Ford Falcon (XA)
Jack Telnack | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Automotive designer |
The Ford Falcon (XA) represents a full-size car manufactured by Ford Australia between 1972 and 1973. This model marked the introduction of the third generation of the Falcon series, which also encompassed the upscale Ford Fairmont (XA). Additionally, the XA chassis served as the foundation for the Australian Ford Landau.
Overview
Manufactured from March 1972 until September 1973, the XA series was the first Falcon to be both designed—with collaboration from Ford’s US division—and assembled domestically in Australia. Under the guidance of designer Jack Telnack, it showcased a larger body featuring a distinctive "Coke bottle styling" silhouette, providing more cabin room than its XY predecessor. The lineup broadened its available options while continuing to use existing engine types; all V8 302 CID and most 351 CID "Cleveland" engines were now produced locally, with GT Falcons offering either Australian-made or imported 351 CID V8 engines.
The wheelbase for wagons, utilities, and panel vans was extended in comparison to sedans. Fairmont wagons introduced a dual-action tailgate mechanism, which was also offered as an option on base Falcon and Falcon 500 wagons.
The reintroduction of a two-door hardtop body style occurred with this series—the first since the XP models of 1965–1966. The XA hardtop bore a strong resemblance to the U.S. 1971-1973 Ford Mustang hardtop. Longer doors equipped with frameless windows were shared among utility and van variants, whereas sedans and wagons had shorter doors fitted with framed windows and occasionally featured optional quarter vent windows, primarily in warmer regions.
Notably, XA Falcons were pioneers in incorporating in-dash vents designed for face-level airflow, which operated only while the vehicle was in motion.
A total production count of 129,473 units was achieved for XA Falcons. Despite its commercial success, this generation had a relatively brief lifespan before undergoing a significant front-end redesign for the following Ford XB Falcon, released in September 1973.
Model range
Sedan and wagon variants launched in March 1972, followed by hardtops in August 1972, with utilities and panel vans introduced in October of the same year.
| Model | Body Style | 200-1 | 250-1 | 250-2 | 302-2 | 351-2 | 351-4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falcon | Sedan | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | − |
| Wagon | ● | ● | ● | ● | − | − | |
| Utility | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | − | |
| Van | ● | ● | ● | ● | − | − | |
| Falcon 500 | Sedan | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | − |
| Wagon | ● | ● | ● | ● | − | − | |
| Hardtop | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | − | |
| Utility | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | − | |
| