The Ford Mustang GT holds a unique place in Australian touring car history, thanks to its connection with legendary driver Dick Johnson. Over 40 years ago, in 1984, Johnson and his backer Ross Palmer (Palmer Tube Mills) imported a pair of Zakspeed-built Mustangs from Germany to compete in Australia's first season under Group A regulations.
That year, Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) fielded both a Group C Ford XE Falcon and a Group A Ford Mustang GT in the Bathurst 1000. While Johnson and co-driver John French started 4th on the grid with the Falcon, the underpowered #71 Ford Mustang GT struggled in qualifying, securing 48th position. However, it was entered as a backup car in case of another disaster like Johnson’s infamous 1983 Hardies Heroes crash. In the end, the Mustang was officially withdrawn before race day, making it the only non-starter in the 64-car field.
The Mustang did see race action later that year, with John French competing in a support event at Surfers Paradise, before the car was repainted in Johnson’s iconic Green #17 livery for the 1985 Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC).
This 1/18 diecast replica represents this significant piece of DJR history, representing a transitional period as Australian touring car racing embraced Group A regulations.
