Bruce McPhee joined the Ford works team in 1970, driving in the South Pacific Touring Series early in the year, and was given his own Phase II XW GTHO to drive solo at the 1970 Hardie-Ferodo 500. Even though his car was still running near perfect at the end of the 500 miles, McPhee finished second after following team orders not to pass his team mate, lead driver Allan Moffat.