This super looking racecar was raced by Alan Moffat and Dieter Glemser in the Class D (3001-6000cc) category in the 1974 Bathurst Touring car race, held annually at the Mount Panorama race course in Australia. Apart from the Australian Grand Prix, Bathurst is possibly the most famous race held in the country. Although the race has been won by foreign cars (including the Mini Cooper, Jaguar XJS and the Nissan Skyline GTR R32) almost all have been dominated by Australian built Ford's and Holden's (GM's Australian division).
In 1974, the race was won by a Ford Falcon, but not this car. An earlier type, a Ford Falcon XA GT driven by John Goss and Kevin Bartlett, won that year. This particular car retired due to clutch failure on lap 92 of this 163 lap race. Ultimately it was classified 12th in class and 38th overall.
AUTOart make this super looking model for the Australian company Biante, which specializes in Australian cars (obviously!). It has great looking blue paintwork, large "Brut 33" sponsorship graphics, a full roll cage, a racing exhaust, lowered suspension, and beautiful racing alloys. It has a 5.8 litre V8 up front driving the rear wheels.
One interesting fact about the Falcon 2 door body is that it formed the basis for the black "V8 Interceptor" used by Mel Gibson's character in the movies "Mad Max" and "Mad Max 2". I have heard that Biante are trying to get the rights to produce a "Mad Max" version of the Falcon Coupe, which going by the quality of this model would be a fantastic 1:18th car! I also have a 1978 Falcon XC Coupe in my collection which can be found in the Classic Cars section of this site.
One criticism is the left passenger side door doesn't fit that well and won't stay entirely closed. AUTOart/Biante have modified the Falcon Coupe mold since this version was released with more realistic door hinges which allow the door to open more realistically and do a better job of keeping it shut properly! Despite the above criticism I really like this colourful model!
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