Following the huge success of the XR GT, Ford decided to continue the GT model in the new XT range in 1968. With the new model however, came a number of changes to try to give the XT GT greater appeal. The first major change was a range of colours to choose from, unlike the XR GT, which was generally available in one colour only (apart from the exceptions noted previously). The main colours available were Polar White, Zircon Green, Candy-Apple Red and GT Gold, however unusual colours such as Springtime Yellow, Brambles Red and Stratosphere Grey are also known to exist. The other major change, was the availability of an automatic option, to try to appeal to a broader range of buyers.
Mechanically, the 289 cu.in. V8 in the XR GT was replaced by the larger and more powerful 302 cu.in. model. This increase in size, along with compression being raised from 9.8 to 1, to 10 to 1, increased engine power from 225 HP at 4800 rpm to 230 HP at 4800 rpm and torque from 305 lbs/ft at 3200 rpm to 310 lbs/ft at 3800 rpm.
Other changes included an increase in rim width to 6.0” with 185x14 Olympic GT or Michelin XAS radials, fine tuning to the suspension setup and a 3.0 to 1 limited slip diff - the XR GT having a 2.93 to 1 non-limited slip diff. Although these changes appear minor, the new GT proved to be far gutsier than it’s predecessor, but with a refinement in road manners, previously lacking.
Externally, driving lights were added to the front, the GT stripe was made thinner and was raised to the mid-line of the car and the tail section was given additional chrome moulds. All in all, this was a much more attractive package. Buyers obviously agreed, with 1415 XT GT’s being sold over a seventeen month period from February 1968 to June 1969.
Internally, the Fairmont based cabin received only minor changes from its predecessor, with the charcoal colour scheme of the XR GT being replaced by black. Stewart Warner instruments were again used, but made to resemble the standard model gauges. The Hurst style manual gear shifter was replaced with a fairly short Ford item and a revised steering wheel with thicker spokes replaced the previous version.
Again, performance figures for the XT GT varied from road test to road test, however top speeds indicated were generally around 125 MPH, whilst the best standing quarter mile time given, was 15.8 sec, same as the XR GT. All these improvements did come at a price. Cost of the new GT was $4,050 (inc. tax), excluding any optional extras.
Bathurst was not kind to the XT GT. Although an XT GT was leading with only 15 laps to go, overheating problems and a blown piston caused by a holed radiator, allowed the Monaros to win. In actual fact, the first Falcon GT home was an XR GT. The XT GTs did however achieve international recognition in the London to Sydney marathon. A three car works team led by Harry Firth, finished 3rd, 6th and 8th outright, allowing Ford Australia to take out the coveted team prize.
Mechanically, the 289 cu.in. V8 in the XR GT was replaced by the larger and more powerful 302 cu.in. model. This increase in size, along with compression being raised from 9.8 to 1, to 10 to 1, increased engine power from 225 HP at 4800 rpm to 230 HP at 4800 rpm and torque from 305 lbs/ft at 3200 rpm to 310 lbs/ft at 3800 rpm.
Other changes included an increase in rim width to 6.0” with 185x14 Olympic GT or Michelin XAS radials, fine tuning to the suspension setup and a 3.0 to 1 limited slip diff - the XR GT having a 2.93 to 1 non-limited slip diff. Although these changes appear minor, the new GT proved to be far gutsier than it’s predecessor, but with a refinement in road manners, previously lacking.
Externally, driving lights were added to the front, the GT stripe was made thinner and was raised to the mid-line of the car and the tail section was given additional chrome moulds. All in all, this was a much more attractive package. Buyers obviously agreed, with 1415 XT GT’s being sold over a seventeen month period from February 1968 to June 1969.
Internally, the Fairmont based cabin received only minor changes from its predecessor, with the charcoal colour scheme of the XR GT being replaced by black. Stewart Warner instruments were again used, but made to resemble the standard model gauges. The Hurst style manual gear shifter was replaced with a fairly short Ford item and a revised steering wheel with thicker spokes replaced the previous version.
Again, performance figures for the XT GT varied from road test to road test, however top speeds indicated were generally around 125 MPH, whilst the best standing quarter mile time given, was 15.8 sec, same as the XR GT. All these improvements did come at a price. Cost of the new GT was $4,050 (inc. tax), excluding any optional extras.
Bathurst was not kind to the XT GT. Although an XT GT was leading with only 15 laps to go, overheating problems and a blown piston caused by a holed radiator, allowed the Monaros to win. In actual fact, the first Falcon GT home was an XR GT. The XT GTs did however achieve international recognition in the London to Sydney marathon. A three car works team led by Harry Firth, finished 3rd, 6th and 8th outright, allowing Ford Australia to take out the coveted team prize.
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