Fast Facts:

• A rare to find South African export version of the XW Falcon, brought back home and presented in lovely condition

• Equipped with a rebuilt 351 Cleveland V8 featuring a mild cam, extractors, high rise manifold and Holley carburettor

The Details:

This 1971 Ford XW Fairmont GT is a South African-assembled example of one of the more intriguing branches of the Falcon GT story. Finished in Wimbledon White with black GT striping and a black interior, it is fitted with a 351ci V8 paired with an automatic transmission, and currently shows 19,996 miles.

These cars were based on the 54H GT sedan body, assembled in Port Elizabeth (now called Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape) from largely Australian Ford componentry and sold locally as Fairmont GTs. The story goes that earlier Falcons imported from the US had developed a poor reputation in South Africa, so the name was changed when these cars made their way over. With our local car manufacturing industry a thing of the past, they’ve found a place in the hearts of enthusiasts and become increasingly popular in recent years.

The seller advises that the 351 Cleveland at the heart of this car has been rebuilt and fitted with a mild cam, extractors, high-rise manifold and Holley carburettor. This is paired with a ‘C4’ automatic transmission and reconditioned 9-inch limited-slip differential.

The GT benefits from older repainting work, and while the Wimbledon White finish presents as well cared for, it does show some patina from age and enjoyment. The seller is keen to highlight some imperfections, including a small dent in the roof on the driver’s side and some osmoses which presented in the finish when the vehicle was repainted some years ago.

Inside, the car features black diamond-pattern upholstery and Fairmont GT dash, steering wheel and console. External details include black bonnet treatment, bonnet pins, GT striping and mirrors, chrome hubcaps and a rear venetian blind.

The car is currently on Queensland registration and carries a 2025 Queensland approval plate, which corresponds with the original Ford South Africa identification plate. It was most recently serviced in January 2026 at 19,185 miles.

Boasting the classic charm and performance of the locally built Falcon of the era, this Fairmont GT comes with an interesting story, and represents a significant moment in the history of our local automotive industry. Returned home and presented in lovely condition with a rebuilt and mildly developed 5.8-litre V8, it’s sure to appeal to enthusiasts of the era or classic Aussie muscle in general.

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