Mirror Image Machines: The Tale of Two Melbourne Fords

Two individuals in Melbourne, Australia, independently built modified 1960s Ford XR Fairmonts with numerous similar customizations, despite not knowing each other during the builds. Santo Gatto and Marcus Hume later met and discovered the coincidental similarities between their vehicles.

The Builders and Their Vehicles

The projects were undertaken separately by Santo Gatto and Marcus Hume, both residents of Melbourne.

• Santo Gatto's Vehicle: A modified 1968 Ford XR Fairmont, finished in black with blue pearl.
• Marcus Hume's Vehicle: A modified 1967 Ford XR Fairmont, finished in dark metallic green.

Vehicle Specifications and Performance

The technical specifications and recorded performance data for each vehicle are detailed below.

• Engine: 351 Cleveland, reported to produce 520 horsepower.
• Transmission: C10 automatic.
• Reported Performance: A best quarter-mile time of 10.2 seconds at 132 miles per hour. This time was achieved using track-specific modifications, including avgas, nitrous oxide, and 10-inch wide rear wheels.
• Rear Differential: Nine-inch unit with a 4.56:1 ratio.

• Engine: 351 Cleveland, reported to produce 442 horsepower.
• Transmission: Top Loader manual.
• Reported Performance: A best quarter-mile time of 12.3 seconds at 112 miles per hour, achieved in street configuration.
• Rear Differential: Nine-inch unit with a 4.3:1 ratio.
• Brakes: XY-specification DBA front discs and calipers.

Common Modifications and Key Differences

The vehicles share several specific modifications, which were implemented independently by each builder.

Shared Modifications:

• Both cars are de-badged.
• Both use Falcon tail-lights in place of the standard Fairmont units.
• Both feature sheet-metalled engine bays.
• Both have their batteries relocated to the boot (trunk).
• Both utilize similar gauge setups.

Notable Differences:

• Color, engine power output, and transmission type.
• Quarter-mile performance times.
• Rear tire width used for drag strip runs (10-inch on Gatto's car versus 8.5-inch on Hume's car).
• Santo Gatto's car uses a different intake manifold and carburetor compared to Marcus Hume's.
• Marcus Hume reported using XY-specification front disc brakes.

Background and Discovery

The builders did not know each other during the construction of their cars. They later met after Santo Gatto moved near Marcus Hume's residence and they began frequenting the same automotive businesses. Their first interaction occurred when Gatto saw Hume's vehicle at a service station and remarked that he owned a similar car.

Following their meeting, the two formed a friendship and now occasionally cruise together.

Marcus Hume was quoted describing the similarity as "amazing" and noted it was "kinda freaky, really."

Owner Statements and Anecdotes

• Both builders reported that the visual similarity between the cars sometimes leads to confusion, with people mistaking one vehicle for the other.
• Santo Gatto described his car's driving characteristics, stating it is reliable for cruising. He also noted receiving positive reactions from the public when driving.
• Marcus Hume reported past mechanical issues with his vehicle, including damage caused by an improperly modified differential and a broken gearbox input shaft.

Additional Context

• The information was first published in Street Machine magazine's "Australia's Toughest Fords #2" in 2004.
• Both builders acknowledged various individuals and businesses for their assistance with the projects.