Readers’ rockets: Coolmint Green XP Falcon & XG Falcon ute

Clint Osmond
Ford XP Falcon

“Here is my 1965 XP Falcon, which I’ve owned since I was 15. I worked for my dad so that I was able to save it from Richmond Auto Salvage.

“I began by installing a 200 crossflow, which cost around $150 and lasted about 24 years. I replaced that with a used crossflow from Facebook Marketplace. The gearbox is a Celica five-speed that I purchased for a carton of beer, and I also got a Centura diff to get it going strong!

“I wasn’t able to do too much to the car until my eldest was around three or four, which is when I really began to make it my own! I had to work on a budget, as I was supporting my family and had to prioritise.

“In 2011, I was able to get it finished in a stunning XB Falcon Coolmint Green, and Oscar the Grouch became the car’s mascot!”

Photos: RSPhotography

Scott Pearce
Ford XG Falcon ute

“This 1995 XG Falcon is my first car, as well as being the first project car I did with my dad in my grandma’s garage.

“The 4.0L Ford straight-six was rebuilt with an aftermarket stage three cam and twin 2.5in turn-down exhaust. All the rust was repaired, sound deadening was added, the tray and wheelwells were Raptor-lined, and it has new headlights, smoked tail-lights, and AU Falcon indicators. The body was resprayed in Dulon acrylic Midnight Black.

“Inside, an aftermarket double-DIN touchscreen head unit was installed, running a Pioneer sub and custom twin 6×8 speaker box. I did all that when I was 19, and I’m now 25 and have used it as a daily, and it’s still going strong – although that’s not to say it hasn’t been on a tow truck once or twice!

“I’d never done automotive or panel beating work as a job, but I’ve always been a hands-on person and wanted to create something uniquely mine. I always have someone coming up to talk with me about how they used to have an XG as their first car too, so it’s been a great conversation starter.”