HOWZABOUT SOME LOVE FOR THE AUSTRALIAN FALCON?!?

Howza Bruthas-

Decades ago when I first saw Mad Max, I have really dug those Falcons from down under.
As cool as the Falcon XB fastbacks were/are, I REALLLLLY love the wagon!

So, which on do you like?

 

The Aussies have had some great looking versions of some American brands. I’ve always been an El Camino fan and have owned several (US made), but they have existed in Australia since the ‘40s. (They call them a “Ute”). I was in Australia in 2003 and saw a new one with a small block, and seriously considered shipping one to the USA. The catch was: it was right hand drive, and couldn’t see the expense of having it converted… really good looking truck/car.

 

I had an XA wagon as a high school car, had a 250 6 cylinder. When they were still properly cheap. Super fun car, after high school I put a 302 in it. Still column auto. Sold it after a got my 59 ranch wagon.



Recently my dad bought an XB GT, three pedals even so is a hoot to drive.

 

A mates old one. The coupes are good looking too

 

Me being a Falcon guy I really love the Aussie versions and would love to have one!!

 

Heres a few 1964 sales photos.

 

Heres the 1964 Aussie hardtop, only straight six, no V8. After moving here i found out about 1983 a pimp in Amsterdam was selling a U.S version 1963 Sprint hardtop with 260 V8 and 2 speed automatic . Had to have that. Car came with all documentation from 1st lady owner who took the car with her when she moved from California to Monte Carlo. No, it was,nt Grace Kelly. Was a great car though.

 

Really cool, the different styling cue's compared to the U.S. versions. I see very few 2dr models, was this a 'down-under' thing for any particular reason?

Great idea for a thread BTW, they's some serious hot-rodders down stairs!

 

The XY Falcon 4-door was assembled in South Africa and sold as a Fairmont. The GT version had quite a reputation here.

 

Wow that takes me back. Love those Bathurst Globe wheels on dad's car, cheers

 

Having grown up in a Holden household, Aussie Falcons are verboten. There is however a grudging respect for the Bathurst winners. Anything you can flog up and down a mountain for 6-7 hours demands respect.

The locals gave them a caning (first photo is Firth/Gibsons XR GT) , and Allan Moffat from the Great White North was quite successful in them (second photo are the Moffat/Bond XC GS500s).



Cheers,
Harv

 

My stepmum had a 64 XM wagon, 170ci 3 speed column shift wagon similar to this. First manual car I ever drove more than just back and forth in the driveway at home. Just 15 years old and Dad insisted that I learn a manual ( stick for you US folks) after learning to drive in his 61 283 p/glide Belair ( which I am now the custodian of).

 

The early 1970's racing Falcon GTHO's were strong too. Nah !!!, bill Brown was just bloody lucky.

 

Man that's a hard hit.

A lot worse, but reminds me of Kevin Bartlett's Channel 6 Camaro:



Cheers,
Harv

 

I have a newer model Falcon BA Wagon [tow hack]
Powered by 4.0 six 24v Barra engine




Years ago I had a XB Falcon "panelvan" [Sedan delivery] which was a good "party bus" for hanging out on the beach
Mine was a 351 Cleveland "GS" [with the customary butchered sunroof that was popular in the 80's]

example here

 

Fastbacks...??? NO, NO, NO......... That term stinks of Mustang.
Down here we had "hardtops".

 

Here's a new one i think.....

 

If only it was real and not just AI fluff.........

 

To me, it screams a glorified Mustang.....

 

Just saw this on Instagram! Aussie "Street Machine" magazine giveaway car, STILL AROUND!!!

 

There are ZERO movie cars cooler than this, and you cannot convince me otherwise.

 

Those "Mad Max Monstrosities" are an embarrassment.
People spoof in their pants over replica movie cars.

If you like the "Hollywood connection" here is Eric Bana's 74 XB Hardtop
[He's owned it since it was a go kart]


They look much better without all that "tupperware" stuck on the bodywork

 

Going back to @Spooky original post that he loved the Aussie Falcon wagons, my mother had one as a daily driver when I was a kid.

These pic were taken sometime between 1978 and 1982 , out the front of the house I grew up in. This model is called an XT Ford Falcon and was a '68 or '69 model from memory. It had a 302 Windsor and black trim and I loved the sound of the V8. I also recall during the Summer months, with no air con, sitting in the back seat with the dog on the way to the beach, this car seemed hotter than than the Earth's core







Cheers Turns

 

I probably should add that fast forward to 2025, I am trying to finish a Falcon build right now.

Oddly enough, not an Australian model but a 1964 Ford Ranchero







Cheers Turns

 

If some wagon is good, then more wagon should be better, right?

 

^^^^I LIKE IT!!!^^^^

 

When the XA and XB hardtops had racing livery they almost look "chopped"
A Falcon Hardtop racer always looked "mean and aggressive \"

Here is John Goss's XA hunting down an E49 Charger.


This is also Gossy's XA



Even 4 door Falcons looked nasty with "Group C" tupperware on them.
Here is an XE "door slammer"

 

Not for the main board, but I've got a lot of respect for what Howard Astill can do with a foul-can.



Cheers,
Harv

 

E49 Charger!? I know nothing about those! One of the members from down under need to start a thread about them.

 

A separate door for everyone.
It sort of has the vibe of a three-legged chicken. Everyone wants a drumstick....