XP Falcon a first love for Falzon

By Marc McGowan
NARRE Warren panel beater Darren Falzon has a strong attachment to his first car and has no plans of anyone else getting behind the wheel of it.
Mr Falzon’s pride and joy is his 1966 XP Ford Falcon and he took the keys to the vintage model 21 years ago for just $300.
“I just saw it and saw an opportunity to grab a car at 15 [years of age],” he said. “I’ve completely restored it. It took about twoandahalf years. I stuck a V8 in, changed the interior, the colour, the running gear, the wheels; basically all of it.”
The XP remained his every day vehicle for a while after gaining his licence, before becoming his second choice and it is now fourth in line, but he still loves it.
“I’d be lucky to do 100 kays a year in it now. It used to be in showroom condition, but it still looks good,” Mr Falzon, who owns Falzon Repair Centre in Dandenong, said.
“I won’t sell it; it won’t be leaving me in a hurry. I wouldn’t want to see anyone else drive it.”
It seldom leaves the garage other than for car shows these days, but he still notices the difference between driving the XP and cruising around on his Harley.
“I enjoy driving it – you get noticed more in the XP,” he laughed.
“The Harley’s at home, the XP is at home and I have an [Ford Falcon] AU Wagon, E.B. Ford and an old [Holden] HQ Ute. I have an [Ford] F100 as well.”
While he is enamoured with the fourwheeled machine, it is also the satisfaction of completing a project that drives his restoring work.
“Just seeing the finished product and the smile it puts on your face, and knowing you’ve done a good job,” Mr Falzon said.
>>> Have you got a gem in your garage? It can be a shiny new machine or a muchloved classic. Get your car into Me and My Car by phoning 5945 0666 or by contacting the Gazette at editorstarnewsgroup.com.au on email.