I well believe the first may have welded plates on to satisfy ADR. I know working in new car storage facility around 2003 they would weld up cars in back of house to fit plates etc to meet standards. If that was happening in 2003 I'm sure it happened in 1969 when they were first introduced. Ask yourself the question why all OZ Capris have the extra strength plates that many english cars never received.

it was thought Australian roads were sub standard so the heavy duty body was specified for export here

And they'd be right... our roads are rubbish! Well may area anyway!

My car is one of, if not the first built capris (first built 1600GT at least) and my strut towers are not welded, but spot welded instead. That's my reason for doubting it.

Agree I had one of the first Capris. Slam panel completely different to norm and strut was spot welded. I only say things happen from normal in the car world. We both had 4cyl but the V6 was a different car correct? I just always give some benefit of doubt with early models now.

spud15
More importantly Wiggy
what was the chassis no of the first v6 assembled here. my earliest is CK17KL65166
A 1/70 delivered

Spud15, the earliest Australian assembled GT/V6 that I have come across is CK17JE65142, assembled in December, 1969 and stamped as completed with compliance in 1/70. It has been verified by Ford Australia as a 3000GT finished in Vermillion Fire and sold by Nuford Motors in Lakemba, NSW.