1981 FORD XD FAIRMONT GHIA ESP PHASE 5
HIGHLIGHTS: – Genuine Fairmont Ghia ESP Phase 5 – Only 22 Phase 5 produced and only 5 ESP Ghia Phase 5s – 5.8L V8 engine – Automatic transmission – Power Steering – Power Windows – Air Conditioning – Bathurst Globe wheels – Known history, Original books and verification letters
The Phase 5 is a unicorn that should never have existed, born by some dedicated Ford die hards out of the love for Australian motorsport. Designed and built by HO Phase Autos, the brain child of Wayne Drapper, who’s first rookie job at as a designer at Ford was working beside Howard Marsden on the XY GT HO Phase III program. Wayne was a super fan of the GTHO’s and was part of a group of young designers expected to carry on the GTHO flame into the 70s and 80s. Naturally, Wayne was devastated when Ford dropped the GTHO program and then later, dropped out of motorsport all together. Essentially, the Phase 5 was sold as dealership specials by Ford and designed and built by Ford employees, who, unlike Ford’s upper management, actually cared about motor racing and its fans. To ensure the XD was eligible to race, at least 25 XD Group Cs needed to be sold as street-legal production vehicles. Despite some strongly worded letters from Ford management, HO Phase Autos sold 22 Phase 5 Falcons, enough to keep CAMS happy. When they counted Murray Carter, Garry Wilmington, Bob Morris and Dick Johnson’s race cars as sales, that got them well over the line.
This particular car is a 1981 Ford Fairmont Ghia ESP Phase 5. It is a four-owner car that is fully documented. Of the 22 Phase 5’s build, only 5 were Ghia ESP’s, with the remainder being GL Falcons and Fairmonts. The car retains all of its Phase 5 specific styling which included extended wheel arches, aero front bar, unique grille with offset badge, boot and roof spoilers, bonnet bulge, wind splitters, Momo style steering wheel, Phase 5 Logo dash and a modified air cleaner and cam. The car has been repainted in its original colour of Monza Red. The race inspired look is completed with a set of Bathurst Globe wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich T/A radial tyres.
Inside the car has been kept true to its factory presentation. Being an ESP, it has the Scheel seats and interior, with the original Phase 5 steering wheel and instruments. Creature comforts include power steering, power door locks and power windows. There is also factory air conditioning which has been upgraded to run on the current gas. The odometer currently displays 145,000kms however we are aware of a replacement and believe the true milage to be approximately 245,000kms.
Under the bonnet is the original matching number 351ci V8 engine which is neatly displayed in its factory presentation. The engine is paired to the factory three-speed T-bar automatic transmission. Underneath the suspension bushed have all been replaced and the brakes recently received new rotors and pads.
This is truly a unicorn car for a Ford enthusiast and genuine cars like this one rarely become available on the market. The car comes with its original log books, Ford verification letter as well as verification letters from both Bob McWilliams (Phase Auto) and Rob Draper (Managing Director of HO Phase Autos).
PLEASE CALL LOCKY MCCANN WITH SALES ENQUIRIES ON 0403 935 488
IMPORTANT: Vehicle information is provided to us by the consignee. We do everything we can to qualify the best cars in the Australian market to represent on consignment for private sellers however, they are still old cars and we can’t capture everything in the photos, we don’t drive them any significant distance and can’t know everything about them. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied themselves as to the condition and value and to purchase based upon that judgement solely. Vehicles may have been sitting for some time and it is suggested that to protect your investment, you allow to change fuel, oil, fluids, filters and inspect brakes prior to use. All vehicles are sold under standard auction conditions, consignment and auction vehicles are sold as is, without registration unless otherwise stated and there is no cooling off period or warranty expressed, written or implied. All sales are final. Independent inspections are welcome and strongly encouraged to help with your decision making.
Located at 2 Palings Court, Nerang on the Gold Coast. Inspections by appointment during auction and public openings/viewing as advertised.
