This guide has been written for the EB Falcon GT, a limited edition model built in celebration of the 25th anniversary since the launch of the XR Falcon GT. The EB GT was produced through the joint venture of Ford Australia and Tickford Vehicle Engineering (TVE), and was sold in the Australian and New Zealand markets with an original price of $62,500 (AUD). The EB GT was followed by the 30th Anniversary EL GT.[1] [2]

To test the market’s appetite for a new generation GT, Ford Australia’s engineers had initially created a heavily modified EA Falcon GT in 1990. This car was showcased at several motor shows and promotional events around Australia, and was fitted with a 5.8 litre (351ci) Cleveland motor, among many other performance modifications.[3] Despite the car proving popular, the 351 GT project was deemed unviable (largely due to the cost of engine bay modification to the E-series Fords),[4] and Ford was forced to abandon the project, returning the following year to develop a revised Windsor powered GT with the assistance of TVE. Ford made the decision that the 25th anniversary GT would be aimed towards the luxury performance sedan market – as was the case with the original 1967 XR GT. All EB GT vehicles were therefore based on the up-market Fairmont Ghia model,[5] and received unique performance enhancements.

The EB GT has a number of unique features which distinguish it from its standard counterparts and other Tickford engineered Falcons, and their specifications and low production numbers have naturally made them modern classics. This guide aims to clearly outline the original specifications of these vehicles, and provide prospective restorers or purchasers with relevant background information. Should you have any additional information you believe could improve this guide, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Period of manufacture:

November 1992 – April 1993

The GT was released a month after the EB XR6 and XR8 models.[6] We note that Ewan Kennedy’s book states an end date of March 1993.[7] However, April 1993 is considered more accurate given that car number 149 has a build date in April 1993, and April is also noted as a production end date by the EB GT build number database.[8]

 

Production numbers:

Pre-production validation vehicles: 10 (numbered P01 – P10).[9]

Production vehicles: 255. 240 sold in Australia (numbered 1 - 240), 15 exported to New Zealand (numbered NZ1 - NZ15)[10]




1. Exterior features - EB Falcon GT

The EB GT had the following distinguishing features:[11]

  • Vehicles were available in three colour options: Pearl Black, Cardinal Red and Cobalt Blue. Lower valance panels on the front and rear bumpers were painted silver for contrast. For further details, see section 3 of this guide.
  • As the GT was based on the EB Series II Fairmont Ghia sedan, features such as colour coded door mirrors and handles were applied. In addition, the GT uniquely had the C-pillar trim fully colour coded to the body (normally, this has a black outer edge).
  • A colour coded body kit was fitted, including revised bumpers, front and rear diffusers, side-skirts, bonnet vents, door rub-strips, wheel-arch flares and a rear spoiler with integrated LED brake lamp. This kit was designed under the direction of Paul Gibson.
  • The front bumper had a Ford badge applied below a grey mesh grille, as well as integrated PIAA brand driving lights. A reflective red/amber full-width tail lamp applique was fitted, with integrated GT badge on the LHS of the trunk lid, and the standard Ford badge positioned on the RHS.
  • The GT sits 35mm lower than the standard Falcon/Fairmont at the front and 32mm lower at the rear. The vehicle’s total height is 1,381mm.[12]
  • Unique 17 x 8.5 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels were fitted to the GT (including a full-size spare), finished in a pale silver-gold colour. We have not yet been able to confirm the precise paint code, so please contact us if you have further information and we will update this section. Wheels were originally fitted with Pirelli 245x40 ZR 17 P Zero tyres and had locking wheel nuts with special coded adaptor socket.[13]
  • Tinted side and rear glass. Laminated windscreen with tinted top band.
  • Black chrome oval exhaust tip.
  • Clear front indicator lenses.
  • Optional factory installed sun-roof (for an additional cost of $1,972).[14]

 

2. Interior features - EB Falcon GT

The GT was based on the EB Series II Fairmont Ghia, and therefore high-end features were fitted to all vehicles, with the exception of only a few options.[15]

