Intriguingly, the Ford Falcon Phase 3 GTHO once claimed to be the fastest-production four-door sedan in 1971. Today, it would be slaughtered in a drag race by family SUVs and hot hatches.

In the Blue corner, Allan Moffat and Dick Johnson long flew the Ford flag while Holden stalwarts Peter Brock and Craig Lowndes led the General’s army of loyal followers.

The Ford Falcon (light blue) remains popular and is the third most common car on the state’s roads. It tops the list in 18 Melbourne postcodes.

Even if Ford Australia couldn’t make it work, the 300+ signalled the intent of a then-new boss, Geoff Polites, to turn around the Blue Oval’s fortunes – a promise he fulfilled.