Ford Falcon XE - Leadership.
Vložit
- čas přidán 21. 02. 2024
- Here is the latest episode in the Falcon history series - the XE. Winner of the Australian Design Award and featuring new Watts Link rear suspension on sedans and the availability of the fuel injected 4.1 litre six, after the sad demise of the V8. Please be sure to Subscribe and Please give the episode a 👍Like👍. Thanks for watching.
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
Dropping the V8 left a whole generation of Ford fans out in the cold. It took a long time for them to come back. Some never did. The XE deserved the success it had. Ford Australia put a lot of good work into the XE update, mostly mechanical, but with minor styling improvements that made a big difference.
The XE forced Holden to do some significant equipment upgrades to the VH (mid way through) like cloth seats on the base SL models because the XE GL had cloth, and standard central locking on the SL/E (despite central locking & power windows still being optional on the XE Ghia). The XE S pack with the optional wider headlights from the Ghia (with driving lights), chin spoiler & blacked out chrome was a tough looking car. It one-upped the Commodore by offering a “sports” option in the wagon too. I always saw the bigger Ghia headlights and smaller bonnet droop as the 80s version of the 70s twin headlight premier front compared to a kingswood. Whoever came up with that at Ford was a genius.
Great comments and insight. 👍👍
G’day Mark,
Here is a story that is etched in my memory regarding XE.
My friend & I were car fanatic & remember the XE well, his dad bought one second hand.
Anyway my friend & I rode our bikes one hot Sunday arvo through the paddocks where Sunshine end & road to Cherry Lane in Laverton to watch the Sunday arvo illegal street drag racing.
Get there about a dozen cars & my good friend John was there with his VF Valiant Hardtop with a 383 Big Block from a Phoenix dropped in & this thing was the car to beat.
Racing was going on then out of no where an unmarked XE police car rolled up.
That burnt orange colour, black chin spoiler & Fairmont Gaia Headlight, cops roll up get out in there uniform those funny horse riding pants, told us all to cram down just passing bye.
That XE looked menacing, & the police asked who has the fastest car & everyone pointed to John & the police wanted to run John.
Seriously we were blown away they wanted to shake down the XE & John accepted.
Burnout , I remember the XE was manual they just dumping the clutch & smoking the rear the police.
Now John isn’t silly, his Valiant would have blown away the XE but he let the police win but just according to him.
Cops do a U Turn come back thank us & told us they will be back in half an hour & no one should be here, have fun next 20 minutes then piss off.
If I didn’t see it with my own eyes I wouldn’t believe it, & when I catch up with John even he can’t believe it.
The days before Smokey 1 & Smokey 2.
Then another XE story, local garage owner on Hampshire Rd Sunshine, Nick actually bought a ex XE V8 351 think 5 speed interceptor but white in colour.
This thing was tough, lowered, LTD rims on it & exhaust note , & the idiot changed all the front & rear & put XF panels & rear lights etc because he liked the look of the XF.
Those are my XE stories, great memories & great video as per usual Mark thoroughly enjoyed it.
I can tell you the Police back in the 80’s were okay & we respected them & they were fair as well. You would get a police officer drag racing you these days forget it.
Cheers
Louis Kats 👍
Thanks Louis. Cool memories hey? 👍
@@markbehr88 👍
It would have been good in the 80s. It looked like the cops (I wouldn't think all cops would be that lenient). It's possible that they would have been or done things like that when they were in the same situation. After informing them to leave before, other police might go there and would probably give them a formal warning. From what I have read in the paper that some of the younger people don't have respect. Make a mess leave rubbish living around and some people have been hurt. People with drugs and alcohol makes it worse
@@hamisharchibald5270 There certainly weren’t so many controls on everything that is for sure. 👍
The Ghia ESP was my absolute favourite from this model
Yes, one of Ford Australia’s best cars for sure in 351 guise. 👍
I still own an '82 XE Fairmont Ghia with a 302 Windsor V8. Excellent car that I'll never sell.
That would be a great car. Definitely a keeper. 👍
Nice! Auto or 4 speed?
@@aus80srockradio94 it's a 4 speed
Hi Mark, thank you for this channel, I’m now 54yo my Dad was a new car salesman for various manufacturers, predominately Holden and Ford back in the day, but he did sell new Leyland's and Datsun's (Nissan), most of the 70's and 80's Aussie hero cars I’ve ridden in.
The majority of these cars I can relate to. The one for me that got away was the 1972 XA Coupe Superbird 302 V8 that I bought for $2000 in Frankston, Melbourne in 1987.
The one I miss the most is the 1974 Landau that I owned for 8 years but had to sell to keep the house ($8000 in 1997, sold $20k 2005). A handful of 1970's Fairlanes and Ford Panel Vans thrown in for good measure. Some good times. 😀👌
Thanks. Wow. You have had some great cars, incl the Superbird and Landau. I especially love the Landau but prefer a house 👍😀
I remember finding a ESP for sale in a car yard, 5.8L 4 speed manual in silver( no charcoal) Was only $12,000 and I slapped down a $50 deposit on it. I got the VIN and SIDO number. Rang Ford Australia and wanted to check its authenticity before buying. Got my $50 back. Was a ESP but a 6 cylinder . Further up the road was an ex police highway patrol car 5.8L 4 speed GL in white. This was $10,000. By the time I looked around it and walked to the sales office it was sold. So I traded the XE Spack I had for a XF Fairmont Ghia , in a way I was glad but in hind site I always wished I could find and buy a Monza red /charcoal ESP 5.8L manual. To this day they are still a very distinctive and eye catching car.
