https://greenhome.com.auMy interest in the South African Fairmont GT (SAFTGT), besides wishing to own one, is an attempt to find my Dads red Fairmont GT. After a lot of “googling” I quickly realised there is a wealth of information in various places on the internet. This site is an attempt to gather all information in one area and relaunch the forum that Boxy Rule started some years ago.
Ford South Africa would have been the original source of truth, but unfortunately records were lost when Ford moved from Port Elizabeth to Pretoria in 1986. Over the years information has been collected, therefore there may be conflicting facts and figures on this site. SAFTGT would appreciate feedback on anything that is not correct to ensure what is published is factual.
I immigrated to Australia from South Africa Durban in 1998. Since 98 I have owned 4 V8 Holden’s. I live in Melbourne and drive an SSV Redline, please do not hold that against me. Australian Fords and Holden V8 muscle cars can be compared with the best in the world. I will always admire the SA GT and always live in hope one day I will own one.
The reason for my interest in this site is that my father had 2 Fairmont GT’s in the early 70’s, the first was an orange XW and then a red XY. The XY had black stripes. As a kid I remember the rubber insert in the steering and the fact that dad would accidental set the horn off because it was soft from the strong South African sun.
He would roar up the hill towing his boat and the sound of the V8 will always remain in my head. I felt very proud when he dropped me off at school; I always made sure it was at the front gate and ensured my mates would see. I also remember dad racing my Uncle in his Alfa. Dad always lost it on the corners, but when it came to brut speed/power he would always leave the Alfa behind
Anyway back to my interest in this great web site. At that time in my dad’s life he would change his cars every 6 months, hence the short period of owning the XW and then changing it to the XY. The XY was also kept for 6-12 months, the change to a yellow Mercedes (boring). I am trying my luck in an attempt to trace Dad’s the XY, hoping it is still on the road. After reading this site I can kick myself for not taking more interested in the car at the time. I have asked my father and he has no records, no rego or who he sold it to.
My Dads GT - The Only Photos I have
Specifications I can remember
- Red XY Fairmont GT
- Black strips
- The Shaker
- The screw locks for the bonnet
- Purchased from Grosvenor Ford Pinetown – South Africa (I think)
- Possibility trade-in for a Mercedes
- Not too sure if it had air condition or power steering
- It did not have a sun roof
- I think it had a vinyl roof