Grays marketplace is offering the legendary 1973 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83, “The Chicken Coupe”, in the Classic Car Auction starting July 24, 2020.
Brisbane, QLD, July 2020 There’s something very special featuring in the Grays July Classic Car Auction that commences on Friday July 24, 2020. A very rare, one owner, 1973 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Coupe is being auctioned after 32 years parked in a shed. Known by enthusiasts as “The Chicken Coupe”, this car is the stuff of legend. Rumour has it that hundreds of prospective buyers tracked down this beauty over the years, but were never able to convince the sentimental owner to sell it. The car held wonderful memories for him, and even served as his official wedding car in 1974. Purchased in 1973, 15 years later the car found its home in a shed surrounded by chicken wire (to keep the pigeons out) when insurance premiums skyrocketed and became unaffordable for the owner. 32 years on, with the passing of her proud owner, “The Chicken Coupe” is being offered for auction on behalf of his family. The RPO 83 has its own fascinating story. Ford had planned to release the hotly-anticipated GT HO Phase 4 Supercar, until a government ban based on a rising road toll and the ‘supercar scare’ of 1974 curtailed their plans. Ford had stockpiled racing parts for the GT HO, so they built 120 XA GT hardtops with the option code of RPO 83 (Regular Production Option), effectively building the supercar in secret. This particular vehicle, as well as being part of a very limited production run, is one of only two RPO 83 hardtop examples painted in MacRobertson’s Old Gold (paint code Y157), a rich orange hue, and a nod to the equally legendary and pioneering Australian chocolate maker (inventors of the iconic Cherry Ripe and Freddo Frog). Rian Gaffy, Classic Car Specialist at Grays said “This car is as Australian as it gets. From its accidental birth after the supercar ban to its decades in a shed surrounded by chicken wire to its colour scheme that honours a local chocolate company, it’s a uniquely Aussie story surrounded by rumours and legend. We’re very proud and excited to offer it for auction.” This extremely rare car is being offered as is, in ‘barn find’ condition, complete with flat tyres, cobwebs, dust and rat droppings. Specifications of the 1973 Ford Falcon XA GT RPO 83 Coupe: Model: Ford Falcon Body type: Hardtop Seats: 5 Build and compliance: 1973 Odometer: 46,386 miles (once around) Power: 351cid/4V Cleveland V8 300bhp (224kW) |