The XF Ghias were nicely equipped but a shame about missing out on the V8 XE’s. 👍👍
The S-Packs were very nice too
@@MrGutfeeling Yes. We probably took them all for granted at the time except for the V8 cars and even then…..
My favourite Falcon. Had 2 XEs - a GL wagon with 4.1L 6 and later a Fairmont Ghia with 4.9L V8 (302 Windsor). Lovely tourers. Took them all over the country. Then moved to an EF 6 which was in a completely different league as far as power and refinement. Now have a BA RTV ute with the mighty Barra. Thanks for the memories!
Thanks. You’ve had some cool cars. I remember seeing a V8 RTV ute once. I thought I wouldn’t mind that for the collection! 👍
All XE V8’s were Clevelands
@@dirkdiggler5763 Yes. That’s right. And then Windsors from EB to AU. 👍
@teikoh5690 - 4.9L V8 (302 Windsor ) -it would have been a 302 Cleveland V8, unless someone back then did an engine swap from an XT to XA.
@@351tgv Cleveland. Yes. 👍
Like ya channel bloke. I lost count remembering how many falcons I've owned, including wreaks given or very cheaply acquired in order to keep the fleet of staff cars going for the boys and me. Love the Ute's.
I gave an XB coupe away in Perth 1998.
Took it from the side of the road after it sat there fir weeks abandoned. Checked its legality and it wasn't stolen.
A baby blue six cylinder.
Good condition.
My friend got busy with it. Then gave it back.
I left it and a free 302 V8 out of a free farmland with a flatmate while travelling the world.
He sold the coupe minus doors guards grill and dash panel...plus the V8 for $200.
Oh my my my.
Silly me.
No thats the way it was and we loved it. We were and still are blessed.
Jason
Thanks Jason. Glad you are enjoying the episodes on the channel. Yes, the things we did and the prices we paid for old Falcons (and other cara) back in the day! 👍👍
When 6 cylinder XEs were still fetching 8-10 K in the used car market I came across a 1982 XE 302 V8 with 4 on the floor X pack wagon with factory 2 inch lift private sale for $2,800 . It had factory A/C but no power steering and being a country car it had plenty stone chips and a cracked wind screen.. I fitted a new screen , fixed the paint and drove it for 10 years before trading it on an EF Falcon wagon...
That would have been a very rare car. 👍
Another top well researched piece of history. I remember as a young 17 yo old dropping into South Auckland Motors NZ dealership and seeing a twotone charcoal in the flesh 302 4 speed manual ESP sitting on the showroom floor. That car had a lasting impression on a young bloke that carrys on to this day. What a piece of rolling art that thing was.....
Thanks. Yes, pretty cool cars back in the day hey! 👍
The NSW Highway Patrol made good use of these units!
Yes, my mate Rob had one. Brand new never delivered to the Highway Patrol 👍
This is the car I grew up in the back seat of. It was an X Pack I think in the gold/metalic brown colour.
When I was 10 it drove the 5 of us to perth and back and dad ended up rolling the odomiter all the way back to 0 before it was retired.
Very cool. I assume you mean it went round the clock as opposed to winding it back? 👍
@@markbehr88 Yes all the way through 999 999 and back to 0
My dad had an XE. Really great car.
When he bought it he got the optional headlight protectors for $60. I managed to break one as well as the headlight lens it was supposed to protect.
So I had to also buy a new lens.
The lens cost $7.
Paying $60 for bits of plastic to protect $7 glass lenses didn't make all that much sense to me...
Agree it does not make any sense at all does it? 🤔
was it an aftermarket headlight lens , or a genuine Ford one?
Weren't Aunger making aftermarket headlight protectors & weathershields back then ? would have been a cheaper replacement option...
@@paulsz6194 I was only aware of their plastic covers not the lights themselves?
@@markbehr88 Hi mark, I was going off the original writer’s comment, stating he could buy the lens alone for $7, not e while headlight assembly. So thought there would have been an aftermarket supplier around by then, making, aftermarket Lens at a more cheaper price.
@@paulsz6194 Yes, I don’t really know. That price sounds more like a perspex cover but I have no idea?? 🤔
My parents purchased a new XE Falcon GL with quite a few options. My lasting memory of it was that the drivers backrest was just a bit crooked and if you drove any distance you ended up with a bad back. Even as a young fellow around 16 or 17 it would impact on me. I seem to recall we weren't the only XE owners with that problem at the time. I can only assume whoever made the front seats, had a jig out of alignment. It seemed to be how they were made and it was only the drivers seat. My other memory was the car had a shorter steering column then XD and was really a pretty breathless car in standard 4.1 trim. With the air on, you pressed the accelerator and you were greeted with lots of engine and fan noise and then sometime after that, it would start to move. Very much a touring car that didn't really like to be hustled. I don't recall liking it very much and I thought the XD was a more handsome car even back then. Later we had an EL which was a much nicer car in every respect.
Thanks for the recollections. I think the brackets used to bend on many Falcon seats, especially from drivers leaning back to talk to rear passengers - so twisting the seat to the left. You used to see it in Police cars too. 👍
Brilliantly put together again Mark
Thanks 🙏
In 2005 I had an early XE S-Pack 4.1 carburetted auto sedan, bought from a mate. It drove like a bucket of lard, acceleration was leisurely, but it was pretty bullet-proof; no rust, either.
