GT and GTHO go up in shed fire

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local toowoomba chronicle from today

Fire destroys iconic cars
June 20, 2008
By Louise O'Keeffe

FOREST Hill resident Stephen Taylor is shattered after losing two iconic Australian cars worth an estimated $900,000 in a fire.

The cars were lost when fire gutted a storage shed on his property on Wednesday evening.

Mr Taylor lost a 1971 Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase III, one of the most expensive muscle cars in Australia.

There were only 300 GTHOs made and it is estimated that only 100 are left today. Just last year, a GTHO sold for a massive $750,000.

Mr Taylor bought his car in 1981 for $8500 from a friend who had bought it in Inverell in New South Wales.

The car was an original and unrestored model in yellow ochre with black trim. Only 37 cars were released in that particular colour.

Mr Taylor said the second Falcon was a 1971 XY GT and was valued at $150,000. He had bought it in 1979.

"I am just gutted," Mr Taylor said.

"I had to go to Ipswich Hospital on Monday with a kidney stone problem.

"My wife Marion had picked me up and we were driving home when my neighbours called me to say the garage was on fire.

"I couldn't believe how much damage there was to the cars and shed."

Police investigated the fire which it is thought was caused by an electrical fault. While both cars and the shed were insured, Mr Taylor said the cars were priceless to him.

"I had many offers to sell the HO, but I was never interested in the money," he said. "I don't know if I will buy another Phase III. But I am sure I will get another XY."

Mr Taylor said he treasured the help from his neighbours who rushed to the shed in Tarantall Road.

"Brett and Joel Anderson and Philip and Michaela Hannants were just so wonderful," he said.