Rare early AU Falcon AU V8 Supercar heads to auction
A rare early example of a Ford Falcon AU V8 Supercar is set to fetch attention in an upcoming sale on My105. This historic race car, often referred to as JBMS 000, represents one of the first AU era chassis built by On Track Engineering in collaboration with Ford’s racing program. Its lineage traces a direct line from Briggs Motor Sport to top-tier teams, capturing a pivotal moment in the evolution of Australian touring car racing.
From Phillip Island to the Shell Championship Series
Constructed and campaigned in period by John Briggs Motor Sport, the car debuted at the Phillip Island round early in 1999. Briggs then campaigned it through the 1999 season in the familiar Supercheap Auto colours, a period when the AU Falcons were just beginning to define a new era of V8 racing in Australia. At the time, the field was tighter than today, with only 11 AU Falcons racing in what was then known as the Shell Championship Series and a notable handful debuting on the same weekend.
Ownership changes and notable appearances
After its initial campaign, the car changed hands to Toll Racing and later saw stints with Anthony Tratt from 2000 to 2002. A landmark moment came at the 2001 Bathurst 1000, where Tratt teamed with Formula 1 world champion Alan Jones as co-driver. This race highlighted the endurance capabilities of the chassis and underscored its significance in the Australian touring car narrative. The full period history is documented in V8 Sleuth’s The Falcon Chronicles, which tracks the car’s journey through multiple teams and notable races.
Mechanical refresh and modern features
Per the My105 listing, the car has recently undergone a refresh, with the five-litre V8 engine fully rebuilt and prepared for track use. While the core identity remains rooted in the 1999 configuration, the car now benefits from modern functionality, including launch control and traction control—features that would have been unimaginable during its 1999 debut era. This blend of authentic period race history with contemporary performance tech adds a unique layer of intrigue for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Preserved aero and provenance
The vehicle retains its distinctive 1999 Supercheap Auto livery and, crucially, its original AU Falcon V8 Supercars front aero kit, complete with the characteristic “shark fin” center intake. A parity change midway through 2000 led to a hybridization of the front bar, with the top half from the AU model mating with the bottom portion of the VT Commodore. This evolution is a reminder of the ongoing development within the category and adds another chapter to its documented history.
Documentation and end of sale details
Prospective buyers will receive the CAMS/Motorsport Australia log books along with official confirmation of provenance from Briggs. The auction is scheduled to close at 7:30pm AEDT on October 20, offering a window into an important era for Australian motorsport heritage.
Why this AU Falcon matters to collectors
For collectors, this AU Falcon represents a rare snapshot of early AU-era competition, a period of transition and expansion in Australian touring cars. The combination of its period racing history, its connection to Briggs Motorsport and Toll Racing, and its later use by Anthony Tratt with Alan Jones at Bathurst make it a standout piece. Its current mechanical refresh, paired with preserved original aesthetics, makes it an appealing opportunity for collectors seeking a piece of genuine V8 Supercar history that can be enjoyed on track or displayed as a high-value exhibit.
As auctions of historically significant race cars become more competitive, JBMS 000 stands out for its documented lineage, historic debut on Phillip Island, and a continued readiness for track use with modernized controls. It’s a rare chance to acquire a car that has contributed to the fabric of Australian motorsport’s most celebrated era.