Be worth a few $ now. 👍
@@markbehr88 Like the XP, XA, XC and AUIII, it's unfortunately long since been passed on. Hindsight brings 20/20 vision. Oh for a very big shed and the resources to keep all the cars (and bikes) I've bought over the past 65 years, rather than having to trade them in!
@@chrisweeks6973 Agree. I need another big shed too. 👍
As I've alluded to previously, my first car; a cream GL sedan with four speed manual and 3-3 six with absolutely no options fitted whatsoever. It was built in December 1983. I bought it in 1990. Kept her five years.
It was very comfortable. To lift it's appearance, i fitted XD Ghia rims, a hood ornament on the bonnet and similar badging on the C pillars. I fitted a then fancy radio/cassette player that lit up like a Christmas tree at night, but kept her otherwise factory. It was a fantastic open road car, and very quiet....... something i didn't always appreciate. It lacked the XD's throatier sound, but was more pleasant thanks to the new viscous fan design.
The XE ESP 351 manual was peak square Ford in my opinion. I'd love a red one with gold snowflake rims and grey interior.
Falcon sales hit their peak during the XE/XF years. After then, the decline began.
The XE ute and van never had V8's fitted ever. There's been conjecture that some V8 XE's snuck out of the factory during 1983, but gosh.......has anyone ever seen one? If they were built, Ford certainly wouldn't have told you about them.
To wrap up......a great model spoilt by the V8's early departure.
A 110kw EFI boat anchor as a successor? Really Ford?
Very cool although you could get V8 utes and vans. My mate had an XE 302 panel van. 👍
@@jamesfrench7299 That is what they said 🤔
@@markbehr88 even the Intech didn't make the grade. Not as torquey. Turbo Barra for sure but the V8 was still offered and taken up to the end!
@@jamesfrench7299 Yes. The sixes were fine if you just wanted normal driving performance 👍.
I still remember the Whatts link adverts on the Tele and thinking oooooooo, so cool to a thirteen year old. Another great video thanks Mark.
Thanks Phil 👍
AUIII was last to recieve it. 20 years.
@@jamesfrench7299 End of an era. 👍
Another great video Mark. Really enjoying the series. Looking forward to XF and EA, the latter of which my Dad got one of the first off the line, about a week before the highly secretive launch! I remember driving in it past the local Ford dealership that still had all the teaser livery covering up the windows. People were trying to peek in to get a look, meanwhile I’m leaning over honking on the horn as we drive by 😂
Thanks Matt. That would have been cool driving the EA pre launch. I did that once when we launched the HSV Coupe. I had a Yellow GTS and people were almost driving off the road to get a look. 👍
I was in the public service for a little while around 83/4. I had a period were I needed to drive between various locations and was able to sign out a car to do so. One of the cars I was allocated was a base XE Falcon with 3 on the tree. I got the hang of it pretty quickly and got to like driving around the city in the 3 speed. It was different but quite pleasant. I wouldn’t mind a 3 speed classic now, for one thing it would be a fairly efficient anti theft device!
Yes. True re the anti theft! I quite like the old column shift too. 👍
Three on the tree with crash was standard fare in the 50s like three speed automatic became in the 70s.
I bet that XE screamed on the freeway. It gave you power up the inclines!
@@jamesfrench7299 I learned to drive on an XL manual column shift. It was fun. 👍
I had a 1984 Snow White XE 4.1 auto sedan. We did many long trips in that car with three children and it was a beautiful highway cruiser. Just quite effortless. But the lack of power steering at parking speeds was oh so heavy. Thank you for the series. So many great memories.
Thanks. Glad you are enjoying the series. They definitely needed power steering for sure. 👍
Enjoying this series. Ford Australia's big mistake was in exiting motor sport in the late 1970s for a whole decade. They mastered the boring family car and taxi fleet image no doubt about that, but they also gave GMH free reign to win big on track.
Thanks. Yes, there is truth to what you say. 👍
Here is the latest video in my Falcon history - the XE. I hope you enjoy it. Please be sure to Subscribe and give the episode a 👍Like👍. Thanks for watching.
When did ford / holden use bigger diameter wheels over standard 14 ×6 inch
@@Eric-kn4yn I am not sure. Probably on EA I imagine.
@@markbehr88looking forward to the XF series video, and on through the models... thank you ❤
@@Dylan_Mulvaney_OFFICIAL Thanks. Glad you are enjoying the videos. 👍
Hi Mark, thanks for your video on the XE. I have an XE Fairmont Ghia Limited Edition, and absolutely LOVE the appointments she contains.
Another great video Mark and thanks for reiterating what I keep saying every time someone keeps going on about Ford dropping the V8 in the XE, they weren't selling and you don't make a profit operating a factory to make an engine that nobody was interested in buying, despite what some self proclaimed experts have said over the years Ford did not lose business by dropping the V8 they were still the number one seller regardless just like Holden were number one with no V8 in the 50's and most of the 60's as well, the people that bought them didn't care.
Everyone goes on about the the loss of the V8 in the XE but the EFI six cylinder never gets the recognition it deserved for being the huge advance that it was, after all it was only one model before (XD) where the six cylinder still had single barrel carburetors and manual chokes. In 2024 we've taken fuel injection for granted for decades but in the early 80's it was a revelation for an Australian made car to have electronic fuel injection and all the benefits that go with it. They may not have had the grunt of the V8 but in every other respect they were better.
