Mark Dalmond’s 1970 Ford Falcon XW

Restoring classic Falcons isn’t something new to Mark Dalmond. Having already built 13 XY Falcons over the years, his experience runs deep, and his standards are high. When it came time to take on a different project, Mark decided to build a 1970 Ford Falcon XW, not just another car to add to his garage, but his best build yet.

With a strong appreciation for classic Australian muscle, Mark wanted this project to stand out, combining performance, craftsmanship, and timeless style into one complete package.

A humble barn find

Mark found the Falcon XW in Gympie back in 2016, tucked away as a genuine barn find. The car had a bit of history, having been owned by just a few people before him. The previous owner had kept it in a shed for 35 years, and with only 65,000 miles on the clock, the car remained remarkably original.

The body was straight and relatively rust-free, with only a couple of small rust spots near the rear window. For a car of its age, it was the ideal foundation for a full restoration.

Building the ultimate XW

From the outset, the goal was clear. This wasn’t going to be a basic rebuild, it was going to be Mark’s best build to date.

At the heart of the project sits a powerful combination, Boss 351 Windsor block paired with a 427 crate motor sourced from Ford Racing in the United States. This setup delivers serious performance while staying true to the spirit of the classic Ford muscle.

The build also features a Tremec 5-speed gearbox, a 31-spline Truetrac disc rear end, and a PWR radiator to handle the added performance. The car sits lower thanks to King Springs with reset rears, supported by Koni adjustable shocks and a 30mm sway bar for improved handling. Tough mounts, ceramic-coated headers, and a fully purged exhaust system by Reaper Engineering complete the performance package.

Bodywork and Paint: Bringing Back Tru Blu

Once stripped back, the Falcon was bead blasted to remove years of wear and prepare it for restoration. From there, it was sent to GC Paintmasters, where James and Di took on the task of bringing the car back to life.

The result is a stunning finish in the classic Tru Blu, a colour that perfectly complements the XW’s iconic shape. The quality of the paintwork reflects the level of care and attention that went into every stage of the build.

7 years in the making

After painting, the car was returned to Mark’s shed, where the real work began. Over the next seven years, the Falcon was carefully reassembled piece by piece.

Every nut and bolt was either replaced, restored, or cleaned. The interior was fully treated with Dynamat, providing sound deadening and a more refined driving experience. This stage required patience and dedication, as Mark methodically worked through each component to ensure everything met his standards.

It wasn’t a rushed process. Instead, it was a labour of love, with every detail carefully considered and executed.

Details that define the build

The finishing touches bring the entire build together. The Falcon sits on polished Simmons wheels, sized 19×10 at the rear and 19×8 at the front, giving it a strong, aggressive stance while maintaining a clean, classic look.

A Brown Davis-polished alloy drop tank adds both function and visual appeal, while the car’s overall presentation reflects the balance between performance and refinement that Mark set out to achieve.

A Personal Touch to the Collection

Mark’s decision to build an XW also stemmed from a desire for something different in his collection. With most of his previous builds focused on XY Falcons, this project offered a new challenge while still staying within the Ford family.

He also mentions that his other V8 doesn’t have a roof, making this “tin top” a welcome addition, something practical that still delivers the full classic muscle-car experience.

What Makes the XW Special

For Mark, the appeal of the Falcon XW goes beyond just performance or looks. It’s the body shape and the driving experience that stand out the most. He describes them as incredibly easy to drive, which adds to their charm and usability.

That combination of style, comfort, and power is what makes the XW such an enduring favourite among Australian car enthusiasts.

Admiring the finished result

What started as a barn find in Gympie has become a meticulously restored and heavily refined 1970 Ford Falcon XW. With years of work behind it and a clear vision guiding every decision, the car now stands as a true representation of Mark Dalmond’s passion and expertise.

This isn’t just another restoration. It’s the result of experience, patience, and a commitment to building something exceptional, one that honours the legacy of the Falcon while pushing it to a new level in a new era.