Paul Agius's 1964 Ford XM Falcon, named Gracie, is a stunning restoration project. The car's name has a unique story, reflecting the class and elegance of the 1960s era. Gracie was acquired as an unfinished project, but Paul saw its potential and focused on improving the driveline and adding finishing touches. The engine was upgraded with a 347ci Windsor, resulting in 570hp, which is plenty for an XM sedan. The car's suspension and brakes were also enhanced, and the interior was given a full refurbish with a rich burgundy retrim and color-matched inertia-reel seatbelts. The four-link rear suspension transformed Gracie's manners, and the car now drives better than ever. The visual cues of the 15x9-inch Weld V-Series rims and 17x4s up front paired with 26x6.00R17 and 275/60R15 tires hint at the potential hiding beneath the Falcon's dazzling Wimbledon White paintwork and acres of polished chrome trim. Paul is already working on another project, a 1999 ZK Fairlane, which will also be a stunner. The big question is, what will this one be named? Personally, I think the sentimental value of these cars makes their names less important than the stories behind them. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way Paul has transformed Gracie into a true work of art, while also respecting the original car's integrity. In my opinion, the key to a successful restoration is finding the perfect balance between enhancing the car's performance and preserving its original charm. From my perspective, Paul has achieved this balance with Gracie, and I can't wait to see what he does with his next project.
