The Future Of Sprint With The Next Generation : Numbers?

I was going back reading a few things in the forum and got to Norms wonderful page on the build numbers for Sprint in PP, NZ and AUS build. Just fantastic these records are being kept safe for future generations who will undoubtedly have many questions about Sprint. Growing up, I had many questions about GTHO that took some real detective work and pouring through magazines to get the answers over many years. I got to contemplating a few things and started to wonder if, like Sprint now, such detailed archives exist for all the other Falcons through the decades. Specifically, I'm thinking about GTHO in all the Phases. Perhaps the important one is the Phase 3. Does Norm or Ian, or anyone here, know or have access to how many of these fabled machines were created compared to how many still exist in driveable form today? I know the stats on the 'still living' ones may certainly be hard to get or at best be an intelligent guesstimate. They exist in detail for the Phase 4 of course but what about Phase 3?

I think it is important to contemplate this because this could be a portent of the future regarding Sprint in many decades to come. Sure, times are VERY different, the cars are very different and some of the factors that led to GTHO popularity are not present now AND some of the factors that have destroyed many GTHOs (i.e. racing) may not be applied to sprint from this point on. Still, I think that the story and numbers applying to Hoey could be one of the best comparators going forward for Sprint.

So, does anyone know: a) original build numbers for GTHO (P1, 2 and/or 3)? - if not then best guesstimates? b) how many might still be breathing?

If we know the answers to both a) and b) we may see what the future holds for Sprint - with a reasonable margin for generational differences and/or errors of course!

P.S: I was going to include XC Cobra and XE Fairmont Ghia ESP 5.8 in the above but Cobra was only a visual pack (am I wrong?) and XE ESP, while a first for Ford after GTHO, didn't have any motor mods - only the Bilstein struts, Scheel seats and a visual pack. Worthy collectible editions to be sure (I'd love one of each!!) but not in the league of Hoey or Sprint. The only other 'different' model since then was EB GT and I think it a bit too recent to count. If not, what do you think?

Call me crazy, but I think that not knowing the exact information regarding build numbers etc can sometimes add to the mystique of a car.

Hear me out. You are down at the pub in 20 years time and your group of mates start talking about Sprints. What are you going to talk about? The conversation will go something like, "Did you know there were 25 manual Sprints made in white." All of you mates will reply, "Yeah, we know that already."

There will be no conjecture, no difference of opinion - nothing to call your mates out on.

RPO83 was a pretty significant model, as was the Cobra, while some were sticker packs there was the homolgation vehicles produces
The ESP also important
Then you move into the T series cars and all the FPVs
It could be a long list

Oh and don't forget the XR GTs , I actually saw what they believe is the last remaining Gallagher Silver painted XR GT on the weekend
List could be endless

This site lists them all:

http://www.gt351.com.au/gtcolorcodes.php

On Phase 3's I believe approx 180 of the 300 built still survive in one shape or another.

That means there's 120 or so expensive beer coasters floating around.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 4Vman

On Phase 3's I believe approx 180 of the 300 built still survive in one shape or another.

That means there's 120 or so expensive beer coasters floating around.

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and I thought there was 600 of the original 300 still on the road

Its a good point PG2.
Ford have archived all the info so it will be accessible I expect ??
The other thing is to have ALL the pre press release's etcetc....thats the fun part seeing in years/decades later what actually went to print and ended up as truth or not.
Some punters have been collecting data.

On another note regards my own #255, I have ALL the facts for whatever my kids ever do with Black Night when I'm gone.

Check out some of the colors!!!

Royal Umber Phase 3:

http://www.aus-ford-uk.co.uk/assets/...l_Umber_P3.jpg

XWGTHO Production

XW GTHO: 260 (Windsor HO)
XW GTHO 1.5: 115 (Cleveland HO)
XW GTHO 2: 287 (Phase 2)

Total XWGTHO: 662

XY GTHO: 300

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FTe217

Its a good point PG2.
Ford have archived all the info so it will be accessible I expect ??
The other thing is to have ALL the pre press release's etcetc....thats the fun part seeing in years/decades later what actually went to print and ended up as truth or not.
Some punters have been collecting data.

On another note regards my own #255, I have ALL the facts for whatever my kids ever do with Black Night when I'm gone.

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I've done what I can too, taken all the online reviews, stories, pics and videos and saved to my computer. Also laminated all of the stickers and bits of paper that came through from Ford with my car, build #141. I also have 4 Sprint brochures in hard copy and the online soft copy saved. I have both versions of the online brochure - the original AND the amended one they issued after the mistake was spotted and they fixed the spec on the XR6 re the sound system. Have I missed anything FTe? If so let me know as I'd like to leave absolutely everything of importance to my kids if I toddle off the mortal coil prematurely! If not the kids then at least whomever becomes the new lucky owner, either before I'm deaded or after!