Classic Falcon vs Classic Mustang

[yakcam]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I know my mrs is smitten with Mustangs.

There's your answer

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by yakcam

There's your answer

writing was on the wall by the sounds of it

[blueoval]

I just realized that was my 20000th post.

[Tonz]

be really crazy, it may be a financial hurdle but buy both FOR SIX MONTHS ONLY then decide

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Tonz

be really crazy, it may be a financial hurdle but buy both FOR SIX MONTHS ONLY then decide

I would have to contend with a divorce and one testicle in each car if I did that

[jpd80]

You could always sell a kidney and get both…..

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by jpd80

You could always sell a kidney and get both…..

I could. That is definitely possible

[Sar4890]

It might even come down to what they are like to drive. The Mustang and the XR are both different in terms of size and interior room. Two door versus Four door is another factor if you are planning to load it up with people and go cruising.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Sar4890

It might even come down to what they are like to drive. The Mustang and the XR are both different in terms of size and interior room. Two door versus Four door is another factor if you are planning to load it up with people and go cruising.

Spot on. I might test drive the Mustang and really struggle with it being LHD. Smaller cars dont worry me. As far as cruising, it will be either me and mrs or just me. I have seen a few Mustangs up close IRL and they were definitely smaller than I had imagined but nothing crazy.

The falcon on the hand I know the sizes. They suit aussie sized people well. Having had a few of falcons before I kind of am familiar with what to expect to an extent. The bonus is it being RHD and being familiar.

It will all come down to inspecting and test driving the cars properly to see what I am more comfortable with.

[Sar4890]

As previously mentioned the only real drama with the LHD is the open road I drove my Coupe to Quorn and most of the trip had to wait for overtaking lanes on the highway to get pass things. Around town no dramas its actually more scarier being the passenger in a LHD car.

[Express]

There are a lot of Mustangs around, so I'd go for the XR.

If it was going to have a 302 swap, I'd also want to make it a manual.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Express

There are a lot of Mustangs around, so I'd go for the XR.

If it was going to have a 302 swap, I'd also want to make it a manual.

I love the XR. But my main concern is parts if I need to obtain them. Its not off the list by any means. Just waiting to see the Mustang first before making a decision.

[my67xr]

My vote is for the XR, but i'm slightly biased after owning mine for 38 year's now.

By the way you'd have to be pretty good to spot that the engine is a 302W instead of the 289W

[None-ya]

I'd have to go mustang. But RHD conversion, 302c and a manual. Just my choice.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by None-ya

I'd have to go mustang. But RHD conversion, 302c and a manual. Just my choice.

as long as it has an engineers certificate and is legal I dont mind that.

[None-ya]

Originally Posted by blueoval

as long as it has an engineers certificate and is legal I dont mind that.

If I had the money I'd get it as legal as possible. No big blower sticking out the bonnet, no big stupidly over sized wheels.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by my67xr

My vote is for the XR, but i'm slightly biased after owning mine for 38 year's now.

By the way you'd have to be pretty good to spot that the engine is a 302W instead of the 289W

Because it's my mates XR, he told me what he is going to put in it.

To give context to the history of the XR, its an original 6cyl. But he is going to sell it with a fresh 302w. So not original engine and gearbox.

[FairmontGS]

Originally Posted by blueoval

To give context to the history of the XR, its an original 6cyl. But he is going to sell it with a fresh 302w. So not original engine and gearbox.

I was going to vote XR until you mentioned it's a 6 2 8 swap. Nothing wrong with that but how do u know it's done well? Not a fan of a LHD Mustang coupe either - too common. You mention resale as well - neither will win that game because of the above.

Tough choice... probably the XR still by a slim margin.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by FairmontGS

I was going to vote XR until you mentioned it's a 6 2 8 swap. Nothing wrong with that but how do u know it's done well? Not a fan of a LHD Mustang coupe either - too common. You mention resale as well - neither will win that game because of the above.

Tough choice... probably the XR still by a slim margin.

