It was a very cold 1am on Sunday morning back in
1994 when 2 mates, Ingles, Rowie and myself set off with car trailer in
tow for Melbourne to pick up one of Australia's most desired muscle
cars, the 1971 XYGTHO Phase 3. Apart from my wedding and children this
event would have to be the most memorable time of my life and to have a
couple of good mates on board, well us rev heads know how special that is.
With only 300 ever made and only around 120 still existing today of the
fastest 4 door production car in the world at its time it was to be a great
day. I had been in contact with Frank Portelli prior to this day to locate
some prime examples for viewing over the easter long weekend and after
thoroughly scruitineering 5 versions I decided on the one shown here in the
photo. The car had a complete restoration in 1988 by Frank for one of his
mates but had not quite had the interior finished as the owner was sidelined
with business commitments and when viewed the vehicle had not been
registered for quite a few years with only 77,000 miles on the clock. After
a good test drive and agreeing to the purchase, the car headed back to
Frank's to finish off the final touches that only Frank and his
knowledge can do to these beasts and I headed back to SA with great
anticipation of returning to Melbourne real soon. Which puts us back to
about 5am and heading through Ballarat. As we closed in on Melbourne the sun
was starting to rise and with the excitement beginning to build what better
time for a commemorative can of Jim Beam for breakfast. On arriving at
Franks the wait was over and to see the finished project I can't praise his
work enough. A strong coffee and car loaded we farewelled to my new
friend Frank, turned about and carefully headed home. That was one long
drive but worth every kilometre of it. The car is a 10/71 build with paint
code of 6 which is vermillion fire, 3.9 diff ratio and close ratio gearbox
which I have been told is a drag pack as it was ordered for around
Melbourne. It takes a bit of getting used to driving these cars and if not
careful when feeding them the torque throws you sharply towards the other
lane, my hat goes off to the guys who raced Bathurst in these machines for
hours on end. To see heads turn at breakneck speed when passing truly
indicates how special and iconic these Aussie muscle cars really are. A
special thank you to Frank Portelli at Classic Car Detailing.
