The replacement to the XC needed to enable
Ford Australia to counter any momentum being
generated by the General’s European influenced
VB Commodore. Starting with a clean-sheet,
the designers strove to better their car in
many key areas, including efficiency and interior
space. The resultant XD featured numerous innovative
design features, including the first plastic
fuel tank fitted to an Australian built car,
but unlike the Commodore the Ford designers
had resisted the temptation to make the car
smaller. The subsequent XE introduced electronic
fuel injection and a Watts link coil sprung
rear end, the efficiency and smoothness this
brought about taking Ford to the number one
spot in the Australian market.
With the XF
came the EEC-IV engine management system, adding
further refinement to an already smooth, strong
and reliable power plant. The all-new and more
rounded shape was introduced with the EA, and
further improvements to the front suspension
and geometry ensured even greater durability.
The EB offered some handling improvements,
but for many the most important feature was
the return of the bent-eight, although arguably
more important was Ford’s decision to
make ABS available on a mainstream Aussie built
car for the first time. |
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1979 - 1982
The XD Falcon marked the start of Ford's determined push
to become market leader in Australia, a goal they ultimately
achieved, but one that at the release of the XD beyond
their grasp. More >> |
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1982 - 1984
The XE celebrated a defining point for Ford Australia
as they finally passed GMH in the sales wars, and with
a product that they least expected, the Falcon. More >> |
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1984 - 1988
The XF represented the last of the fourth generation cars,
and featured softer, more rounded styling with revsions
to the grille and bumpers, and new tail lamps. More >> |
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1988 - 1990
Much like the "BA" of 2002, the "EA"
had countless improvements over its predecessors. Most
importantly for Ford was the introduction of new fuel
injected 3.2 and 3.9 liter (SOHC) engines - which were
a great improvement on the harsh and thirsty 3.3 and
4.1 liter pushrod sixes they replaced. More >> |
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1991 - 1993
The EB facelift hardly altered the apearance of the EA,
however the big news for V8 fans was the re-introduction
of the V8 (available for the first time since 1983). More >> |
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1993 - 1994
Even though there were over 280 changes made to the EB
to create the ED, Ford's continued development of the
EB had seen so many improvements that the ED was simply
an evolution of an already popular and reliable car. More >> |
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1994 - 1996
Undoubtedly the most significant "facelift"
of the "E" series Falcon was the "EF".
With the notable exception of the doors, the remaining
panels were all new, and now the luxury Fairmont and
Fairmont Ghia versions could be distinguished by completely
different frontal treatments. More >> |
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