Ford Australia produced its XP Falcon range between 1965 and 1966. The mid-sized XP Falcon made way for the XR Falcon in September 1966, making it the last version of this particular model in Australia.
An Australian vehicle industry icon, the XP Falcon would become the catalyst for a long stretch of success for Ford Australia. Though not without its challenges, the XP Falcon’s influence helped Ford has helped sustain prolonged prominence in the Australian vehicle industry for over five decades.
Over time, Ford Australia has been subject to significant criticisms relating to the Falcon models, impacting the brand’s reputation. The most prominent criticisms related to the vehicle’s mechanics, including failure from suspension and transmission in multiple early models such as the XK, XL, and XM. The opinion became that Falcon models designed to be driven on American roads weren’t suitable for the more extreme conditions in Australia – an argument that in retrospect had a valid point.
To address these criticisms and reclaim a positive reputation, Ford made significant changes to the XP Falcon. This began with engineering an improved automatic transmission (the Borgwarner 35 Fordomatic). Changes were also made to increase body rigidity by improving the torque box around the body, as well as steering and suspension improvements. The result of these improvements was a Falcon with increased durability and refinement.
Ford also made improvements to the dash layout and seating comfort, remedying many of the criticisms leveled at the previous XM Falcon
Other criticisms of the XM Falcon, such as the comfort of the seats and layout of the dashboard were also addressed. Ford installed Futura centre consoles, padded dashboards, and improved seating comfort in their XP models, as well as redesigning the front end of the car to a squared-off design.
The Falcon XP came with three different engine options: a 144CID, an 83kW/212NM, and a Super Pursuit 200CID. Three transmission options were also available in the Falcon XP: a standard 3-speed manual, a 2-speed automatic (which came as standard in base model sedan and wagon models), as well as the newly released ‘Ford-o-matic’ 3-speed transmission (which came standard on sedan and hardtop Futura models).
The Super Pursuit 200CID in particular allowed for 90kW and 237Nm of torque. It produced 121 bhp at 4400 rpm with a compression ratio of 8:7:1. This gave the engine a top speed of just under 100mph, with a 0-60mph time of 10.5 seconds.
The equipment that came as standard in XP Falcons also came with many improvements, these include:
- Rustproofing and undercoating
- Vinyl trim
- Safety glass
- 2-speed electric windshield wipers
- Cabin insulation
As well as numerous optional extras, including:
- Rear Venetian blinds
- Cabin heating
- Dress rims
- Reverse lights
- Radio
- Seat belts
- Side mirrors
Ford produced over 70,000 XP vehicles between 1965 and 1966, resulting in the development of a large range of models and body styles. These included basic models such as sedans and station wagons and grew to include Deluxe models, Futuras, and the Fairmont series, created to compete with the premier range of Holden vehicles. The XP range also included the release of 90 Falcon Squire station wagons, which didn’t gain traction with Australian buyers due to its American-influenced wood panelling.
New models of the XP Falcon could range from £1075 for base model sedans, to £1525 for top-of-the-line Fairmont sedans. Ford’s extensive efforts to improve their Falcon range paid off with the XP, and in August 1965 it won the 1965 Wheels Magazine Australian Car of the Year.
For more information visit 1965 Ford XP Falcon – Ranleys
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