A second-generation ‘XL’ from 1963, this Falcon is a customised and smartly presented example of the classic ‘ute’. Originally, Falcons were fitted with Ford straight-sixes, but the example presented here features a Ford small-block 302 cubic-inch (4.9-litre) V8 driving the rear wheels via a Ford C4 three-speed automatic transmission and 9-inch differential. It has been in the current vendor’s family since 1996. The odometer shows 24,888 miles, but the true mileage cannot be warranted. Despite looking relatively standard, this Falcon Ute has undergone some fairly extensive modifications beneath its discreet grey paintwork. This most obviously includes the installation of the Ford small-block V8 on Holley carburettors, but the car also features larger wheels and tyres, plus disc brakes complete with a brake booster. As a further safety feature, the car has been fitted with a Superoo collapsible steering column and steering box. The grey paintwork and partially dechromed exterior give this Ute a ‘hot rod’s style appearance, while its period features still stand out, from the chrome grille to the Ford lettering on the B-pillar to the rocket-inspired tail-lights. Inside the car, there are part-body-coloured door cards and a T-bar transmission lever. The dashboard has been upgraded with a Ford ZB Fairlane item from later in the 1960s, while a separate rev counter and water temperature gauge have been added at some point. The steering wheel is an aftermarket fitment, and a later Clarion radio cassette head unit is also installed. The rear of the car also features a tow bar. At some point in its life, the car was converted to run as a dual-fuel petrol/LPG car, but that functionality has since been removed. One consequence of this is that the choke is disconnected. The car comes with the owner’s manual for a 1964 Ford Falcon. Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition. Specific notes from the seller include: There is some paint wear on the dash cluster surround from where it was custom-painted, and the insert plastic on the centre console is cracking. The load-bed hood has also shrunk slightly. The seller is not aware of any mechanical or electrical faults other than the lack of a choke. The most recent maintenance work carried out has been having the fuel tank, carburettor and radiator cleaned, and a new water pump fitted. Other maintenance has included the removal of the LPG system, the fitting of a brake booster and a general engine tune-up. The vendor has kept service invoices and records during the two-and-a-half years he has owned the car. A classic ute is often a head-turner, and this Falcon’s red-blooded V8 engine brings added character to the 1960s aesthetic. It also benefits from larger wheels and tyres, plus a more modern braking system. Of course, the large load bed means that this should also be a usable classic muscle car with far more practicality than most. The description of this consignment is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy. Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to satisfy themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy. This includes by raising enquiries with the seller in the comments section. For vehicles, unless otherwise stated, potential buyers should also assume that any cherished registration may be retained by the seller. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.