The Bathurst 1000 said goodbye to the the Ford Falcon on Sunday, with the iconic vehicle driving its last lap at Mount Panorama before Mustangs takes over next year.
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It brings an end to over 50 years of history, with Harry Firth and Bob Jane driving the Falcon to its first victory at Mount Panorama back in 1962.
In 2019, the beloved vehicle is set to be replaced by the two-door Mustang.
The Falcon has provided the Bathurst 1000 with some of its most memorable moments, so understandably fans are sad to see the Falcon go.
Ford fan Justin Rychlik recalls his fondest memory of the Falcon back in 2006, the year Craig Lowndes and Jamie Wincup won together in the BA Falcon.
“I’d say in 2006 when they did the tribute for Peter Brock, even though he was Holden driver, he was a favourite to everyone,” he said.
“Seeing his very close friend and a mentor to him, Craig Lowndes, winning the first trophy for that year, it was really good.”
Mr Rychlik said he’s not the biggest fan of the Mustang
“I’m not a big fan, I’m old school. I like just Ford and Holden, none of these Mercedes or Nissans,” he said.
“I’m interested to see what [the other manufacturers] bring to the plate.”
Mr Rychlik’s father John previously worked for Ford, so he’s seen the company go through many changes in the past.
He fondly remembers the Ford XD Falcon era, in the earlier 1980s.
“For me, the 1980s were the pinical [of the Ford Falcon]. That’s when I started working for them,” he said.
“I’ve seen the industry change throughout the years, with the cars a lot more safer than they use to be. The drivers have improved and it’s much tighter competition.
“There’s been progression throughout the years and you have to move forward. You can either accept it or not.”
Chris Gorton was at his second Bathurst 1000 and first since 2009.
He said it’s been great to see the Ford Falcons go around Mount Panorama for the last time.
“The Mustang is going to take some getting use to,” he said.
“The good old Ford Falcon versus Holden Commodore days are over, unfortunately.
“It’s still motor sport and it still has four wheels and an engine in it, so I still love it.”
Prior to the 2018 Bathurst 1000, a Ford Falcon was driven to victory 15 times.
Allan Moffat is the most successful Ford Falcon driver, winning four times.
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