One of the most sought-after GT models is the XY ‘shaker’ and one of the most collectible of all Australian performance cars is the Phase III GT-HO version. The XY GT extended the tradition of the true Aussie muscle car by being the first and only model to feature an exposed centre bonnet air-scoop that was attached to the air cleaner of its Cleveland 351 engine, hence the ‘shaker’ name. The Phase III was to be the ultimate expression of the art with a fully functional ‘shaker’ air’ intake and front and rear spoilers.

The 1971 Bathurst 1000 saw a field that seemed to be dominated by Falcon GT-HOs. The first several rows were entirely Falcons and, at the finish, so were the first three places. Even though the XY GT had long been replaced by the XA, the GT-HO Phase III had to soldier on for another season in 1972 after the supercar controversy killed off its XA replacement.