Frank Ross is a new member to the Central West Car Club (CWCC) with his XP Falcon that he's owned for almost 25 years but only just recently had back on the road.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"I bought it here in Parkes about 25 years ago as a runner," Frank said.
"The body was a bit rough with dents of some description in pretty much every panel, but it was all there, and I've always really liked the XP for the look of the grille and the flat front so I couldn't resist it."
For Ford Australia the XP was the fourth and final variation of its first generation Aussie Falcon starting with the XK in 1960.
Frank's XP is a 1965 model with a 170 cubic inch (2.8 Litre) six cylinder engine with a three speed manual gearbox and a column shift.
They were still running 13 inch rims on the base model like Frank's with the bigger diameter 14 inch wheels available on the Fairmonts.
Since buying the XP so many years ago Frank found that work as a truck driver was more important and the sedan sat in a shed for some 23 years until with retirement Frank had plenty of time on his hands to start a restoration.
"Everything was done locally here in Parkes," Frank said.
"I had the bodywork repaired and a fresh coat of white paint all round with a new cream vinyl interior, hood lining and carpets."
It's taken him the best part of two years but Frank is more than happy with the results so far.
Next on the plan is to recondition the engine to make sure it's reliable enough to get him places.
"I'm keen to meet some more of the car club members and get the car out on some runs," Frank said.
And with more than 300 members and an active committee, there's certainly plenty of opportunity for that.
If you'd like to know more about the Central West Car Club you can search their website at www.centralwestcarclub.com.
You can also find them on Facebook.
Central West Car Club's meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at the Parkes Leagues Club at 7.30pm.
Feel free to join us at 6:30pm to 7pm for a social dinner before the meeting.
MORE CAR CLUB ARTICLES:
