Ford Falcon (XP)

Last updated

Ford XP Falcon
Ford Falcon XP (15809045836).jpg
Ford Falcon Deluxe Sedan
Overview
Manufacturer Ford Australia
Also calledFord XP Fairmont
ProductionMarch 1965 – September 1966
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size car
Body style 4 door sedan
4-door station wagon
2-door hardtop
2 door Utility (Ute)
2-door panel van
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine 144 ci (2.3L) Straight-6 OHV
170 ci (2.8L) Straight-6 OHV
200 ci (3.3 L) Straight-6 OHV
Transmission 3-speed manual
2-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,781 mm (109.5 in)
Length4,658 mm (183.4 in)
Width1,781 mm (70.1 in)
Height1,420 mm (55.9 in)
Curb weight 1,175 kg (2,590.4 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor Ford XM Falcon
Successor Ford XR Falcon

The Ford Falcon (XP) is a mid-sized car produced by Ford Australia from 1965 to 1966. It was the fourth and last iteration of the first generation of this Australian-made model, and also included the Ford Fairmont (XP), the luxury-oriented version of the Falcon.

Contents

Introduction

The XP Falcon was introduced in March 1965, [1] replacing the XM Falcon which had been in production since 1964. It was the final series of the first-generation Falcon which had been introduced as the XK Falcon in 1960. The main change from the XM was the 'torque box' steel subframe which added structural rigidity to the car. This was a key in improving the public perception of the car, as the early models were considered flimsy and were unpopular with Australian fleet buyers.

The running gear and most other components stayed the same from the XM through to the XP. All of the utility, sedan delivery, and taxi/police kit vehicles had five-lug 13-inch wheels and larger 10-inch drum brakes, as had all previous commercial models. Commercials had always had lower-ratio differentials (4.00:1) and larger 6.70 x 13 tyres.

The high-end Fairmonts, which were released by Ford Australia as a means of competing with Holdens Premier came with 14-inch four-lug wheels to accommodate the standard disc brakes on this model, whereas other models had 13-inch wheels if disc brakes were not optioned. Both Fairmonts and Futuras (including Futura hardtops) featured bucket seats, however only the Futura models had a center console,

The 200 ci Super Pursuit engine initially in four-main bearing form and finally with the imported seven-main bearing unit, three-speed automatic transmission, and a padded dash along with carpets, perforated, colour-matched headlining, blower heater, screen washers, chrome-plated interior mirror, seven interior door-operated lights, and a handbrake on warning light flasher as standard. Vacuum-assisted disc brakes were standard in the Fairmont only and optional on other sedan and hardtop models.

The XP Falcon shared the same front panels (bonnet and front guards) as the 1960-63 Mercury Comet.

Model range

The XP Falcon passenger car range was initially offered in four-door sedan, two-door hardtop, and five-door station wagon body styles marketed as:

In September 1965, the Falcon Futura Sedan and Falcon Squire Wagon were replaced by two new Fairmont models [3] marketed as:

The XP Falcon commercial vehicles range was offered in two-door coupe utility and two-door panel van body styles marketed as:

Production and replacement

Production of the XP Falcon range totaled 70,998 vehicles [1] prior to its replacement by the XR Falcon in September 1966. [6] A total of 93 XP Falcon Squire wagons were produced between February and August 1965.

Related Research Articles

Ford Falcon (Australia)

The Ford Falcon is a full-sized car that was manufactured by Ford Australia from 1960 to 2016. From the XA series of 1972 onward, each Falcon and range of derivates have been designed, developed, and built in Australia, following the phasing out of the American-influenced Falcon of 1960 to 1971, which had been re-engineered locally as the XK to XY series for the harsher Australian conditions. The luxury-oriented Ford Fairmont model joined the range from 1965. Luxury long-wheelbase derivative versions called the Ford Fairlane and LTD arrived in 1967 and 1973, respectively.

Ford Fairmont

The Ford Fairmont is a compact car that was produced by Ford from the 1978 to the 1983 model years. The successor of the Ford Maverick, the Fairmont was the third generation of compact sedans sold by Ford in North America; Lincoln-Mercury marketed the model line as the Mercury Zephyr. In contrast to Maverick, the Fairmont was a completely new design, no longer based upon the Ford Falcon.

Ford LTD (Americas) Model range of automobiles

The Ford LTD is a range of automobiles manufactured by Ford Motor Company for the 1965 to 1986 model years. Introduced as the highest trim level of the full-size Ford model range, the LTD introduced options and features normally reserved for more luxurious Lincoln and Mercury models. The largest vehicle produced by Ford in North America for most of its production, the LTD was joined by the intermediate Ford LTD II from 1977 to 1979; the LTD II served as the replacement for the Torino/Gran Torino range. At various times throughout its production, the LTD range included two- and four-door pillared and hardtop sedans, a two-door convertible, and the Country Squire five-door woodgrain station wagon.

