“Here’s my custom red-on-red 1973 XA Ford Falcon sedan. Other than the motor, gearbox and paint, it’s been built solely by me, with help from my son Brendan and couple of close mates.

First published in the February 2025 issue of Street Machine

“Adam Colquhoun and Wayne Bradwell at AL Panel & Paint painted it factory Red Pepper with a custom base coat to give a brighter, cleaner look. Custom bonnet and guards strips were also added, as well as a custom bonnet scoop inspired by the one on Boss 429 Mustangs. Kai’s Signs designed the side stripes with my input, modelled after the stripes on McLeod ‘Horn’ XA hardtops.

“The engine bay was smoothed out, with deleted wiring, booster and more, and now houses a 600hp, 393ci Cleveland built by JB Automotive, backed by 3500rpm stall, rebuilt C4 gearbox, and an XB 9in rear end.

“The suspension is a 4in-lowered Viking coil-over front end and a factory leaf-spring rear with Viking shocks and CalTracs, with disc brakes all ’round. The 20in Simmons rims are swapped out for 15in Outlaw Intensity wheels for racing.

“Inside, Peter Parson added Fire Engine Red trim on the BF front and rear seats and the custom centre console, which I fabricated myself. Other additions include LED interior lights, Bang Shift shifter, and the Powertune digital dash, which sits in a surround designed and 3D printed by Tony Banks.

“The custom fuel tanks were made by OPM Fabrication in Bundy with an in-tank pump to suit E85 fuel when it’s time to start racing.

“It’s done well on the local show scene, with awards including Rockynats Top 20 Street and Best Ford Street Machine at the 2023 Mackay Show. Terry Evans at Detailing By Terry does my brake mods and details the car for shows; without him, the car wouldn’t look this good.”

Photos: Ben Wilson (engine bay and exterior pics) and Gavin.

Want your pride and joy featured in the mag? Just send some photos of your car (minimum file size 2MB each) and a few details of what went into the build to [email protected].