Even though Ford Australia never released the GT in a utility variant, there's been plenty of replica GT utes built over the years.
Tracey Rousell from Forbes is one of several lady members of the Central West Car Club. Based in Parkes the club has a strong membership of almost 300 car truck and bike enthusiasts from Parkes, Forbes and the surrounding Central West.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tracey owns this beautifully presented 1971 Ford XY utility and I recently spoke to her and her husband Ian about the car.
"We bought the ute in Melbourne and finished it off in 2015" said Ian.
"The previous owners had built it up in the style of an XY GT with Ford Wild Violet paint and gold GT stripes so we've kept it that way."
Even though Ford Australia never released the GT in a utility variant, there's been plenty of replica GT utes built over the years. Tracey's ute features the trademark XY 'shaker' bonnet scoop, front spoiler, GT side stripes and GT grille to make it look like a GT but it doesn't end there.
"There's a 351 Cleveland V8 and C4 auto under the hood" Ian said "and a nine inch diff under the rear."
Completing the package is a GT dash with aftermarket speedo and gauges and custom chrome GT 5 slot rims. Ian told me the big V8 had been built to run on straight LPG.
"It's economical enough but not always practical when you're on a long trip out here as the gas isn't as available in all country towns like it used to be."
Tracey admits she's always liked hot cars and between her and Ian they've owned plenty of neat cars in the past from hot rods to customs and street machines. Tracey's previous car was a 1962 Chev Impala ironically also finished in purple but with pink highlights.
Tracey and Ian are both on the committee for the Forbes Motor Show held on the October Long Weekend, so if you don't see her cruising the streets of Forbes in her XY look out for it at Forbes or at the CWCC Annual Charity Show and Shine in Parkes at Pioneer Oval on Saturday, October 19.
The CWCC meets regularly on the first Wednesday of each month at Parkes Leagues Club and supports the popular monthly street meet in Parkes plus holding regular car runs. For more information www.centralwestcarclub.com.