Despite what some like to think having more grunt isn't always better, I recall a motoring magazine (cannot remember which one) tested a six cylinder XE ESP and a V8 ESP side by side and the only advantage the V8 had over the six was more straight line grunt. In every other respect the six cylinder was the better driving car, it was more agile, handled, steered and braked better, when driven on a road that exploited the six cylinder cars advantage it was just as quick as the V8.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. At the time Ford made the decision the sales of V8’s were very low. The market for them certainly recovered in a big way but it took Ford until EB to fix it. As you say they were still N01 without it. 👍
You make a very good point Jim. In the 90s we had a 351 FC Cartier, and I bought a wrecked ZL ULP EFI. It was hit hard up the rear and bent so much the rear doors were jammed. Driving it home, it kept up with the 351. The response and torque were more than adequate. That motor went into a 4 speed XE S pack, and it would keep up with my 5.0L VH (auto). There was a road test of the 4.1 XE against a 4.2L VH, and the Ford got a lot of praise. Holden dropped the 4.2L because the EFI 3.3 put out similar (or more) power and torque, whilst drinking less fuel. The 302 in the XE/ZKs that I drove in the 90s were slugs. Torquey, yes, but responsive, no. The EFI 6 was definitely a worth engine at the time. Biased recollections are a big problem. Numerous “dream cars” from childhood have been bought & sold because the adult 20-30 years on realises that what they thought was amazing at the time, is terrible today. People will say “but it only had x amount of kw” but that was more than adequate in the day. We towed loaded car trailers and dual axle caravans behind 4.1L falcons! Nowadays the idiots will tell you that you need a dual cab diesel with a 3500kg capacity. My FG tows a loaded car trailer rather comfortably thank you very much. I don’t need a Thai truck to tow. The Falcon has always been a good all-rounder.
@@commodorenut Great points 👍
The XE sedans actually had a 6 link Watts link rear suspension, not 4 link and not 5 link as some say it had. They mention 6 link in the ad at the end.
I just know it as Watts Link. Not sure how many it had or if it was modified over time etc? 👍
Thank you so much for this. My memories of how significant this car really was had faded a lot.
The photos just brought it all back of this first new model Ford Falcon I was aware of from it's introduction. .
In one of the side on pictures I could really see the likeness of the Rover SD1 inspired front. The XE really brought that bodyshape forward, giving it a more substantial image and the best long distance cruiser yet in the Ford Australia stable.
Your narration was a joy to hear.
Thanks so much. I am glad you are enjoying the series and equally glad the episodes are eliciting such great memories. What a cool time to be alive hey! 👍👍
@@markbehr88 Yesterday Saturday a hotted up lowered metallic blue XE semi sleeper sedan went past with a loud worked V8 and fat modern mags went past my place as I sat on the porch. The black on yellow plates began with 'TUFF' but missed what the rest said. It looked like some serious time and $ was spent on him!
Today Sunday an XF ute in excellent shape went past with it's 4.1 viscous fan note and original multi hole wheel covers. The sound alone hit nostalgia nerve. It is two tone with a wierd browny mustard lower and white upper. Definitely a series one. I want one now lol!
@@jamesfrench7299 sounds cool. You should find one. 👍
I had a Falcon Fairmont. Brilliant vehicle . 👍🇦🇺🦘
Cool. I could have bought a V8 one years ago for $2k. 🫣
Hey Mark. From memory, the XE after the V8 demise also had a turbo charged version of the fuel injected engine, these were a rocket ship that in power and torque would out do the previous 4.9L and close to the 5.8 version.
Yes but these weren't factory.
@@andrewg2618 Yes but they were not factory. They were aftermarket like the Dick Johnson Special. I didn’t include them because they had no factory involvement. 👍
Cheers again Mark great historical series on my favourite cars great stuff mate
Thanks. Glad you liked it. 👍
I had a 3.3 xe and it was a very economical car , very reliable I regretted trading it.
Yes. They weren’t the fastest but were good reliable cars. 👍
I always lusted after a Fairmont Ghia ESP.5.8, fully optioned.couldn't afford one then,sadly can't now.scheel interior, those beautiful "snowflake alloy wheels". oh sigh.
Yes. Maybe 10-15 years ago but not now. 👍
I cannot vouch for all the XE,s but i do know that weber carb on the XF,s had a linkage on it that only opened the second barrel about half way. A quick zap with a mig welder filled in a slot and restored full throttle!.
Interesting video keep them coming. Loved the ESP
Thanks Gerard. Glad you like them 👍
Are you planning on doing a separate vid on the LWB models Mark? Keep up the great work mate.
Yes, I will do a whole series on them from ZA so please subscribe. 👍
@@markbehr88 Way ahead of you on that mate... love your work.
@@wafive Thanks buddy 👍👍
The XE IMO is one of the best looking Falcons, along with the EA-EB & FG.
Yes, I would love a V8 Ghia. 👍
Personally, I'd love the contemporary manual TF Cortina Ghia - either engine will do. Maybe a future episode? Cheers.
