A commemorative Ford Mustang built in 2017 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Ford's 1-2 win at Bathurst is up for sale.
Named the Bathurst '77 Special, the Mustang for sale – one of a production run of just 77 vehicles – is the number one-build car and has been part of a private collection since Tickford delivered the vehicle to a cashed-up enthusiast two years ago. It has now returned to the Tickford stable for sale again, priced at $170,000.
If that sounds like a high price to pay, any of the cars from the original 77-unit production run were priced from $64,500 on top of the price of the donor car. In the case of this specific car, being the first one built provides added cachet.
The Tickford Bathurst '77 Special recaptures the livery and presence of the two Ford Falcon GT coupes driven to victory at Bathurst in 1977 by Alan Moffat and Colin Bond. Bond held back in second place, obeying team orders for team owner Moffat to take the outright win in his ailing car. TV footage of the two cars crossing the finish line in close formation remains one of Bathurst's most memorable moments over the past half century.
Unfortunately, the 40th anniversary celebrations were too late for the Falcon, which ceased production when Ford closed down its local manufacturing plant at Campbellfield, in Melbourne's northern suburbs at the end of 2016.
Tickford took the Mustang and bolted a Roush supercharger to the 5.0-litre V8, lifting the output to 542kW and 827Nm. The engine also features a low-restriction air filter, fabricated aluminium intercooler, high-flow injectors and a dual-bore throttle body. A three-inch exhaust system, remapped engine-management ECU and revised fuel pump module are also fitted.
The Bathurst '77 Special rides 25mm lower on coilover springs, premium dampers and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres wrapped around 10-spoke alloy wheels measuring 20x9.5-inch at front and 20x11-inch at the rear. Brakes have been upgraded too, with six-piston calipres and 15-inch slotted disc rotors at the front and four-piston calipers and 14-inch slotted rotors behind.
Inside, the Bathurst '77 Special is trimmed in a leather/Alcantara combination with red and blue stitching. Throughout the cabin the car is bedecked with Tickford badging and bespoke steering wheel and gear knob.
For further information, email 77Special@tickford.com.au or call 1800 842 536.