Ford Fairlane (Americas)

The Ford Fairlane is an automobile model that was sold between 1955 and 1970 by Ford in North America. The name is derived from Henry Ford's estate, Fair Lane, near Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford Falcon (North America)

The Ford Falcon is a front-engine, rear-drive six passenger compact car produced by Ford from 1959 to 1970, across three generations. Introduced on September 2, 1959, the Falcon was a sales success for Ford initially, outselling contemporary rivals from Chrysler and General Motors, from October 8, 1959, the Falcon was offered in two-door and four-door sedan, two-door and four-door station wagon, two-door hardtop, convertible, sedan delivery and Ranchero pickup body configurations. For several years, the Falcon name was also used on passenger versions of the Ford Econoline van.

1955 Ford

The 1955 Ford is an automobile which was produced by Ford in the United States for the 1955 model year and, in revised form, for the 1956 model year. A new design would be offered in 1957.

Ford Falcon (BF) Australian car model

The Ford Falcon (BF) is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 2005 to 2008. It was the third and final iteration of the sixth generation of this Australian-made model. The station wagon body design continued until 2010, alongside the new seventh generation Falcon range.

Ford Falcon (AU)

The Ford Falcon (AU) is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1998 to 2002. It was the sixth generation Ford Falcon and also included the Ford Fairmont (AU)—the luxury-oriented model range. The AU series replaced the EL Falcon constructed on the new at the time EA169 platform, and was replaced by the updated BA series.

Ford Falcon (EF)

The Ford Falcon (EF) was a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1994 to 1996. It was the fourth significantly updated iteration of the fifth generation of this Australian-made model and also included the Ford Fairmont (EF)—the luxury-oriented version of the Falcon.

Ford Falcon (ED)

The Ford Falcon (ED) was a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1993 to 1994. It was the third iteration of the fifth generation of this Australian-made model and also included the Ford Fairmont (ED)—the luxury-oriented version of the Falcon.

Ford Fairmont (Australia)

The Ford Fairmont is a full-size car that was built by Ford Australia as an upmarket model of the Ford Falcon from 1965 to 2008. It featured a higher level of standard equipment than corresponding Falcon models of the same series. As well as offering a more luxurious interior trim with additional comfort and convenience features, for much of its first 25 years the Fairmont also offered a higher mechanical specification; a larger capacity engine and refinements such as disc brakes, power steering and automatic transmission that were extra cost options for the Falcon were fitted as standard equipment for the Fairmont. It was available as a four-door sedan throughout its life, as a five-door station wagon from its introduction through to 2008, and as a two-door hardtop from 1972 to 1978.

Ford Falcon (XL)

The Ford Falcon (XL) is a mid-size car which was produced by Ford Australia from 1962 to 1964. It was the second iteration of the first generation of this Australian-made model.

Ford Falcon (XM)

The Ford Falcon (XM) is a mid-size car that was produced by Ford Australia between February 1964 and February 1965. It was the third iteration of the first generation of the Australian-made Ford Falcon.

Ford Falcon (XR)

The Ford Falcon (XR) is a full-sized car produced by Ford Australia from 1966 to 1968. It was the first of the second generation of this Australian-made model and also included the Ford Fairmont (XR), the luxury-oriented version of the Falcon.

Ford Falcon (XW)

The Ford Falcon (XW) is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1969 to 1970. It was the third iteration of the second generation of this Australian-made model and also included the Ford Futura (XW) and the Ford Fairmont (XW)—the luxury-oriented version of the Falcon.

Ford Falcon (XY) Car produced by Ford Australia

The Ford Falcon (XY) is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1970 to 1972. It was the fourth and last iteration of the second generation of this Australian-made model and also included the Ford Fairmont (XY)—the luxury-oriented version of the Falcon.

Ford Falcon (XA)

The Ford Falcon (XA) is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1972 to 1973. It was the first iteration of the third generation of this Australian-made model and also included the Ford Fairmont (XA)—the luxury-oriented version of the Falcon.The XA falcon GS was also released in full GTHO exterior trim. Having the flutes in both, bonnet and front guards. It also had all the GT blackouts, mot the typical GS stripe. Also has tags with 302 code but actually have 351 crank and so forth. They are very rare, not many are known to have been made

Ford Falcon (XB)

The Ford Falcon (XB) is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1973 to 1976. It was the second iteration of the third generation of this Australian-made model and also included the Ford Fairmont (XB), the luxury-oriented version of the Falcon.

Ford Falcon (XC)

The Ford Falcon (XC) is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1976 to 1979. It was the third and last iteration of the third generation of this Australian-made model and also included the Ford Fairmont (XC)—the luxury-oriented version of the Falcon.

Ford Falcon (XT)

The Ford Falcon (XT) is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1968 to 1969. It was the second iteration of the second generation of this Australian-made model and also included the Ford Fairmont (XT)—the luxury-oriented version of the Falcon.

References

  1. 1 2 AC Bushby, The Australian Falcon Collection, 1989, page 62
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Ford XP Falcon sales brochures as reproduced in AC Bushby, The Australian Falcon Collection, 1989, pages 62–83
  3. ↑ Norm Darwin, The History of Ford in Australia, 1986, page 158
  4. 1 2 Ford XP Falcon Utility sales brochure [ permanent dead link ] Retrieved on 27 January 2011
  5. ↑ Ford XP Falcon Sedan Delivery sales brochure [ permanent dead link ] Retrieved on 27 January 2011
  6. ↑ AC Bushby, The Australian Falcon Collection, 1989, page 84
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.