A Red Pepper 1970s Ford XA GT Falcon, untouched for over 30 years, was airlifted by crane for a long-awaited public display.
A long-dormant piece of Australian muscle car history took flight—literally—when a rare Ford XA GT Falcon sedan was hoisted 30 feet into the air by crane after spending more than three decades sealed away in a backyard shed.
The bold Red Pepper Falcon, nicknamed “Mothball,” had been tucked away by its owner since 1987, after purchasing it for just $5,000 AUD. The car sat virtually untouched for 30 years, hidden behind fences, vegetation, and a backyard pool, making traditional removal impossible.
YouTuber Glenn Everitt, host of Man and Machine, captured the rescue operation in a recent episode. With the vehicle now destined for public display, Everitt and his team arranged for a crane to carefully extract the classic muscle car from its overgrown tomb.
To begin the delicate process, a section of the shed wall was removed. A platform was then lowered into the backyard via crane, and the long-stored GT Falcon was gently rolled onto it before being lifted high above the treetops to safety.
The XA GT Falcon is a revered symbol of Australian muscle car culture. Produced in the early 1970s, the GT variant featured performance-tuned engines, upgraded suspension, and sporty styling. Once retrieved, the Falcon emerged covered in dust and grime, its red paint dulled by decades of hibernation—but its bones appeared remarkably intact.
“I never expected to see it out in the daylight again,” said Pat, the car’s longtime owner.
Now headed for a full clean-up and eventual display, the Falcon’s story is a testament to both the enduring appeal of classic muscle and the lengths enthusiasts will go to preserve automotive heritage—sometimes requiring a little heavy lifting.