I do have a short TE Cortina Ghia video on the channel. The TF alloy head was a pretty cool car. Very low sales though. 👍
Great vid, i didn't realise so many different models. Dad had creamy yellow ute with 4.1lt six, 3 on the trèe manual, bench seat. My brother had orange Fairmont but weird package six seater, 4.1lt six with column automatic, it had Ford logo badges on side of the boot. Both of these XE were more powerful n efficient to my Holden VH SLX six but my had better suspension especially of road off at high speeds.
Thanks. I like the sound of an orange Fairmont. Great colour! Yes the VH would likely handle better but sadly under served by its six cylinder engines. 👍
@@markbehr88 LOL talking about colours my brother also had chocolate brown XE, cousin bright yellow i think it was S pack. A family in our town which were Ford fans father had black model T, beautiful 66 silver blue six cylinder Mustang with 3 XE one was Fairmont Ghia ESP red/black, red Fairmont n son dark purple Fairmont Ghia.
@@user-qi8ns1fo5d Definitely a Ford family. 👍
Mark, Falcon/Fairmont V8 production ceased in November 1982 (at the Broadmeadows plant), however as the V8 production continued on at the Eagle Farm plant for the Fairlane and LTD (this is evidenced by the Ford Press release issued on 25 November 1982). LWB V8 production ceased at the of end of December 1982. Ford production figures back this up as well (354 ZK V8 Fairlane's and 14 V8 FD LTD's produced in the month of December 1983). That is, zero V8 production for Falcon, Fairmont, Fairlane and LTD from January 1983 on wards. BUT, in the 1983 production report, I remember seeing scribbled down at the bottom in the Notes section, shows "21 of 4.9 V8 Fairmont's produced in the month of January 1983" - this was not shown in the monthly columns though. Lastly, 351 Cleveland only production/installation continued up to August of 1985 in the F100, F250, F350 and Bronco's. The very last were 16 of two wheel drive F350's and 11 of four wheel drive F350's manufactured at the Broadmeadows Truck plant in 1983. Post this, it was only the 5.0 EFI Windsor used other than the very last 4.1 litre 6 cyl powered 4x4 F350 manufactured in September 1983.
Thanks. I reckon you are right and per the episode I am sure I have seen an 83 ZK Fairlane V8. 👍
Another great video
Thanks 👍👍
Awesome videos mark... I love the XA super bird to, my grandfather had a blue one..
Thanks. I love the Superbird too. Great name. 👍
Thankyou. Ive learnt that the Ghia had wider headlights. I was 9 when the XE came out .
Thanks. I liked that feature. 👍
Looking forward to the XF Mark.
Me too! 😀👍
Esp two tone 351 ripping car aggressive look and body style lovely cars
Yep. You got me 👍👍
Ford Australia did continue to sell the remaining V8 stock they had left well into 1983 for Fairmont Ghia ESP they just did not advertise that, the 302c V8 (Cleveland version only made in Geelong) and 351c V8 were installed on the "EFI" line until there was no more carby versions left (which was reported to be in late August early September of 83'). How many? around 180 302c (all 3-speed autos) and 75 351c (all 4-speed manuals), also NSW and VIC police managed to get there hands on them in Falcon pursuit spec (claim was around 25 for each state).
Hi Mark, The XE is basically a continuation of the XD still a nice looking car with a face lift and a the UK Granada the introduction of the 5 speed gear box in 1982 in the UK fitted to the Capri and the Escort but not the Cortina as it's production was coming to an end in October to be replaced with the new jelly moulded Sierra that had a 5 speed box.
It was a shame that Ford was ending production of the V8 engine like you said a big loss for Ford customers, I like the look of the Falcon ESP and the Ghia. Good Falcon Ads at the end As always a great video Take care👍
Thanks Shaun. Glad you enjoyed it. I love those last UK Capris. Great looking cars indeed. I also liked the Sierra but we did not get it here. 👍
@@markbehr88 Hi Mark, what car did Ford make to replace the Cortina in Australia
@@shaun30-3-mg9zs The Mazda 626 derived Ford Telstar. 👍
Been looking forward to this part! If I had a choice, I’d go for the Fairmont Ghia with all the trimmings! The Ghia was luxurious and smooth! But the XE ESP however, was a huge step up from the XD variant. 9:37 A beautiful machine!
Well done Mark!
Thanks. They are a very nice machine for sure. 👍
The XE Fairmont Ghia had nicer dextrous American style power window switches and front door armrest mounted door lock controls.
I loved those. The black plastic rocker switches the XF got were not as nice.
Yes, I agree. The silver ones looked more upmarket. 👍
It's a pity that its successor, the XF was such a sad car ! It didn't look as good or went as good as there was no V8. There really were no hero cars in this model. Only a couple could appeal to collectors and that was the Fairmont Ghia and the S Pack, both with the EFI 6. Go the Red XE ESP with Gold Snowflake wheels, what a legend. These are pulling big money now.
Yes. A huge seller though and big upgrades to specs too outside of no V8. And a Ghia wagon! 👍
Hey Mark. Lovely looking car. 🙂
Agree. Really cool esp as an ESP.
@@markbehr88 remember the police drama Special Squad? Showcasing the XE like Bluey did for Chrysler VK models. I bet an ESP was featured.
@@jamesfrench7299 Yes. Very cool. 👍
Great vid Mark, i love the XE ESP's
They are cool. 👍
Back when Ford could do no wrong. The XE sure had a lot of noteworthy improvements, but the biggest thing in my opinion was reducing the diameter of the steering wheel and getting it out of your chest.
