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2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41
At the time of the release of Mad Max, created in Australia, filmmakers did not yet have huge budgets. Therefore, the still novice actor Mel Gibson got behind the wheel of a model that was quite popular at that time - the Ford Falcon GT. For filming, the car was slightly modified to look more like the car of the future. And it was this realism that made Ford one of the most recognizable muscle cars in the history of world cinema.
History of the creation of the model
The Ford Falcon GT is truly a legendary model. Millions of people around the world have admired this model since the release of the first Mad Max movie. In the movies, the chase scenes of the reckless Max were especially inspired, so many motorists wanted to get such a unit at one time.
It's worth noting that the first Mad Max was a low-budget movie. Therefore, it was used as a props from the most popular models at that time. The car was equipped with different body kits and all models, in fact, were absolutely different. But this does not in the least detract from the merits of the American supercar. Even then, a powerful power unit was hidden under the hood of the car, which could not be brought to the vastness of the Soviet Union. Another feature of the car was that it was not new. Due to the cut budget, filmmakers had to use decommissioned police cars.
It is noteworthy that in the film the car does not appear in its best form. His salon is filled with various rubbish, and in the first scene, the model is disassembled for parts. Plus the body of the American is covered with rust. After that, the car was equipped with new wheels, and the car itself received the nickname "Razor Cola". Next, a crew of three traveled in it. After the film, the car appeared in the computer game of the same name, which added to the popularity of the model. The car was given out as a bonus after winning.
Design
Externally, the car looked to match the film. The model is distinguished by an angular body, large rectangular headlights and a complete absence of a radiator grill. The latter was covered with a special plastic cover. This was done in order to protect the car from road dust during long journeys. The main feature of the model is the presence of the famous supercharger on the front hood. As conceived, it should increase the engine power by almost three times.
From the side, the model looked like traditional muscle cars of the time. The car's appearance was swift and frightening in places. The car was made in a coupe body, so it had only two doors. The side windows are not very large. It is also worth noting the presence of special air intakes near the rear wheel arches. The American's stern was slightly raised. In this part, the car was equipped with larger tires. There was also an original spoiler, quadratic optics and the almost complete absence of any relief.
Specifications
Under the hood of the car was a 5.0-liter power unit with a capacity of just over 300 horsepower. For filming, the car has been re-tuned with wider tires, a spoiler, additional side exhaust pipes, a new bumper with headlight mask, and the famous Weiand 8-71 supercharger. The latter had a belt drive and a characteristic flattened air intake, which sucked in air with a whistle. As Ford mechanics used to say, not much remained of the production version of the car. The model was turned into a real monster on wheels. Unlike other cars in the film, the Ford Falcon GT was painted black and received a redesigned interior. In the latter, everything was unified in accordance with the future.
Car cost today
Car fans can still buy a bespoke model. You can purchase a specialized version or assemble the car yourself by ordering a special kit from Australia. The choice of the buyer is provided with various spoilers, overlays on the fenders, including the famous mask for the front of the car, which was developed by a designer from Ford. You can also purchase a custom exhaust and a number of exterior elements: a siren, which is prohibited for use in private cars, a radio console and a blue beacon. Such "wealth" will cost about $ 40,000, which is equivalent to 2.9 million rubles. More detailed versions of the legendary car will cost buyers $ 100,000 or 7.25 million rubles.
After filming the picture, the car was briefly forgotten. The car was brought back to life three years later, when it was decided to shoot a sequel to the film. Most of the rust was left on the car, and the body got new damage. After filming ended, the car was acquired by Bob Forsenko, who restored it and donated it to the Automobile Museum in England. Therefore, unfortunately, it will not be possible to purchase the "cinematic" version.