John Goss prototype Ford XB Falcon hardtop
Lloyds Auctions on the Gold Coast is auctioning off what must be the best Group C Ford XB Falcon hardtop in the world. Taking up an abandoned homologation program initiated by Ford Australia and motorsport icon John Goss back in 1975 to create a race car based on the XB Goss Special, this prototype XB is a wish-list of everything Goss wanted for the 1975-76 seasons after his Bathurst win in 1974.
Built by an extremely talented car builder on the Gold Coast over a period of three years under the direction of racing legend John Goss, with input from former senior Goss mechanics, the result is a period correct race car with all the thunder of the ‘70s Group C era combined with period-correct fittings and an attention to detail right up there with a modern production car.
Displayed in Goss’ 1975 Bathurst livery this XB is as close to perfection as you will find anywhere and is sure to fill the gap in any collection or the top step of the podium in any race meeting it attends.
This is an amazing piece of Australian motorsport history and is immaculate in every respect and is ready to race and win.
Lloyds is set to auction this car along with other collectable and classic cars on 9 December 2017 from 12pm AEST (1pm AEDST)
Technical specifications
XB Goss Prototype
- Original 1975 John Goss Special used as the base vehicle.
- Fully rotisserie restoration to Group C regulations as they were in 1975.
- 351ci Cleveland V8 engine with steel crank, h-beam rods, Venolia pistons, 2V closed chamber heads, dual plane manifold, NASCAR-style ‘E2’ camshaft, 12.7:1 compression ratio, 750cfm carburettor, Inconel exhaust, Toploader close-ratio gearbox, 3.5:1 locker differential.
- Period Recaro seats with SAAS harnesses, period Smiths gauges including tacho which shows to 7000rpm which in 4th gear equates to 165mph down Conrod Straight.
- Chassis has extra welding throughout to create a much stiffer than factory platform.
- Wilwood brakes with 4-piston calipers front and rear, multi-piece rotors.
- Fuel fillers on either side to enable faster pit-stops depending on what side of the race track the pits were on or to enable faster overall fuelling.
- Correct period livery with printed and hand painted sponsor decals and logos
1974 Holden Torana SL/R 5000 L34
This 1974 L34 Torana SL/R5000 looks as mean as any Group C racing car and has race car performance but can be driven on the road. Envisaged by Holden to be driven off the showroom floor and onto the race tracks of Australia, the Torana was a staple for race drivers like Peter Brock, Colin Bond and Bob Morris among many others throughout the 1970s. This Torana can only be described as perfect with an attention to detail in its build that makes it better than showroom condition with enhancements that many refer to as OEM+ which is to combine all the character of the original design with modern enhancements. This is probably the best L34 in Australia and one that can hold its own equally well on track or at a car show.
Technical specifications
1974 Holden Torana L34
- Exhaustive rotisserie restoration
- This Torana was ordered new with the optional ‘Bathurst’ camshaft and bigger Holley carburettor as part of the optional performance package.
- All the original L34 features including headers, twin point distributor, twin coil, port-matched big valve heads.
- Bigger brakes on HQ stud pattern
- Salisbury differential solving the issue of the weak factory-fitted banjo rear end
- Compression ratio of around 11.0:1
- Toothed ‘Gilmer’-style belt drive used for the water pump to stop cavitation
- Custom-made 15×8-inch front and 15×10-inch rear wheels, Avon slicks.
1976 Holden Monaro LE
One of only 580 made this LX LE Monaro is in time warp condition having benefitted from a sympathetic restoration which included paint along with a brake and suspension freshen up which the vendor advises was not necessary but was done to ensure this Monaro drives like it did coming out of the showroom back in 1976. This was the luxury Monaro made for those who wanted to cruise, not race and its originality can be heard every time you close the doors closing with a ‘thunk’ sound that shows this car is a ‘real steel’ classic. You’d be hard pressed to find another LE in better condition and with the Holden Monaro on the wish list of most Aussie muscle car enthusiasts, values for these limited edition cars are going through the roof. Now is the time to invest in this ever appreciating piece of Aussie motoring history.
Technical specifications
1976 Holden HX Monaro LE
- One of 580 made
- 5.0-litre V8, TH400 transmission, Salisbury differential.
- Factory velour interior, electric windows, original 8-track stereo, power steering, air-conditioning.
- Gold pin-stripping (which was painted on), original Pontiac ‘honeycomb’ wheels.
- Original 149,000km on the odometer.
