Ford XK Falcon
Encyclopedia
The Ford XK Falcon is a car which was produced by Ford Australia
between 1960 and 1962.
The first Falcon sold in Australia was the XK series, introduced in September 1960. It was initially offered only as a four door sedan, in both Falcon and Falcon Deluxe trim levels. The XK was essentially a right hand drive version of the North American model, although local country dealers often included modifications such as heavy duty rear suspension (5 leaves) and larger 6.50 x 13 tyres. Front seat belts were optional.
The steering was light and the ride surprisingly good, on well-paved roads. Whereas the North American model used an 'economy' 3.10 to 1 rear axle ratio, the Australian Falcon was built with a 3.56 to 1 ratio which better complemented the torque characteristics of the engine. It had a 38 ft (11.6 m) turning circle.
The station wagon, added to the range in November 1960, was shortened at the rear due to concern that the back of the car might scrape on rough roads and spoon drains. Also, as with the sedan, no 2-door model was offered.
Billed as being "Australian-with a world of difference", Falcon offered the first serious alternative to Holden, and became an instant success. Sales were aided by the contemporary FB series Holden
being perceived as lacklustre and dated by comparison. A 170 cu in engine was introduced late in the model's life.
However, before long, XK sales suffered from complaints about the durability on rough outback
roads (due chiefly to collapsing front ball joints, and adjusting shims dropping out of the front suspension, both problems inducing some rather severe front camber); the car earned the unflattering nickname "Foul Can" during this time.
The XK range was expanded in May 1961 with the addition of utility
and panel van body styles, officially designated as Falcon Utility and Falcon Sedan Delivery respectively. As with the wagons these lacked the extended rear overhang of their American counterparts, and also used the 4-door front doors rather than the longer 2-door units used by the Ranchero and US sedan delivery.
Ford Australia
Ford Australia is the Australian subsidiary of Ford Motor Company and was founded in Geelong, Victoria, in 1925 as an outpost of Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. At that time, Ford Canada was a separate company from Ford USA...
between 1960 and 1962.
The first Falcon sold in Australia was the XK series, introduced in September 1960. It was initially offered only as a four door sedan, in both Falcon and Falcon Deluxe trim levels. The XK was essentially a right hand drive version of the North American model, although local country dealers often included modifications such as heavy duty rear suspension (5 leaves) and larger 6.50 x 13 tyres. Front seat belts were optional.
The steering was light and the ride surprisingly good, on well-paved roads. Whereas the North American model used an 'economy' 3.10 to 1 rear axle ratio, the Australian Falcon was built with a 3.56 to 1 ratio which better complemented the torque characteristics of the engine. It had a 38 ft (11.6 m) turning circle.
The station wagon, added to the range in November 1960, was shortened at the rear due to concern that the back of the car might scrape on rough roads and spoon drains. Also, as with the sedan, no 2-door model was offered.
Billed as being "Australian-with a world of difference", Falcon offered the first serious alternative to Holden, and became an instant success. Sales were aided by the contemporary FB series Holden
Holden FB
The Holden FB series is a range of motor vehicles that was produced by General Motors-Holden's in Australia from 1960 to 1961. Introduced on 14 January 1960, the FB series replaced the Holden FC range.- Model range :...
being perceived as lacklustre and dated by comparison. A 170 cu in engine was introduced late in the model's life.
However, before long, XK sales suffered from complaints about the durability on rough outback
Outback
The Outback is the vast, remote, arid area of Australia, term colloquially can refer to any lands outside the main urban areas. The term "the outback" is generally used to refer to locations that are comparatively more remote than those areas named "the bush".-Overview:The outback is home to a...
roads (due chiefly to collapsing front ball joints, and adjusting shims dropping out of the front suspension, both problems inducing some rather severe front camber); the car earned the unflattering nickname "Foul Can" during this time.
The XK range was expanded in May 1961 with the addition of utility
Coupé utility
The coupé utility automobile body style, also known colloquially as the ute in Australia and New Zealand, combines a two-door "coupé" cabin with an integral cargo bed behind the cabin—using a light-duty passenger vehicle-derived platform....
and panel van body styles, officially designated as Falcon Utility and Falcon Sedan Delivery respectively. As with the wagons these lacked the extended rear overhang of their American counterparts, and also used the 4-door front doors rather than the longer 2-door units used by the Ranchero and US sedan delivery.