1959 Ford Zephyr, The Falcons Predecessor The Falcon models ranging from the introduction in 1960 through to early 1966 are known in Australia as the Early Falcons. The XR, XT, XW and XY ’66 to 71 are the Mid Range Falcons and are both considered as a classic and are highly sort after. The Big Falcons, which have started to become collectable but not covered by our club, spanned a period from 1972 to '78.

 

The XM Falcon Range of '63 In line with many cars released in Australia the Falcon range is referred to by two letters rather than year. The 1960 model, known locally as the XK was produced for just under 2 years when the XL was introduced, followed by the XM in 63 and finally the XP in 1965. All these models were based on the American body options with local modifications, apart from the American 2-Door Sedan, 2 Door Wagon and Convertible which were never released here.There are however some subtle differences in both Body and Specifications that may not be so well known.

 

The Aussie Ute and the American Ranchero The main difference in the Aussie versions is the uniform overall length through the range. The length of the American Wagon, Delivery, and Ranchero was reduced to that of the Sedan to enable any body to be built on a common chassis. This reduction is most evident in the Ranchero where the use of Sedan front doors and the reduction in rear overhang can clearly be seen. The load volume however remained almost the same as its US counterpart as the space was sacrificed from inside the cab. Similar alterations were made to the Delivery Wagon, while the 4-Door Station Wagon just had 7 inches cut off the rear overhang.

 

The High Taillights on Aussie Rear-end The cars did not stand up well to the poor Australian roads of the early 60’s so the suspension and in particularly the front end, steering and control arms were strengthened for the introduction of the XM. The taillights were also raised in a re-designed rear for the 1963 release. This new backend and a local grill was the only difference on the otherwise identical American Hardtops to make their first appearances here at this time. The following model, the XP, was to take on the front from the US 61-63 Mercury Comet and loose the dip in the dashboard. Disc brakes with 14 inch wheels also became available during the latter part of the XP’s life.

 

1966 XR GT, Only Available in Gold The 66 XR was bigger all round than the first Falcons but very similar to the US model with slightly less chrome trim. The main advance with the Aussie release was the introduction of a V8 motor option and the GT model. Unfortunately it was also the end of the 2 door coupé version. Although many changes were made to the engines and the interior, nothing much happened with the shape until the introduction in 72 of the next style which was based on the US 70½ Torino and included the return of the coupé. This style continued for several years as the XA,XB and XC when the coupes disapeared again in 79 with the introduction of the XD.

 

1999 Ford Falcon Sales Brochure Ford Falcons are still produced in Australia today and are a leader both in the market place and on the race track, with Falcon taking out first place in famous General Motors verses Ford race on the mountain circuit of Mt Panorama at Bathurst near Sydney*. Since the very first Falcon back in 1960 there have been 20 models over 40 years, some offering up to five body types, that all adds up it a lot of FINE FORDS.

*One small footnote added the day after the 1999 Bathurst 1000: The tires fitted to the Falcon that led 99% of the race this year did not last the distance and the General was first to cross the line. If only Ford made tires!

Thanks to The Ford Motor Company of Australia for the use of a number of pictures on this page.

© BigH 1994