As shown in the GT-HO feature story in AMC Issue 44, Ford Australia’s Al Turner and Jack Telnack – both recent American recruits - were responsible for creating the sensational two-door Falcon concept car which first appeared at the 1969 Melbourne Motor Show “with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer,” according to AMC’s editor.
That tricked up two-door was intended to gauge public reaction to the proposed new XW Falcon GT, but when the new model was unveiled later that year it was only available
as a four-door, something that surprised quite a few at the time. The two-door body option preferred by Turner and Telnack was never made available here.
We recently found this March 1967 ad for the American two-door Falcon and it’s interesting to see that what we knew as the “Mustang-bred Falcon” was promoted over there as “the short limousine” and apparently aimed at women. Perky sports car handling, ease of parking and fuel economy were secondary selling points.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what an early Falcon GT or GT-HO would have looked like as a coupe, this should give you some idea. Just imagine 12-slots, redband tyres, sidewinder stripes, Super Roos, paint black-outs, front spoiler, bonnet pins and dummy hood scoop. Get the picture?
.jpg&q=70&h=226&w=176&c=1&s=1)
