Owned by Tom McMahon
Some cars tell stories, and Tom’s 1969 XW Ford Falcon is a rolling piece of family history. Bathed in Candy Apple Red with a crisp white roof, this Falcon carries decades of nostalgia, from its origins with a long-time family friend to the dusty farm shed in Tocumwal, NSW, where it sat untouched for seven years. When Tom and his dad, Dave, rescued it in April 2012, they knew they were bringing something special back to life.
By early 2013, after tackling the usual roadworthy fixes, the Falcon was cruising once more under a club permit. But Tom and Dave weren’t stopping at just getting it running—they added their own flair, fitting a classic visor, painting the steel rims white, adding bullet centers, and wrapping them in whitewall tyres. Inside, bucket seats from a ’59 Mercedes add a unique touch, blending comfort with retro charm. The final flourish? A playful nod to the past with Coca-Cola rep decals from 1969, turning this Falcon into a rolling tribute to an era when these cars ruled Aussie roads.At just 12 years old, Tom is already counting the days until he gets his learner’s permit, eager to take the wheel of the car he and his dad have started to restore. For now, it’s a father-son project that keeps them both connected to the road and the memories built along the way.