Yes, that was a good move for sure. 👍👍
Mark, you're the best source for Falcon Facts (remember that EF falcon ad on TV Falcon facts?) and i love how you include the falcon ads at the end.😊
Thanks very much. You’re testing my memory on the EF so I will have to try to find that. Was it the Ford News type infomercial ads they used to do?
@@markbehr88 it was a series of ads, Falcon Facts #1 to Falcon Facts #5 I believe it was. I know it was more than one Falcon Facts Ad on TV. Or it might of had the 5 facts on the one ad, I can't really remember. Around 1995.
@@markbehr88 I remember it because mum and dad bought a brand new EF GLI and we were waiting for delivery of it, I was so excited seeing those ads while waiting for delivery. I think I even taped the ads just in case that ad come on. 😂
@@Dylan_Mulvaney_OFFICIAL I think I remember those? Holden did a series of reply ads too.
@@markbehr88 yeah, Holden had the VS with the Ecotec ad at the same time.
The series continues. This is getting interesting. Several points I wanted to make. This car seems smaller on the exterior. The front end styling and side styling looks like a 1980's Honda Civic or Accord. I saw the right hand drive American Ford LTD at the autoshow in the photo. I did not know they sold our LTD in Australia.I thought they did not. That was sad they dropped the V8 engine. That was a mistake. We still had V8's even if they were undepowered. It seem the fuel crisis was a global thing. I know it hit hard in the United States. I liked all the photos as well. I am looking at the details in the photos. I enjoyed them all especially of the Australian Ford LTD. Thank you for mentioning Holden and talking about them as well. Thank you for the video and putting the information together.
We assembled Galaxies from 1967 to 72 I believe. They were used by state dignitaries and buyers who wanted something bigger than our Fairlane and LTD.
@@jamesfrench7299 Thank you for answering that question. That makes perfect sense why I saw that 72 American Ford LTD in that photo. That is saying something that our LTD was that much bigger than the Australia Fairlane and LTD. I often forget that the American cars were so much larger than other products internationally. This is not true anymore since globalization and since automakers are using the same platforms and cars globally.
Thanks Olds98. The front of the XE does have a passing Honda resemblance to it. I hadn’t noticed that before. Probably more coincidental than intentional I’d say. Maybe more Rover 3500 influence more likely? Yes we sold Australian assembled (from kits) Ford Galaxies from 1964 to 1973. The 1973 models were remaining 1972 model year stocks. They were a popular big car for wealthy farmers, business people and used by senior Gov’t Ministers etc. If you look at my channel you will see my late parent’s 1972 Ford LTD that I was able to locate after my Dad sold it. I still have it now, having found it 25 years ago. He had it for 21 years prior to that and a couple of owners short term in between. It is a cool story so worth watching. 👍
@@markbehr88 what a pity it didn't keep going. Imagine an Aussie assembled 73, 74 and 75-78 LTD which could have been badged as Galaxies here. I'm glad 72s made it.
@@jamesfrench7299 Yes. I just imported them instead. I have 1974 Country Squire wagon, 75 LTD sedan and 1977 Ford Landau four door pillared hard top. Plus a 1980 Ford LTD 351 (down sized model). I like my big Fords. 😀👍👍
So missed the train on getting a $500 special s pack in the trading post back in 1998
The one that got away👍
Those 3.3 litre engined falcons were just awful. I remember I worked for city ford back then. Terrible the V8’s ending. That when I started cheating on the falcon with commodores;)
A few buyers did that. 👍🤔
I learnt to drive on both an 85 Toyota Corona Olympic Edition which had the worst suspension setup I have ever experienced and an XE Falcon station wagon 3.3 without power steering. When parking, I literally had to stick my knee on the door to leverage turn the wheel. As for going up hills, both cars which were automatics would get overtaken by elderly people in wheelchairs pushing themselves.... 😂
I had a 3.3litre in a cortina with a manual transmission.Went like a cut cat.
@@avoohanian But fond memories regardless hey? 😀
I think the XE is the best-looking model of that whole basic body shape.
Fair enough. Who could say no to a 351 ESP! 👍👍
@@markbehr88I could mainly because of the fuel bill 😅. Also though in reality I'd prefer the handling improvement of the six over the V8 - heresy in most circles I know!
@@MrGutfeeling I guess it depends on how you have to use the car. For a daily the six would be much better. As a weekend cruiser the V8 thanks 👍👍
I have a real soft spot for the XE, as my first car was a XE Spack in sno white with red/ maroon stickers. Had air con and Armstrong power steering. Absolutely loved that car to bits.
Interesting things about the XE
Headlights made by Hella ,the XD was Bosch.
S pack had blackout between the rear tail lights and a rubber bib spoiler
Spare wheel now mounts vertically on the RH boot well
Exterior door handles still failed
New rear brake caliper design. Made by PBR and aluminium in construction. Now you didn’t have to dismantle the rear axle to replace the brake rotor.
Introduction of the Girlock colette caliper. Aluminium construction
Could also still have cast iron PBR front caliper.
The 4.1L EFI used analogue electronics
4.1 EFI inlet runner tubes are not unique to each cylinder mean they could be changed around,
Dick Johnson made a turbo Grand Prix version in case the V8 was ruled ineligible for Bathurst.
The T5 was for 3.3 L only and 5th gear was in the aluminium extension housing.
Common issues
Starter motor had heat stoke on hot days as they aged
Rust in rear boot well
Lifter noise
Rear spring over time would sag but the easiest fix was to put 3” lowered springs on the front.