I think the idea of resale is a dying pipe dream I need to let go of. Of late, I've seen a lot more American/Australian Cars pop up on line which has me believing that inflation, natural disasters and interest rates are killing the enthusiast market.

But I am no purist. The whole 'must be matching engines with body' that some go with isn't my reason for wanting either of these cars. As long as its legal, cruisey and fun, I don't mind.

[None-ya]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I think the idea of resale is a dying pipe dream I need to let go of. Of late, I've seen a lot more American/Australian Cars pop up on line which has me believing that inflation, natural disasters and interest rates are killing the enthusiast market.

But I am no purist. The whole 'must be matching engines with body' that some go with isn't my reason for wanting either of these cars. As long as its legal, cruisey and fun, I don't mind.

Yeah old cars are getting crazy expensive.
I ain't no purist either but as long as a ford driveling gos in a ford I'm all for it . . . . To a extent ( no freaking boast in a X series that was factory V8 kind of deal)

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Because it's my mates XR, he told me what he is going to put in it.

To give context to the history of the XR, its an original 6cyl. But he is going to sell it with a fresh 302w. So not original engine and gearbox.

I'm suspect on 'fresh 302W' because of it's built like the 1990s ones with the E7TE heads they're absolute boat anchors.

It would want to have some balls I reckon or it defeats the purpose of putting up with all the bull**** of old cars if it would get it's cheeks clapped by a VN Commodore with the Buick V6.

Especially if you are going to use it as a wedding car you want that lopey idle rather than sounding like a sewing machine.

[Citroënbender]

My thinking is “fresh” means honed, rings, chrome bits, mild street cam and new hydraulic lifters, MSD clone and a reco’d 650DP out of the box (not dialled in) surmounting a Performer style manifold.

[Rallye Sport]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

It would want to have some balls I reckon or it defeats the purpose of putting up with all the bull**** of old cars if it would get it's cheeks clapped by a VN Commodore with the Buick V6.

I'm not sure what you mean by bull**** of old cars? A well sorted classic is a joy to drive, hell I'd cross the Nullarbor in any of mine.
Yeah a certain amount of ego comes into driving them but its not from winning traffic light races, its the buzz of driving a well presented car thats different to the sea of generic moderns on the road. People appreciate that more than if you're making an **** of yourself in a dick measuring competition.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I'm suspect on 'fresh 302W' because of it's built like the 1990s ones with the E7TE heads they're absolute boat anchors.

It would want to have some balls I reckon or it defeats the purpose of putting up with all the bull**** of old cars if it would get it's cheeks clapped by a VN Commodore with the Buick V6.

Especially if you are going to use it as a wedding car you want that lopey idle rather than sounding like a sewing machine.

I hear what you are saying bloke, although the lopey idle is a genuine desire over something that wins in traffic light duels.

I would be thrilled with something that cruises and has the notorious cammed sound that turns heads. However, it's not a 'must have'. It's a bonus if it does. That goes for either car.

[roddy1960]

There's a lovely white XR lovingly restored about a kilometre from where I am at home right now .. It's the 289 .. Also in the same garage is a equally stunning 1974 XB GT ....I drool and dribble and turn green with envy each time I see one or both of them ... On the classic Mustang the early Fastbacks are pretty darn nice too..

[HIPO]

Dont be in a hurry, lots of nice cars dont seem to be moving ATM even with their prices dropping.. looking to be approaching the bottom of the swing for now maybe!

[FTE217]

the ones that are not moving are the rip off merchants or dreamers - they are there pre covid and obviously post.
blueoval don't rush, even that you know these 2 cars/owners, they will follow the market pricing that for now it still too inflated on anything that isn't rig dij original.
Originals I get it asking premium price in good or bad times for that specific buyer willing to pay more.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by FTE217

the ones that are not moving are the rip off merchants or dreamers - they are there pre covid and obviously post.
blueoval don't rush, even that you know these 2 cars/owners, they will follow the market pricing that for now it still too inflated on anything that isn't rig dij original.
Originals I get it asking premium price in good or bad times for that specific buyer willing to pay more.

