1975 XB GS Falcon Hardtop John Goss Special (SOLD)

The 1974 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 held at the Mount Panorama Circuit on the 6th October 1974 was the wettest race in the event's history to that date. In the race, John Goss and Kevin Bartlett were victorious in the McLeod Ford Radio 2UW XA GT Falcon Hardtop with the Torana SL/R 5000 L34 of Bob Forbes and Wayne Negus hard on their heels. New Zealand drivers Jim Richards and Rod Coppins finished third, five laps down in another Torana SL/R 5000 L34. The No.1 Holden Dealer Team Torana of pole winner Peter Brock and Brian Sampson dominated the first 2/3rds of the race and had built up an incredible 6 lap lead over the field until their race was ended on lap 118. The expected challenge from defending race winner Allan Moffat and his co-driver, 1971 European Touring Car Champion Dieter Glemser in their new XB GT Falcon Hardtop was in trouble early and after numerous engine and gearbox problems, the Falcon was retired after 92 laps with engine failure.

To commemorate John Goss' first win in the prestigious Bathurst 1000, Ford Australia released the limited edition John Goss Special (JGS) in July 1975. It is believed that 800 were built between July and November, 1975.

The John Goss Special cars were available in a choice of two accent colours, Apollo Blue metallic or Emerald Fire (green) metallic, offset against the predominant body colour of Polar White. The metallic paint (specified on the cars' compliance plates) covered the bonnet, engine bay, chassis, and feature sections on the 'A' pillar and waistline, as well as the lower sill sections and the rear feature panel between the tail-lights. Unlike other GS Rally Pack cars, the road wheels were painted in Polar White, as were the bumper bars and the front grille assembly. Interior trim was white vinyl, contrasted against a black dashboard and black floor carpet.

A factory Dealer Bulletin (dated 30 July 1975) released to Ford dealers stated that all "minor Falcon 500 options" were available to order on the John Goss Special, and there is evidence of some cars featuring a Limited Slip Differential. The 302ci V8 was the only available engine, but this could be had with either a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic floor-mounted transmission. A central floor Sports Console was a specified mandatory option, as was Sports Handling Suspension with 185 section steel-belted radial tyres.

In addition, the JGS featured the GS Rally Pack with full dash instrumentation, a 3-spoke steering wheel, vented bonnet (hood) with locking pins, and 12-slot steel road wheels. A separate item featured on all John Goss Special hardtops were the cosmetic side body vents that were also a feature of contemporary Falcon GT hardtops.

Some Ford dealers such as McLeod Ford in Sydney (well-known at the time for their Horn cars) chose to add accessories such as front and rear spoilers, and/or to modify the interior seating to feature colourful cloth or vinyl inserts.

According to Sports Car World magazine (December 1975) "Ford made an initial build of 400 units that sold out quickly and a second run of cars was then commenced."

For sale is this remarkable survivor JGS. Originally sold through Morley Ford, South Melbourne and owned by the original owner for 29 years, the car was then sold to another Melburnian before selling to the current owner through Shannons in 2009. This car is one of the first to be released and features dealer installed under dash A/C, the trusty T-bar Cruisomatic 3 speed gearbox and the wonderful signature all original Emerald Fire/Polar white paint scheme. There is no rust or damage and the only previous repair is to the rear sill and a slight paint damage on the rhs front guard. Otherwise she's all original. On the inside, the seats have been retrimmed in the original white vinyl while maintaining the original door cards, hood lining, carpets and crash pad.

The current owner has fitted a worked 302 Cleveland but the original engine block in excellent condition and featuring the original bore is included with the car. The car is showing 246,181 klms and comes with the original owners log books and owners manual signed by John Goss plus the Ford Demonstration cassette for the optional radio tape player. The car has also been signed on the fire wall by Bathurst winner John Goss.

The car has been lovingly maintained and after 11 years of ownership, and its time for this JGS to find a new enthusiast owner. This is truly a rare and limited edition Ford muscle car with a direct connection to the Bathurst great race and a great opportunity to acquire an unmolested example for any Ford collection. Bayside, Melbourne car. (Ref. 5476)