 1934 with its creation credited to Ford engineer and designer Lew Bandt who came up with the idea of combining the front cabin of a sedan with the back of a small truck.
The most popular Utes in the country are made by local carmakers Holden and Ford. The one you see in these pictures is a 1974 model based on the third generation Falcon and it comes with a 302 cubic inch (4.9-liters) Cleveland V8 matched to a four-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.
The unrestored RHD model has the GS package (we don’t know if it’s original or a replica) that includes the wheels, paint job and vented hood, while you also get the cheeky license plates.
The asking price on Hemmings Classifieds is $16,900. For more info, check out the seller’s description that follows below.
Seller’s Description:
“1974 Ford Falcon XB Ute. This is the pickup version of Mad Max’s Interceptor coupe. This car draws a huge amount of attention – very few people in the US have ever laid eyes on one of these.
It is equipped with a 302 V8, 4 speed manual transmission, and right hand drive. It also has the GS roadwheels, “NASA” bonnet w/bonnet locks, rally grill with Hella foglights, bucket seats, console with floor shifter, special stripe package, etc. Power steering, power disc brakes and air conditioning. The A/C is not working but every component is there. Painted in the very cool ’70’s Tropicana Green metallic. Nice high quality tonneau cover for the bed, and Col Paige Ford “SuperDog” decal in the back window.
The engine is a 302 cu. in. Cleveland, the same as a 351 but destroked by Ford. Most parts are interchangeble with the 351. The engine has a performance cam with a slight but noticable lope, and the exhaust note is spectacular!
This is an unrestored car that would either make a very fun daily driver, or a great basis for taking it to the next level. Parts are easy to get for these online from various sources. A workshop manual and spare parts are included.
It would certainly cost a LOT more than this to locate & purchase one of these in Australia and import it yourself. This one is already here in the US, and is legally titled so you can see it and drive it (without all the expense and trauma of buying something half way around the world sight unseen).
Priced at $16,900 – Interesting trades considered”
PHOTO GALLERY
