Ford Falcon (EB)
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Ford Falcon (EA) |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Defunct | 1993 |
| Successor | Ford Falcon (ED) |
Area served | Australia, New Zealand |
| Products | Full-size cars (sedan, wagon) |
The Ford Falcon (EB) is a full-size automobile manufactured by Ford Australia between 1991 and 1993. It serves as the second version within the fifth generation of the Falcon lineup, which also encompasses the upscale Ford Fairmont (EB). The EB model was introduced just prior to the competing Holden Commodore VP.
Introduction and updates
The 1991 EB Falcon largely retained the design of its forerunner, continuing with the 3.9-litre Ford inline-six engine paired with a four-speed M85LE automatic gearbox. Notable modifications included repositioning the Ford badge from the front edge of the bonnet to the grille, and adding a full-width applique between the rear lights, flanked by reversing lamps adjacent to the licence plate. The air vents on the C-pillars were eliminated. A significant highlight was the return of the V8 engine option, absent since 1982, combined with a four-speed M95LE automatic transmission. Adjustments to the front suspension geometry enhanced both traction and steering precision.
Ford brought back the sporty GT variant in a limited edition of 250 units to commemorate 25 years of the Falcon GT. The EB series also introduced performance-focused XR6 and XR8 models, broadening Ford’s presence in the sporty full-size car market.
Series I
Debuting in August 1991, the first series offered these trims:
- GL
- S
- S XR8
- Fairmont
- Fairmont Ghia
Series II
Launched in April 1992, the EB II featured an enlarged six-cylinder engine, increasing displacement from 3949 to 3984 cm³, effectively reaching 4.0 litres. The automatic transmission was upgraded to the M91LE variant, alongside enhancements in electronics and subtle styling tweaks. Base models gained body-coloured bumpers and glossy door handles. This revision reportedly involved an investment of AUD 1 million.
Innovation was a focal point: antilock brakes were introduced as an option—the first time available on a Falcon—and by 1993, a lap sash centre rear seatbelt became standard equipment. The EB II debuted the "Smartlock" security system, which substantially improved theft deterrence; comparative tests indicated it was virtually impervious to theft relative to rivals. Foam-filled A pillars contributed to enhanced crash safety while reducing noise and vibration levels.
The most uncommon version was the SS model, limited to just 10 units, designed specifically for Group 3E Series Production Cars racing before being superseded by the Tickford-modified S XR6 for competition purposes.
Combined production figures reached 36,374 units for the EB and 84,847 for the EB II before being replaced by the Ford Falcon (ED) in August 1993. The EB II marked the final Falcon assembled at New Zealand’s Wiri facility; subsequent Falcons were fully imported from Australia.
Engine options by model:
- GLi and Fairmont: available with either a 4.0-litre inline-six or a 5.0-litre V8
- S and S XR6: exclusively equipped with a 4.0-litre inline-six
- S XR8: fitted only with a 5.0-litre V8
Available variants included:
- GLi
- S
- S XR6
- S XR8
- Fairmont
- Fairmont Ghia
- GT
Tickford-enhanced XR and GT models
The EB Series II marked the introduction of models developed through a collaboration between Ford and Tickford Vehicle Engineering. The S XR6 received Tickford-tuned upgrades affecting both engine performance and suspension dynamics, while improvements were made to the S XR8 over its Series I counterpart. Additionally, TVE reintroduced the limited-edition EB Falcon GT commemorating its 25th anniversary with a run of only 250 units celebrating this milestone.
Motorsport
In the 1993 Australian Production Car Championship, the Falcon (EB) SS made a strong impression, with Mal Rose achieving four victories across six rounds to secure the championship title.
Representing Falcon's return to premier touring car competition after a hiatus since 1984, the Group 3A 5.0-litre EB Falcon dominated the 1993 Australian Touring Car Championship by capturing seven wins out of nine rounds. Glenn Seton Racing spearheaded this success, with drivers Glenn Seton and 1980 World Drivers Champion Alan Jones finishing first and second overall. Meanwhile, Dick Johnson Racing entered Falcons piloted by John Bowe and Dick Johnson, who finished third and fifth respectively.
The second EB Falcon fielded by Seton's team, driven by Geoff Brabham and David Parsons, achieved victory at the 1993 Sandown 500—marking the Falcon's first triumph at Sandown since 1974. Although mid-season aerodynamic enhancements to competing Holden Commodores diminished the Falcon's advantage at Bathurst, a 1994 update featuring front air dam wings restored its competitive edge. This development allowed Dick Johnson Racing to claim wins in both the 1994 Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000 with drivers Dick Johnson and John Bowe, securing Falcon's first Bathurst victory since 1981 and its ninth overall across Phillip Island and Bathurst events.
See also
- Ford Falcon (XF) – utility pickup and panel van models produced concurrently with the EB series sedans and wagons.