Our top 15 of 2015: 1972 Ford Falcon XA

23 December 2015

 

Over the course of 2015, we’ve featured no less than 69 cars, so when it came time to narrow down to our top 15 of 2015, we seriously struggled. Below is what we narrowed it down to. With the standard of builds being completed in the country skyrocketing, it was no easy feat to choose. We looked at what cars we’d love to have parked in our own garages, and this is what we came up with — in no particular order. Here’s another of our Top 15, and you can check out an earlier listing here

Gary Cawthra — 1972 Ford Falcon XA

If ever there were a car built at home entirely by the owner, it’s Gary Cawthra’s mental Falcon XA coupe. The car’s been with Gary for 20-odd years, and continued to evolve over that time, but its most recent incarnation is by far the wildest yet. From the chassis to the engine to the body work, Gary’s hands have done the lot in the home garage. Upon hitting the track for the first time in this guise the car also managed to become the quickest Ford-powered door car in the country too, running 7.28 at a slowing 168mph, crossing the line with a broken blower belt. We suspect six-second passes are on the cards. 

You can check out the other 14 cars by searching ‘Top 15’. 

Let us know in the comments below if you agree, or disagree with this selection.

The full feature on this vehicle was originally published in NZV8 Issue No. 128. You can pick up a print copy or a digital copy of the magazine below: