Tickford’s Mustang celebrates Ford’s epic Bathurst win

FORD motorsport great Allan Moffat is spearheading the production of a limited number of Mustang-based Tickford Bathurst ‘77 Special cars that honour the 1977 Bathurst 1000 win by Moffat and team-mate Colin Bond.

The special-edition cars, with an estimated price of about $120,000, are being produced by Tickford to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Bathurst event and the winning Ford Falcon XC Hardtops.

Tickford, which operates a personalisation centre in Melbourne, said “no more than 77” will be built and each will carry a numbered build plate.

The car has been fitted with unique components, Tickford said, highlighted by a supercharger.

Tickford said that “full vehicle specifications will be listed at a later date” but said they would include a full leather interior with red and blue stitching, a bespoke steering wheel, cabin badging and gold-painted 20-inch wheels.

The car will only be available in white and carry an interpretation of the 1977 rear spoiler, though the body will not have motorsport numbers or decals.

Tickford CEO Tim Edwards said the 40th year was an important anniversary in Australian motorsport and Ford history, despite the race being contentious.

“We are privileged to be working with Allan Moffat to create a modern V8 hardtop that pays tribute to his famous winning machine,” he said.

“Our mantra is performance driven by passion and with the very special enhancements we are making to all the main areas of each Tickford Bathurst ‘77 Special, this project has given us the chance to turn that into reality.

“The fact Allan endorses the program and has worked with our project team from initial concept stage to provide input into the Mustang’s development only adds to its status.”

Allan Moffat said he found it hard to believe that it had been 40 years since the race.

“While I recall the race as if it were yesterday, it is nice to know it holds such a special place with so many people all these years on,” he said.

“The team at Tickford have done a very thorough job coming up with a modern interpretation of my 1977 XC Hardtop.

“While the Falcon has sadly been consigned to the history books, the Mustang was always one of my favourite cars to race and I had considerable success in them. Ford have done a great job with the latest one.

“The Tickford Bathurst ’77 Special looks amazing, produces an unbelievable amount of power and the finish across all areas of the vehicle highlights why the return of Tickford is so important for the Australian automotive industry.

These guys know what they are doing and it shows in this special edition.”

Prospective buyers have to lodge expressions of interest directly with Tickford.

While the win was important to Ford and worthy of celebrating, it was one of the most contentious races in the history of Australian motorsports.

Moffat and Bond had dominated the Australian Touring Car Championship that year against the Holden team in Torana L34s.

Ford fielded Moffat and Bond with partners ex-Formula One driver Jacky Ickx and Porsche importer Alan Hamilton.

Moffat was in the lead when his car developed brake problems and in nursing the car towards the chequered flag, was being caught by rivals including Bond.

As television viewers watched the drama unfold, the American crew chief of Moffat’s team held out a pit board sign reading: “Form finish 1-2” showing Bond that he had to let Moffat lead. So Bond settled for second position even though he could have won the race.