Ever wondered what sort of cars V8 Supercar drivers drive when they aren’t on track? I’m not talking about utes or SUVs that are loaned to them, but rather vehicles that they willingly choose to buy or build. Well wonder no more because this XB Falcon Coupe belongs to Tickford driver Cam Waters. He’s been in the game for over a decade and is a consistent front runner, establishing himself as Tickford’s lead man. He’s got behind the wheel of many different cars, not just his Monster Mustang because he’s a proper wheelman who just loves racing.
I grew up in a Holden family. Dad had owned many and was a staunch supporter of them throughout the history of Australian touring car racing. Whilst I still prefer Holden, I can’t knock the Fords and in all honesty, I don’t mind the Falcon Coupe. It’s a proper muscle car but factory originals aren’t necessarily the best handling, so this car is equipped with meaty tyres, modern Willwood brakes and modern suspension that provides comfort and stability. It’s a full-on restomod with a modified 6 litre (369 cubic inch) V8 Supercar engine producing 745 HP, managed by a Haltech ECU and finished with a custom exhaust system that’s powder coated in a curious bronze-matte colour.
The exterior colour is Amethyst Metallic and it’s distinctive purple hues are not a common sight at the best of times… let alone on an old Ford like this one. It’s a Porsche colour that Cam really liked and I’m happy he chose it because a dark purple colour feels more grown up and more exciting than a pure black car ala Mad Max. The wheels are painted in the same colour as the exhuast system, adding to the street machine vibe that Cam was going for.
A few neat details taken from the Ring Brother’s playbook are the tucked bumpers, modern light fixtures and a full one-piece front grill. Instead of big, protruding chrome bumpers that disturb the line flow, the tucked bumpers make for a much cleaner, modern look that’s more inline with the cars of today. Same goes for the front grill, which used to be three seperate pieces on the original car. The modern light fixtures accentuate the old style without coming off as insulting to the standard design. One last piece that Cam decided on was a period-style front splitter with holes painted in a very dark grey.
The interior is a simple affair with a Haltech dash, FG Falcon ute seats and a tonne of alcantara – a much better material for a driver’s car than leather. Underneath the dashboard are 3 pedals because this car is equipped with a manual gearbox like a V8 Supercar. Carrying this component into your own custom street car establishes a deeper connection with the machine, thus maximising the driving pleasure. It just makes sense for a man who loves machines. However, the car also has air-conditioning because you can’t enjoy something like this when you’re hot and bothered.
Whatever your opinion on Cam Waters, you can’t deny that this is one of the best XBs you’ll ever come across. I’m a fan because the car is built to be driven on the street, not paraded around the country without ever turning a wheel. Making a car that can run and drive on pump fuel is instantly cooler than a showcar which is totally irrational for road use.
DevMacCars 