This BA Falcon XR8 has been modified into a coupe with a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 under the skin. AT FIRST glance it simply looks like a tastefully modified BA Falcon XR8, but theres something not quite right. Look closer and any Ford enthusiast will spot it. Why are there only two doors? Ford never offered a coupe version of its BA Falcon, so Melbourne company Dreamtech has done the job for them. It has produced just two examples of these bespoke coupes, and Rapid Yellow supercharged example on the Sunshine Coast, ready for this years Ford Total Performance Car Show on December 12 at Pacific Ford, Maroochydore. “We thought wed try to build something a bit different,” Graeme Scott from Dreamtech said, who usually specialise in stretch limousine conversions. No stranger to the BA Falcon model, the firm have stretched these sedans to seat 11 passengers in rock star opulence. “Before we start any conversion, we work out if its possible to make the car ADR-compliant,” Graeme explained. “If its not, we wont build it. The hardest part of the BA Coupe build was ensuring the side impact protection complied, but we managed it and the car can be registered in any Australian state.” As youd imagine, the coupe conversion job was not a simple one. The ‘B pillars have been moved 250mm rearwards, the chassis has been reinforced internally and new doors have been manufactured 250mm longer to suit. Then there was the need for new custom door trims, rear trims, windows, weather strips, door rubbers and headlining. Such exclusivity doesnt come easily. BA Coupe Number One was shown by Dreamtech at the Melbourne International Motor Show in 2003, and was received very positively. “The man who originally penned the BA Falcon came and chatted with us at the show, and said wed done a good job of it,” Graeme said. “It was nice to hear that from him, and we think its because we stayed faithful to his design.” This yellow example is the more extrovert of the two Coupes produced, with myriad performance features. A Vortech supercharger helps the V8 put out 300kW at the rear wheels, while lowered suspension and a Ford GT-P Brembo big brake kit ensures it is a talented all-rounder. Visually, a DJR body kit and 20-inch wheels offer eye-catching show style, backed up by a custom leather interior and an extensive entertainment system for the BA Coupes cabin and boot. Should Ford have produced a two-door BA Falcon? Judging by the feedback the answer is yes. VITAL STATISTICS Owners: James Ware and Graeme Scott. Model: Dreamtech BA Coupe (based on 2002 Ford Falcon BA XR8). Details: ADR-compliant Falcon BA sedan modified into Coupe body style. Number built: Two. Engine: Ford 5.4-litre V8 DOHC with aftermarket Vortech supercharger. Transmission: Ford five-speed manual. Performance: 300kW at the rear wheels. Model value/cost: Approx. $35,000 not including the donor car. Did you know? Ford spent more than $500 million developing the BA Falcon, but offered no Coupe to rival Holdens 2001-2005 Monaro.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 09:53:39 +0000