Max’s black Pursuit Special, often called the V8 Interceptor, is based on a 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Hardtop/Coupe. The movie car’s black finish, distinctive front end and prominent supercharger are custom features—not a separate factory Ford model called the “Interceptor.”
Which car is Mad Max’s Interceptor?
The black car Max drives in Mad Max is a customized 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT coupe. Ford’s retrospective identifies it as an XB Falcon GT 351, while specialist vehicle-history and replica sources describe the base as an XB GT Hardtop/Coupe. Mad Max Movies’ vehicle history and Ford’s film retrospective support the identification.
“Interceptor” is the familiar nickname; the car is also called the Pursuit Special in the franchise. The term can cause confusion because the opening chase features a different vehicle driven by Nightrider. Max’s black Falcon is the subject of this article.
What was changed for the film?
The production car was transformed from its Falcon base into the striking black machine seen on screen. Its recognizable details include a black finish, a Concorde-style front-end treatment and a conspicuous supercharger. Ford also singles out the supercharger in its retrospective. These are visual and production modifications; the available sources do not establish a reliable horsepower figure or confirm the blower’s mechanical operation.
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- 1:25 scale, skill level 2, paint & glue required
- 84 parts
- Molded in white, clear, and some chrome-plated parts
- Black vinyl tires
- Metal axle
The car’s famous “last of the V8s” description comes from Barry’s dialogue in the film. It is a line of fiction, not a verified technical specification. The Mad Max Wiki reproduces the line, but its transcription should not be treated as an authoritative production record.
Could you build or display a version?
There are two broad routes: a scale display model or a full-size replica. A specialist replica guide identifies an XB coupe as the practical base for a full-size conversion. That establishes the donor-car category, not the price, parts compatibility or difficulty of a particular build.
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- 1/24 scale diecast model of 1964 Ford Falcon Dynasty Green Metallic.
- Real rubber tires for added realism.
- True-to-scale detail enhances authenticity.
- Detailed interior and exterior for collectors.
- Officially licensed product ensures quality.
Hachette Collections has documented a Ford-licensed 1:8 scale replica of a customized 1973 Falcon XB GT in its product document. That confirms the model category existed, but does not establish whether it is currently sold or what a present listing contains.
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- 1960 Ford Falcon Ranchero Pickup 1/24 by Motormax 79321
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What to remember about the Interceptor
- Max’s black Pursuit Special is based on a 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Hardtop/Coupe.
- “Interceptor” is a nickname for the customized movie car, not the name of a distinct factory Ford model.
- The film version’s signature appearance comes from its black finish, distinctive front end and visible supercharger.
- The Nightrider’s opening-chase car is separate from Max’s black Falcon.
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