Reported at the time that the drop down bonnet would cause overheating , which was BS , most of the air was drawn from under the bumper .
Voltmeters and oil pressure gauges were inaccurate on everyone of them , fuel and temp and low fuel light could be relied on.
Thanks. Good additional info. I saw the spare tyre relocation. Interesting that is became a rust spot. I thought about including the DJ turbo but there was no real factory involvement so decided to leave it out. I am sure there are still a couple around? 👍👍
@@markbehr88 I think it’s important for 2 reasons ,the possible genesis for Tickford and the Barra turbo. I’m sure Ford didn’t mind the free publicity in the 80’s and 90’s from Sprintex, AIT, Brock,AVO, Mick Webb etc.
@@tba3900 Agree. 👍
5 speed was a local Borg Warner box, not a T5. It was also used by Holden (only behind the 1.9 & 2.85 commodores) and it was also used on other Aussie assembled cars from the era like the Sigma, and I believe the bluebird as well. You can pick them from the screw-in gear lever pivot. Hella took over from Bosch headlights for Holden around the same time too - increasing local content (offsetting the extra imported parts like the Weber carbs).
@@commodorenut we called the, T5 but yes they were the evolution of the 4 speed rail slider
Hi Mark, good informative video. I like how you titled it " Leadership." With the full stop on the end. Was that a deliberate play on Paul Keatings '96 election campain slogan?
Thanks. Glad you liked it. The Paul Keating link was pure coincidence. 👍
The LTD was the only ever Ford falcon derivative to have metric rim and tyres
Was that in this series model?
@@markbehr88 FD
@@tba3900 Are they Michelin TRX?
Weber venturi carbs... all carbs have a venturi, thats how they work! 😅
That’s true. Just quoting the brochure. 👍
At high school my teacher owned a brand new xe fairmont ghia it was a wow factor as most of my family owned fords i also loved another teachers 1979xc GXL 5*8 certainly beautiful aussie fords 👍👍cheers stephen from QLD🤠🐨🦘✌️
Sounds like some cool teachers there. 👍
I think Dicks green car was the absolute best ever race car
I am quite sure I remember seeing it for sale for $35k in 87 or 88
I never liked the flat center console in the xe
What a bargain!! 👍👍👍
Any chance of doing a bf series review? I have a bf xr6 and absolutely love it!
Absolutely. I have a BF XR6 too. I am doing them chronologically so look forward to it in the future and be sure to subscribe. I am charting all the Falcons back to XK. There is a playlist if interested. 👍
@@markbehr88awesome! Looking forwards to it.
My xe on gas was awesome. But a big rust hole in wiper cowl...
Yes, rust was still a problem. 👍
I start at ford's in September 1983 and they were still assembling the V8 in Geelong may be they were going to be spares but I was sent to the engine plant from the press shop to help out for the day and my job was assembling the heads for the V8
Yes, they sold them to DeTomaso for the Panteras. 👍👍
I don't know if they were the 4.9 or the 5.8 litre my job was puting the valves in springs and rockers on and testing for leaks
@@trevorjohnston9504 The Pantera ones were all 351. 👍
Weren’t the 351 also still assembled for the local F-trucks and Broncos? They were an interesting vehicle - as much local content as possible to keep the tariffs down. Comparing AU to US ones would be a good story for Mark to cover in another video.
@@markbehr88 I have pictures of the stamping plant casting plant and engine plant on google maps
The power increase in XE 6pot may have eaten into ford V8
I think it was mainly the fuel crisis jitters. Holden did alright with the V8. It was a big mistake for Ford. 👍
@@markbehr88
I read in an old issue of Wheels or Modern Motor that in 1982, ZK Fairlane sales were 55% 302 V8, 45% six cylinder.
The early FD LTD's were the only LTD ever, to offer the 302 in addition to the 351and 250 six.
In 1983, the 250 six of course, became the sole engine choice.
The six cylinder drone didn't really suit these long wheelbase Ford's.
@@noelgibson5956 Agreed. 👍
I think that Holden were going to drop the V8 also but retained it after a campaign by the fans with the slogan V8s till 98 if i recall.@@markbehr88
Yes I wrote in and still have Chuck Chapman’s letter of thanks. 👍
I have see in books Spotlight on Ford Falcon 121kw in the EFI 4.1 NOT 111kw 😮😮😮
That was the initial output 111. Then increased. 👍
I believe the 121kw? EFI was XF. It had the Ford EEC4 digital engine controller. The XE was the analogue Bosch LE? Jetronic.
@markbehr88 the efi in the xe had 325nm.
@@danieletripodi8906true and another interesting fact is that the xe efi had no cat converter.
@@danieletripodi8906 That makes sense. 👍
You forgot the Dick Johnson (Blue) Grand Prix Turbo
I intentionally left it out as it wasn’t a factory offering or project. 👍
but you did mention The GOSS XD@@markbehr88
I know.
Forgive me but just wondering what car is in the foreground at 3:09 ? not an xa, p5 or zf?
That is a 1971 Ford Galaxie LTD. Ford Australia assembled them in Australia from kits ex the USA. If you look on my channel you will see my parent’s 1972 version. Same body just different grille and tail lights etc. They had the 400 cubic inch Cleveland V8 and were sold as the top of the line model before Australia made its own LTD (P5) in 1973. 👍
Wonder if that last XE V8 is still around?
