Peter Brock, one of Australia’s most iconic motorsport figures, is often synonymous with Holden. His association with the Holden brand is legendary, but his relationship with Ford is less widely known. While Brock is often seen as a figurehead for the iconic Holden Commodore range, particularly through his success at the Bathurst 1000, his brief and somewhat unexpected partnership with Ford during his career marked an important chapter in both Brock’s and Ford Australia’s history.
1. Introduction: Peter Brock’s Motorsport Legacy and Relationship with Holden
Before diving into his relationship with Ford, it’s important to briefly understand Peter Brock’s extraordinary legacy in motorsport. Nicknamed “King of the Mountain,” Brock’s name became almost synonymous with the Holden brand, especially with his record-breaking victories at the Bathurst 1000. Brock’s connection to Holden began in the early 1960s and lasted for much of his career. His success in touring car racing was pivotal in establishing Holden as a dominant force in the Australian motorsport scene, particularly at the iconic Mount Panorama circuit at Bathurst.
Brock’s involvement with Holden was so intertwined with his career that, in the eyes of many, he became synonymous with the Holden Commodore. His achievements in motorsport include nine wins at the Bathurst 1000, a variety of championship titles, and his development of the famous A9X Torana and later the Commodore Group A series for Holden Special Vehicles (HSV).
However, Peter Brock was not always loyal to Holden, nor did he have an exclusive relationship with the company. His career witnessed several pivotal moments of independence, especially during a brief yet significant stint with Ford Australia in the 1990s.
2. How the Relationship with Ford Came to Be
The early 1990s were a period of change for both Brock and Ford. After his long-standing involvement with Holden and their motorsport programs, Brock faced a period of uncertainty in his career in the wake of Holden’s decision to move away from factory-supported motorsport in the late 1980s. This decision to cut ties with Brock’s factory racing program left him seeking new opportunities.
For Ford, the 1990s marked a shift in how they approached motorsport and high-performance cars. Ford Australia, seeing the success Holden had with the HSV performance division and their partnerships with renowned drivers, sought ways to elevate their presence in the competitive touring car scene. To do this, Ford needed a driver with a proven track record and the charisma to connect with the Australian public. Enter Peter Brock.
2.1. The Beginning of the Partnership: The Ford Falcon EB
In 1990, Brock was brought in by Ford Australia to help develop a range of high-performance models based on the Ford Falcon EB. Ford was looking to introduce the Falcon EB GT to the market, and they wanted a figurehead that had both technical expertise and an iconic status in Australian motorsport.
Brock’s expertise in motorsport engineering made him an ideal candidate. He was involved in the development of the EB Falcon GT, a car that was intended to rival Holden’s most popular performance models, including the HSV Commodore. Brock played a significant role in tuning the Falcon’s suspension, handling, and overall performance. His expertise helped refine the car’s setup, making it better suited for both everyday driving and motorsport use.
The Ford Falcon EB GT, launched in 1992, was the car that Brock helped bring to life. While it didn’t have the same raw performance figures as some of the other cars in the segment, it did showcase Brock’s ability to transform a mass-market vehicle into a desirable performance car. It featured a 5.0-litre V8 engine that produced 185 kW of power, a significant improvement over the base Falcon models. The EB GT, however, was not as successful in the market as Ford had hoped, partly due to its timing and the challenging market conditions for large sedans in the 1990s.
Despite the EB Falcon GT’s modest sales, Brock’s partnership with Ford was cemented, and the two continued to work together on a few more projects during the 1990s.
3. The Falcon AU GT and Further Collaborations
After the modest success of the EB Falcon GT, Ford sought to rebrand and rejuvenate its performance offerings. In the late 1990s, Ford shifted to the Falcon AU platform, which offered a completely revamped look, design, and feel. Once again, Ford turned to Brock to help develop a new performance model.
4. Peter Brock’s Involvement with the Ford Falcon XR8 and XR6
While Brock’s role in developing the EB GT is perhaps the most famous of his contributions to the Ford range, he also played a role in enhancing the broader Falcon XR lineup, including the XR6 and XR8 models. These cars were marketed as sportier versions of the Falcon and were designed to appeal to a broader range of buyers.
Brock helped refine the performance aspects of the XR6 and XR8 to create vehicles that could be enjoyed both on the road and at track days. His input helped improve their suspension and handling, ensuring they could compete with the rising popularity of high-performance sedans in Australia.
However, despite Brock’s involvement in the development of these models, Ford’s broader sales strategy for the Falcon lineup during the late 1990s faced challenges. It was becoming increasingly difficult for Ford to sell sedans in a market that was shifting toward more compact and fuel-efficient vehicles. The XR6 and XR8 models enjoyed a dedicated fan base but never achieved the sales figures that their competitors from Holden or Mitsubishi were enjoying.
5. Why the Relationship Ended
Peter Brock’s involvement with Ford came to an end due to a combination of factors. One key reason was the market pressures faced by both Ford and Brock during this time.
- Declining Sales of Large Sedans: As the 1990s progressed, the Australian car market was evolving. Consumer preferences were shifting toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, and large sedans like the Falcon began to lose their appeal. This directly impacted sales of Ford’s performance sedans, which struggled to achieve the same level of sales success as their competitors.
- Brock’s Growing Discontent: By the end of the 1990s, Brock became increasingly disillusioned with his relationship with Ford. He had a long and storied connection with Holden, and his personal affinity for the brand began to outweigh his work with Ford. Brock also had an ongoing desire to push for better motorsport participation, which wasn’t fully realized with Ford, leading him to return to Holden in the early 2000s.
- Ford’s Changing Priorities: Ford Australia’s priorities began to shift in the 2000s, with a greater emphasis on global product strategies and partnerships. The performance market, particularly for large sedans, was becoming increasingly competitive, and Ford began to re-evaluate its approach. The focus on motorsport began to wane, with the company turning toward more mass-market vehicles, and Brock’s role in this new direction became less central.
6. The Legacy of Peter Brock’s Relationship with Ford
Although the partnership was short-lived, the collaboration between Peter Brock and Ford Australia helped shape some memorable cars in the history of Australian performance vehicles. The EB Falcon GT and EL Falcon GT are still regarded as significant milestones in the development of Australian muscle cars. Brock’s input on these models helped bring a level of finesse and performance that reflected his vast experience in motorsport.
Brock’s time with Ford also cemented his status as a versatile figure in the Australian automotive world. Despite his close ties to Holden, his brief collaboration with Ford showcased his ability to adapt and innovate, making significant contributions to both brands.
7. Conclusion
Peter Brock’s relationship with Ford may not have been as long-lasting or as widely celebrated as his association with Holden, but it remains a fascinating chapter in both his career and the history of Australian performance cars.