Australia’s legendary Ford-versus-Holden rivalry could be heading for an unexpected revival, with HO Phase Autos expanding its performance-car operations just as businessman Kenny Habul prepares to breathe new life into Holden Dealer Team (HDT).

HO Phase Autos has recruited experienced race-car builder Gary O’Brien, of Bendigo Retro Muscle Cars, to help develop bespoke Ford Falcons combining classic Australian muscle-car styling with modern engines, suspension and technology.

O’Brien is well known for his involvement in Touring Car Masters, including building John Bowe’s racing Torana and working as his crew chief.

His first HO project is Trudee, an XE-bodied Falcon featuring an XD front end, Phase 5 wheelarch flares, a distinctive bonnet scoop and rear wing.

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Developed alongside former Ford designer Steve Park and HO program manager Josh Hillman, the car will feature Ford’s 7.3-litre Godzilla V8 and upgraded running gear, with the ambition of delivering race-car performance in a road-legal package.

Bowe has also offered to test the cars and provide racetrack coaching for customers.

The developments come as Habul, the Australian businessman and racing driver who recently acquired HDT from Peter Champion, outlines plans to revive the Holden performance brand.

Habul’s ambitions include restoration, modernisation and high-end restomod projects, potentially creating a new chapter in the rivalry between Australia’s two most famous performance-car camps.

HO’s roots stretch back to 1979, when Ford designer Wayne Draper and Bob McWilliam established Phase Autos following Ford’s withdrawal from factory racing.

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The operation helped develop racing Falcons and subsequently produced modified road cars, with Wayne’s son Rob continuing the business after his father’s death in 2012.

Beyond Trudee, HO is considering projects based on the AU Falcon, an FG ute and an EB Falcon, the latter potentially offering a more accessible modernised Australian family sedan.

Draper says the growing interest in Australian performance-car heritage presents opportunities for both organisations.

“We’re really glad to see HDT’s next chapter,” he said. “There’s a dedicated market for limited-run Australian cars with classic styling and modern powertrains and running gear.”

Despite the historic rivalry, Draper welcomed HDT’s revival.

“With the demise of local manufacturing, we’re comrades in arms now too. There’s room for us all.”