  • Seat trim: Sports seats were trimmed in “Ironbark” Howe leather (trim code: G3), also known as "Slate leather". Unlike the single tone grey leather available as an option on the Fairmont Ghia, the GT’s seats had slightly darker grey insert panels, and the rear seat had blue “GT” text embroidered in the centre of the rear backrest.
  • Door trim: Vinyl-trimmed door cards incorporated leather and burl walnut inserts, and carpeted door bins. The front passenger's door trim had a unique TVE GT build number badge applied (in the same location as where the Ghia badge would usually be fitted to a Fairmont).
  • Console and dashboard trim: Leather-trimmed centre console, with Burl walnut inserts applied to the console fascia (around gear lever). The dashboard fascia also had a burl walnut insert applied around the radio panel, with the dashboard itself having the standard two-tone grey colour scheme.
  • Carpets: Grey loop pile carpets were fitted to all GTs. Contoured grey loop pile floor mats were also fitted standard, and had a “GT monogram”.
  • Steering wheel:  4-spoke Momo leather wrapped steering wheel with integrated cruise control system. (This wheel was also used on other models including some of the ED Allan Moffat HO Sedans. A similar style wheel was used in the XR8 sprint and some other models.)
  • Instrumentation: 200kph speedometer, RPM timer (6,000 RPM top, 5,500rpm redline), fuel level, temperature, voltage, oil pressure, high beam warning light, hand brake warning light and a digital trip computer).
  • Headlining / visors: Cloth-trimmed headlining and sun-visors (passenger's visor incorporating a mirror).
  • Technical features: Climate control AC, cruise control, digital trip computer, power mirrors, power steering, power windows, power antenna, 9-speaker Alpine premium sound system (with tape deck), remote central locking and Ford's Smart Lock immobilizer system. (Note, it is suggested that Smart Lock was not applied to the pilot cars P01 - P10. However, one Pilot car has been confirmed as having this fitted, but it is unknown if this was dealer fitted or factory).[16] An optional alarm system was also available at an extra cost of $790.
  • Front / rear foot-well lamps and front / rear reading lamps.
  • Individually numbered key fob (containing the car's TVE build number).
  • Leather gear shift knob (applied to manual transmission vehicles only).
  • Front and rear inertia rear belts (with the exception of the static centre rear belt).
  • Full-size spare wheel.

 

Optional features:[17]

  • Sunroof: Available for an additional cost of $1,972.
  • CD-player: (6-stack system fitted in the trunk) available for an additional cost of $789.
  • Deluxe pack option: (including paint, corrosion and fabric protection) available for an additional cost of $1,175. (Additional cost new: $1,972). 
3. Paint colour options - EB Falcon GT

The EB GT was available in just three main body colours, with the associated production numbers and GT build numbers listed (where confirmed). The GT's body kit was also painted with dark silver accents on the lower front and rear bumper valance panels. The panels painted silver included the lower air dam in the front bumper, and lower diffuser panel of the rear bumper. The paint code for this silver colour has not yet been confirmed.[18]

Paint colour:

Paint code:

Production numbers:

TVE build number applied[19]

Pearl Black

J4

109

(including 4 for NZ export)

P01, P06, P08, NZ10, 009, 002, 006, 007, 009, 011, 015, 016, 021, 027, 030, 032, 039, 041, 044, 045, 046, 048, 050, 051, 056, 060, 064, 065, 067, 081, 084, 094, 096, 098, 101, 111, 112, 122, 127, 128, 130, 131, 135, 143, 146, 153, 156, 164, 165, 169, 174, 177, 178, 186, 187, 188, 189, 191, 194, 198, 207, 208, 215, 217, 219, 222, 223, 228

Cardinal Red

G5

88

(including 6 for NZ export)

P02, P03, P09, P10, NZ02, NZ08, NZ09, 001, 014, 017, 018, 020, 022, 025, 026, 028, 029, 031, 034, 035, 037, 040, 061, 066, 071, 074, 083, 085, 086, 089, 092, 093, 097, 104, 108, 110, 117, 120, 125, 133, 140, 144, 147, 159, 161, 172, 174, 179, 180, 183, 184, 201,  203, 204, 212, 214, 225, 227, 228, 231, 232, 233, 234, 236, 240

Cobalt Blue

C9

68

(including 5 for NZ export)

P04, P05, NZ05, NZ11, 003, 005, 019, 023, 033, 043, 049, 059, 073, 075, 076, 091, 095, 100, 102, 116, 123, 129, 132, 136, 138, 141, 142, 149, 154, 155, 157, 160, 166, 168, 182, 190, 192, 193, 197, 199, 200, 205, 209, 210, 213, 220, 221, 229, 230, 237

 

We will update this section as further information is collected with respect to the remaining build numbers. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have further information which could improve this section.

