From Show Panel Van to Legend: The V8 Interceptor's Unique Origins

Forgotten ONES - Mad Max stands as one of the most iconic films of the 20th century, captivating audiences with its post-apocalyptic narrative and thrilling car chases. Recently, the franchise welcomed a new installment, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which reignited fans' enthusiasm. Among the memorable elements of these films is the legendary car, the matt black V8 Interceptor, a symbol of power and resilience in the harsh, dystopian world of Mad Max.

The 1977 Ford XC Falcon Panel Van fitted with the original concept Arcadipane Concorde Kit part of which would later to be fitted to Mad Max's V8 Interceptor. (Picture from: Carporn in Reddit)

The V8 Interceptor made its first appearance at the climax of Mad Max and continued to play a significant role in the first half of Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. Its legacy extended into Mad Max: Fury Road, where it was transformed into the off-road, bare metal version known as the Razor Cola. This transformation added another layer to the car's storied history, enhancing its rugged appeal.

The Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe "V8 Interceptor," also known as the Pursuit Special, was built on a 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe featuring a distinctive Concorde-style nose designed by Peter Arcadipane. (Picture from: StreetMachine)

The V8 Interceptor remains a beloved icon among Mad Max fans, symbolizing the gritty, rebellious spirit of the films. Its evolution from a Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe to the rugged Razor Cola embodies the ingenuity and creativity of the designers behind the scenes. As Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga continues to captivate audiences, the legacy of the V8 Interceptor and the visionary minds that brought it to life will undoubtedly endure.

This is the Razor Cola, a bare metal version of the off-road monster and an evolution of the Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe "V8 Interceptor," featured in Mad Max: Fury Road. (Picture from: Razor Cola in Facebook)

Based on the 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe, the V8 Interceptor was a masterpiece of modification. The Main Force Patrol, the fictional police force in the film, outfitted the car with a unique front fascia designed by Peter Arcadipane. This front fascia was originally featured on the Ford XC Falcon Concorde Show Van, a unique car creation of Peter Arcadipane and Kevin Patterson, who designed the front end and handled fabrication. Initially showcased at the 1977 Melbourne International Motor Show, the car garnered significant media attention.

The Ford XC Falcon Concorde Show Van, with its unique front end designed by Peter Arcadipane and fabricated by Kevin Patterson, debuted at the 1977 Melbourne International Motor Show. (Picture from: StreetMachine)

The one-off Falcon panel van, based on a 1977 Ford XC Falcon, was painted at Sam Midgley's Automotive Painting and Restoration workshop in Coburg, Victoria. Despite its initial purpose as a showpiece, the van’s practical design resonated with audiences. Aparantly, Arcadipane's innovative design did not end with the show car. He sold the fibreglass body kit, enabling other XC panel vans to be “Concorde-ized,” thus spreading his vision beyond the original model.

The one-off Falcon panel van, built on a 1977 Ford XC Falcon, was painted at Sam Midgley's Automotive Painting and Restoration workshop in Coburg, Victoria. (Picture from: Silodrome in Facebook)

In Australia, panel vans were common but not typically luxurious or upmarket. They were utilitarian, primarily used by tradesmen like plumbers or couriers. These vehicles featured a single row of seats and ample cargo space, designed for transporting tools and materials rather than passengers. Unlike the shooting brakes, panel vans lacked through access from the cabin to the rear, solidifying their role as workhorses rather than recreational vehicles.

The Peter Arcadipane's Ford Falcon XC Concorde Panel Van, designed as a show car for Ford, featured a fibreglass bodykit that was later made available for sale, allowing any XC panel van to be transformed into a "Concorde-ized" masterpiece. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc)

Although the original Concorde show van met an unfortunate end, reportedly crushed after the 1978 Perth Motor Show, its legacy lived on through the surviving body kit moulds. These moulds preserved the innovative design and allowed for the creation of similar vehicles, ensuring that Arcadipane's work continued to inspire car enthusiasts and designers.

This is Peter Arcadipane's Ford Falcon XC Concorde Panel Van concept, which unfortunately never made it into production. (Picture from: Gashetka)

Peter Arcadipane's influence on the automotive world extended beyond Australia. Born in Italy and raised in New South Wales, Australia, Arcadipane worked as a design consultant across several countries, including the US, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. His contributions to car design, particularly in the Mad Max series, left an indelible mark on the industry. | -POSMvTeOds |

In the ever-evolving landscape of film and automotive design, the story of the one-off Falcon panel van and its next incarnation, the V8 Interceptor, showcases the power of innovation and passion. It reminds us that even in the most desolate futures, creativity and determination can produce something truly extraordinary. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THENATIONALNEWS | CARPORN | CARSTHATNEVERMADEITETC | STREETMACHINE | MADMAX.FANDOM | SILODROME ]

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