As a milestone car and piece of motoring history, it's been bounced around between various museums and dedicated car collector's. It's future is assured. It's been driven very little, and has likely done less than 5000km.
I've heard it's worth significant coin.
It is! 👍
@@noelgibson5956 That’s right 👍
At the time, my engineering friends and I were wondering why Ford could not build a modern 4 litre V8. 426cc per cylinder is optimal and Ford had the facilities and skill-set to create it. There was only one Australian car to carry an alloy V8.
The P76? 👍
@@markbehr88 That would be the one!
@@royferntorp I drove a Force 7V once. Episode on the channel. 👍
@@markbehr88 I only ever saw one of them in the flesh. I was driving through Balmain and he backed into my car. My car was a 2-door Marina with a badly fitted Bionic Dog under the bonnet. Unregistered. We laughed at the irony.
@@royferntorp The meeting of two automotive relatives. 👍
It looks like a 1986 honda accord mixed with a 1993 ford tempo.
But much better with a 351 V8 in it plus rear wheel drive! 👍
hows this for another used car lot memory...bog stock white XE GL Wagon at the back of a ford dealers lot...5.8 litre and auto with 4 wheel disc brakes 900 dollars !!!
I’ll buy it! 😀👍
Too bad that Ford didn't turbo the 250 six to cover for the V8 being hooked... Would've been good to see Fords blowing away Brock Dunnydores. Lol.
Yes a turbo would have been good. Not sure what the max RPM is on a 250 six. I assume relatively low? 🤔👍
@@markbehr88 not sure about 4800 but it looks like they waited until they had developed the twin cam six which was released with the BA,there was talk of a dohc six with the EA i think but it never happened.
@@chuckselvage3157 That makes more sense. 👍
the CDT did as the Dick Johnson Group C Grand Prix, not an official Ford product, there are a few vids on CZcams of these cars and from all reports its a menace to drive as basically boost cuts in a 3,000rpm and you have to learn quickly how to do car control as the read end can't cope with all that torque.
@@chuckselvage3157 - yes, but it was a downsized to 3.6L (from them 3.9) but Ford USA did not want to spend any further money on development, from memory it was reported in Wheels mag in 1989.
Mick Webb (and Brock, AVP) did enhance the 3.9L OHC MPEFI six doing simple mods and they were said to get around 165kW up some 27kW over the standard MPEFI version (which is what Tickford got when they did the upgrades for S-XR6 in EB2) with things like extractors/exhaust , air intake, new ignition/spark plugs and running on then 95 RON (recommended) without opening the head.
The V8 may well have gone into Falcon until 1984. A lot of people think that the Fairmont Ghia you show was the last in 1982. Well that may well have been the ceremony but I have see evidence of later Falcon V8s. At the start of this video there is a rusty V8 S Pack wagon from 1984 showing 5.8 badges. I find it credible.
czcams.com/video/HpV6X1oHlB0/video.htmlsi=mWPAKQBbKuZI-_QP
I’ll check it out but I’d be amazed if they were fitting them 2 years later. I’d say no. Retro fit. 👍
Monumental mistake to drop the v8 it hurt them all the way up to the BA by that time Holden had inherited a few generations of followers that seen there old man and grandfathers drive v8 powered commodores
Yes, you are right. 👍
FORD stopped making the V8 as a business decision. FORD decided to use the V8 engine plant to make TELSTA engines instead of V8 engines.
Telstra engines were assembled in plant 5 the old chassis plant the V8 were made in the engine plant after they re introduced the V8 they were assembled with parts imported from the usa
@@trevorjohnston9504 Thanks for the info 👍
Sad 😢
@@markbehr88 plant 5 (near separation bridge) is now owned by Godfrey hirst carpets
@@trevorjohnston9504 sad hey.
I drove them as a taxi..thirsty, and gutless on LPG..terrible car
Not a fan hey? 😀
@@markbehr88 I'll be honest..as a taxi, the kays on them were naturally very high, they became a mixed bag mechanically, and with some drivers whose skills were, well..my favourite Ford was the XF..still thirsty, and that alloy head had its own issues..
@@MervynBarnes-gr6yk a lot of taxi drivers swear by them. 👍
@@markbehr88 some of the ones I had were non a/c,( humid days fun)and non power steering(!!) and very ordinary acceleration. They excelled in interior and boot space though.Im not a Ford fan..I prefer the Rover P6, Vauxhall, and vintage Chevrolets
@@MervynBarnes-gr6yk Fair enough. 👍
Yeah look the 6 cylinder models you wouldn't piss on em if they were on fire. ..but I've driven some decent V8 ones...it wasn't until the legendary Intech VCT 6 cylinder was released in the legendary AU that you'd contemplate going V8-less 😛👍
I think the sixes were pleasant to drive. Not that powerful but quite relaxing if you weren’t wringing its neck. 👍
@@markbehr88 yeah back in the 90's one of our customers hadda dark grey metallic XF Fairmont Ghia sedan with the EFI 4.1lt 6 & it was an awesome car in every respect. ..except for it being an XF with ALLLLLL their "issues" & there were plenty 😲😨
@@lancecooper4646 I bought my brother’s XF 5 speed S pack. It was a cool car. 👍
@@markbehr88 you'll be able to buy his FGX when he gets sick of that too 😛👍
@@lancecooper4646 I hope so 👍👍😀