4. VIN & engine number - EB Falcon GT

Vehicle identification number (VIN) and engine number format:[20]

The EB GT’s VIN number is a 17-digit code, and the engine number reflects the last 11 digits of the VIN number. The VIN / engine number should appear in the following format, decoded in accordance with the table below:

VIN = 6FPAAAJGSWAB12345 / Engine = JGSWAB12345

Digits

Meaning

6FP

Manufacturer identifier (Ford)

AAA

Check digits (no meaning)

J

Country of production (Australia)

G

Assembly plant (Broadmeadows)

SW

Body style (short wheel base)

A

Year of manufacture (N = 1992, P = 1993)

B

Month of manufacture:*

1992: Aug = E, Sep = L Oct = Y, Nov = S, Dec = T)

1993: Jan = J, Feb = U, Mar = M, April = P

12345

The vehicle’s unique serial number

*The range of month manufacturer codes provided is based on the assumption that pre-production GTs would have likely occurred from August or September 1992. Production GTs are believed to have commenced in October 1992 (e.g, as is the case with car 005), and ended in April 1993.

 

VIN number locations:

  1. Reverse stamped into the vehicle’s two data plates (located on the passenger side windscreen scuttle panel, riveted to the bulkhead in the engine bay).
  2. Stamped into the vehicle’s body (located on the passenger’s side inner-mudguard edge - between the mudguard edge and suspension strut tower under the bonnet).
  3. Printed on self-erasing VIN labels placed on several panels including the underside of the bonnet and bootlid, inner front mudguard edges, inner rear mudguard edges and on the doors (the door jamb area between the exterior skin and door card).
  4. Printed in black text on the Tickford Vehicle Engineering (TVE) build plate (located on the front edge of the passenger’s side suspension strut, in the engine bay).
  5. The engine number (last 11 digits of the VIN) is stamped into the front edge of the engine block, above the fuel pump.

 

Other data plate codes:

Code type

Code

Code meaning

Model code

18239

Fairmont Ghia

Engine code

J

5.0l V8

Transmission code

K or W

K = 5-speed manual, W = 4-speed auto

Trim code

G3

Ironbark leather (see section 2 above)

Paint code

J4, G5 or C9

See section 3 above for details

5. Tickford (“TVE”) build numbers - EB Falcon GT

Tickford Vehicle Engineering (TVE) build numbers – Ford Falcon EB GT[21]

All EB GTs received a unique TVE build number. The build number was located in the following positions:

  1. On the TVE build plate, located on the front edge of the passenger’s side suspension tower. This was an aluminium plate riveted to the body panel, with a red Tickford logo at the top left, blue "Tickford Vehicle Engineering" text to the right, and below that, blue “GT” text and the vehicle’s unique build number. The associated VIN number of the vehicle was also printed in black at the base of the plate.
  2. On a small badge applied to the front edge of the passenger’s side front door card. This small plastic badge had large blue “GT” text above the vehicle’s unique build number.
  3. On a small metal badge on the vehicle’s key fob (the same style badge as applied to the front passenger’s side door trim).

 

TVE build numbers:[22]

  • Australian market production GT: vehicles are believed to have received a TVE build number between 001 and 240 (see example in images).
  • New Zealand market GT: had TVE build numbers issued between NZ1 and NZ15 (see example in images). 
  • Pre-production GTs: 10 Pre-production / pilot vehicles were built (for the purpose of testing and as press vehicles). These cars were allocated build numbers of P01P10. It is suggested that these cars were re-numbered as part of the total 265 built, however, a couple of owners have confirmed that their cars remain numbered with the “P” prefix.

We note that the GT build numbers were not issued consecutively according to the vehicle's build date. For example, GT 009 is a November 1992 built car, whilst GT 015 is an October 1992 built car. It has been suggested on several forums that you could order a specific TVE build number (assuming the chosen number was still available). 

 

TVE build numbers and SIDO number:[23]

On Australian vehicles where we've been able to inspect both the vehicle's data plate and build number, we have confirmed that the last 3 digits of the SIDO (the Single Item Dealer Order number) is the same as the TVE build number. However, we have not confirmed whether this is the case on every GT. It is understood that this was not applied to any of the pilot cars. 

6. Mechanical features - EB Falcon GT

Mechanical features – Ford Falcon EB GT[24]

The V8 engine applied to the GT was similar in specification to Ford's SVO Mustang Cobra, with slight adaptations by TVE for local conditions, and Australian compliance (including emmissions). Revised specifications were then given to Ford's SVO, who engaged Watson Engineering to build the engines in Michigan. The engines were completed and ready to run before being shipping to Broadmeadows. The engine produced significantly more power over Ford’s standard 5.0l V8. This was achieved mainly through camshaft, intake and cylinder head improvements as designed by Ford USA’s Special Vehicle Operations / Power Products division. The majority of the remaining drive train consisted of components shared with the XR models. However, other enhancements were made with respect to the transmission and handling, as outlined below.