Originally Posted by HIPO

Dont be in a hurry, lots of nice cars dont seem to be moving ATM even with their prices dropping.. looking to be approaching the bottom of the swing for now maybe!

Appreciate your comments lads. I definitely don't want to rush abd be ripped off but I am prepared to spend on something worthwhile if I see it.

Another thing I want to avoid are cars that could have been in floods etc. Seens a few regional Vic/NSW classics up for sale (not necessarily mustang or XR related) and I always wonder.

[myrpo]

Whats its intended use again?

Reckon if a Mustang is not right drive in Australia its only half a car, this is not America. But then also recon if its not matching numbers than its just another dunger, no matter how rare or restored. Genuine brings the bucks, dungers are not hard to find, more so just a matter of time.

I'd go the XR if the mate can be trusted. I'd even keep the 6 pack if numbers match and drop some coin into making that bad boy work. Reckon a clean original sleeper appeals to most. And lets face it they are wild ride outside a straight line. In the end though, even with the v8 conversion and as a dunger, there are far fewer than the Mustangs. Mustangs are striking but there are hundred's of thousands of them. If not here than in America.

Have you considered a later model Mustang? Drop a cam in that makes the boobs wobble, and a super charger to make it zing. Maybe even a convertible? Pretty sure that will appeal to younger folk far more. My 13yo son loves the new mustangs, as for the 66 classic it rates a 0. That is what old people would drive. He would have no idea what an XR is or care.

A note on convertibles, I have not met a woman yet who likes them. They mess with the hair.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by myrpo

Whats its intended use again?

Reckon if a Mustang is not right drive in Australia its only half a car, this is not America. But then also recon if its not matching numbers than its just another dunger, no matter how rare or restored. Genuine brings the bucks, dungers are not hard to find, more so just a matter of time.

I'd go the XR if the mate can be trusted. I'd even keep the 6 pack if numbers match and drop some coin into making that bad boy work. Reckon a clean original sleeper appeals to most. And lets face it they are wild ride outside a straight line. In the end though, even with the v8 conversion and as a dunger, there are far fewer than the Mustangs. Mustangs are striking but there are hundred's of thousands of them. If not here than in America.

Have you considered a later model Mustang? Drop a cam in that makes the boobs wobble, and a super charger to make it zing. Maybe even a convertible? Pretty sure that will appeal to younger folk far more. My 13yo son loves the new mustangs, as for the 66 classic it rates a 0. That is what old people would drive. He would have no idea what an XR is or care.

A note on convertibles, I have not met a woman yet who likes them. They mess with the hair.

Interesting take mate. Appreciate the comments.

Intended use is for wine tours & weddings, but mostly cruise to cars and coffee meets and cruising in general.

RHD would be ideal but I'd need to know if it has been done legally and engineered appropriately mainly for insurance purposes. A lefty I don't mind and I know there will be some learning and patience involved to get used to.

My mate with the XR I have known for more than 25years. His family and my family go way back. He is very high up in the GT Falcon car club and definitely knows his falcons intimately, specifically GT's. I have no reason to not trust him. Again, the reason I am thinking of this XR is due to sentimental reasons. It was one of my wedding cars. It's still in great condition and other than an engine/gearbox change, it's all original exterior and interior. He still has the original 6 and trans also.

I realize there are millions of Mustangs out there. I know there are tonnes of them. But I have always had a fascination with the classics for years. Hence my interest. As for the modern ones, yes I do like them but unless its a Bullitt or Mach1 or something unique, they are just as common. The classics here in SA you don't see that often. But when they are out, I rubber neck every time no matter the marque. The classics are easier to work on also. No computers, no tech. That has a huge appeal for me and ANY mechanic worth his weight will know how to tune one.

Convertible, I would definitely consider, but they are at least a 10k premium over what I am prepared to spend. I have however thought about it with weddings etc as it would make for a better car for wedding photography. A number of people here have already stated the pro's and con's of wedding cars which I have noted. It's not off the table.

Im still very torn between my head and my heart.