 

Performance figures:[25]

  • 0-100 in 7.3 seconds (factory claim), 7.65 seconds (as tested by Motor Magazine, December 1992).
  • 400m / ¼ mile: 15.43 seconds (as tested by Motor Magazine, December 1992).
  • 1,600kg towing capacity.

 

Engine:[26]

  • 5.0l / 4942cc (302ci) 90 degree fuel injected OHV 16-valve V8.
  • Bore & Stroke: 102 x 76mm (4.00 x 3.00in).
  • Power (DIN): 200kW (270bhp) @ 5250rpm.
  • Torque (DIN): 420Nm (310lb-ft) @ 4000rpm.
  • Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
  • Head design: Cast iron crossflow Ford SVO GT40 heads were fitted with roller rockers, providing a flow of 196/129cfm (however, motor magazine, Dec 1992 page 34 states it is 280cfm, up from 20).. The increase is achieved through larger inlet and exhaust valves, resulting in far greater than the flow achieved by the standard E7 V8 heads used on the XR8 and other models.
  • Fuel and ignition system: Multi-point electronic fuel injection system and electronically controlled ignition, using the Ford EEC4 engine management system. The EEC-IV engine management system was the same as applied to the standard 6-cylinder Falcon, but the GT had one dedicated to the engine and a separate unit for the (automatic) transmission.
  • Exhaust system: 2.5 inch twin pipe free flow exhaust.
  • 68l fuel tank capacity.
  • Free flow alloy inlet manifold.
  • Throttle body diameter increased by 14% to 65mm (up from 61mm).
  • Mass flow sensor diameter increased by 34% to 74mm (previously 55mm)

 

Transmission:[27]

  • BTR95LE 4-speed automatic or BTRT5 5-speed manual Borg-Warner transmission was available:
    • T5 5-speed manual, with unique ratios for the GT. The Manual transmission had a heavy duty SVO clutch applied (40% more torque capacity than standard). Ratios were as follows:
      • 1st: 3.35:1
      • 2nd: 1.99:1
      • 3rd: 1.33:1
      • 4th: 1.00:1
      • 5th: 0.72:1
      • Reverse: 3.15:1
      • LSD axle ratio: 3.27:1
    • Type BTR 4-speed + overdrive automatic, with lock-up torque converter and electronically recalibrated shift points through the use of a separate EEC-IV management system. These transmissions had US-made gear sets installed in the Australian-made BTR housing. Ratios, however, were the same as the standard Falcon unit as follows:
      • 1st: 2.39:1
      • 2nd: 1.45:1
      • 3rd: 1.00:1
      • 4th: 0.68:1
      • Reverse: 2.09:1
      • Rear LSD axle ratio: 3.45:1
  • Final drive ratios are different to the XR8 and the drive ratios are also different between manual and auto cars. On manual cars they had a heavy duty clutch brought in from SVO in the USA.

 

Handling:[28]

  • Power-assisted variable ratio rack and pinion steering.
  • 4-wheel anti-lock ventilated disc brakes (Black Tickford calipers), with re-developed (PX709) high-metallic content brake pads, having a higher heat capacity. Front and rear brake disc diameter was 287mm.
  • Front and rear stabilizer bars (sway bars) with urethane bushes. Front anti-roll bar was 27mm (26mm on the auto).
  • Limited slip differential (see ratios under transmission details above)
  • Live rear axle with 4 trailing arms and Watts linkage.
  • The bushes applied to the suspension on the GT were slightly different between the manual and automatic GTs. The automatic transmission cars had fewer polyurethane bushes applied. We are unsure of the specific details regarding the differences, so please contact us if you have any further information which could improve this section.
  • Munroe Australia 6-valve dampers, with single rate coil springs.
  • Unique 17 x 8.5 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels were fitted, finished in a pale silver-gold colour. The paint code for these wheels has been quoted by one owner as code: 0045. However, we have not yet been able to confirm this is correct with any official reference, and further information is needed to confirm this. These wheels were fitted with Pirelli 245/40ZR17 P Zero Kevlar belted tyres.
  • 40% reduction in overall lift from the body kit design, with a drag coefficient of 0.31.
  • The steering rack applied to the GT was a Reman brand, the same as applied to the Falcon Sprint, having between 2.5 and 2.75 turns lock to lock (less than the standard Falcon). There should be a GT tag on the steering rack.

 

7. Original documentation - EB Falcon GT

In this section we have collected a number of original documents and articles covering the EB Falcon GT. Classic Register does not own any rights to the content displayed in this section, and all information displayed is provided for historical reference purposes only. Should any original copyright holder have an issue with this information being displayed, please don't hesitate to get in contact with us.

If any readers have additional information or documentation that could improve this section, please don't hesitate to contact us.

8. References - EB Falcon GT
Footnote Reference Footnote Reference
[1] See information at: eseries.com.au/index.php/2015/10/29/e-series-gts/ [16] See information at: https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11257626&highlight=EB+GT+build+numbers)
[2] Kennedy, E. and Quinn, A. 2004, Ford Falcon GT 1967 – 2004, Marque Publishing Company Pty Ltd, Wyoming NSW Australia, p.172. [17] See information at: https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11257626&highlight=EB+GT+build+numbers&page=5); and: https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11257626&highlight=EB+GT+build+numbers&page=4
[3] See information at: eseries.com.au/index.php/2015/10/29/e-series-gts/ and www.gtplanet.net/forum/threads/ford-falcon-ea-gt-351-concept-car-1990.354285/ [18] See information at: www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/ford_falcon_eb_gt_identification
[4] See information at: eseries.com.au/index.php/2015/10/29/e-series-gts/ [19] Based on vehicles sighted and information from https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11257626&page=5
[5] Cleary, J. 1992, Road Warriors, Motor Magazine, December, p.32. [20] See information at: www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/ford_falcon_eb_gt_identification and See information on: www.fomoco.com.au/id.html
[6] See information at: marks.4t.com/eb.htm and www.autocarbase.com/2014/08/ford-falcon-gt.html; and xrclub.com/xr6-xr8-falcon-eb-fg-x/; and: pediaview.com/openpedia/Tickford_Vehicle_Engineering#Falcon_GT_.28EB_.26_EL_series.29 [21] See information at: www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/ford_falcon_eb_gt_identification
[7] Kennedy, E. and Quinn, A. 2004, Ford Falcon GT 1967 – 2004, Marque Publishing Company Pty Ltd, Wyoming NSW Australia, p.171. [22] See information at: https://fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?p=481274; and: fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11280063&pp=25
[8] See information at: https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11257626&highlight=EB+GT+build+numbers&page=5) [23] See information at: https://fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11367134&highlight=EB+GT+build+numbers); and: https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11257626&highlight=EB+GT+build+numbers&page=4
[9] See information at: www.fordforums.com/f532/eb-gt-p-35344/index2.html [24] Lake, B. 1992, Exclusive - Falcon GT – The Final Phase, Motor Magazine, September; and: www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/ford_falcon_eb_gt_technical_specifications and Kennedy, E. and Quinn, A. 2004, Ford Falcon GT 1967 – 2004, Marque Publishing Company Pty Ltd, Wyoming NSW Australia, pp.172-173; and: Cleary, J. 1992, Road Warriors, Motor Magazine, December. and Wheels Magazine, November 1992.
[10] See information at: www.aus-ford-uk.co.uk/html/eb_and_el_gt.html; and: www.wikiwand.com/en/Tickford_Vehicle_Engineering#/Falcon_GT_.28EB_.26_EL_series.29; and:  Kennedy, E. and Quinn, A. 2004, Ford Falcon GT 1967 – 2004, Marque Publishing Company Pty Ltd, Wyoming NSW Australia, p.172. [25] Cleary, J. 1992, Road Warriors, Motor Magazine, December, p.38.
[11] See the original Ford EB GT brochure [26] Lake, B. 1992, Exclusive - Falcon GT – The Final Phase, Motor Magazine, September, p.36; and: Lake, B. 1992, Exclusive - Falcon GT – The Final Phase, Motor Magazine, September and Kennedy, E; and: Quinn, A. 2004, Ford Falcon GT 1967 – 2004, Marque Publishing Company Pty Ltd, Wyoming NSW Australia, pp.172-173
[12] Lake, B. 1992, Exclusive - Falcon GT – The Final Phase, Motor Magazine, September, p.39 and Kennedy, E. and Quinn, A. 2004, Ford Falcon GT 1967 – 2004, Marque Publishing Company Pty Ltd, Wyoming NSW Australia, p.175. [27] Kennedy, E. and Quinn, A. 2004, Ford Falcon GT 1967 – 2004, Marque Publishing Company Pty Ltd, Wyoming NSW Australia, p. 172.
[13] Cleary, J. 1992, Road Warriors, Motor Magazine, December, p.36. [28] Lake, B. 1992, Exclusive - Falcon GT – The Final Phase, Motor Magazine, September, p.34 and p.39; and: leary, J. 1992, Road Warriors, Motor Magazine, December, p.36; and: https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11257626&highlight=EB+GT+build+numbers
[14] See information at: https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11257626&highlight=EB+GT+build+numbers&page=5)    
[15] Lake, B. 1992, Exclusive - Falcon GT – The Final Phase, Motor Magazine, September, p.36.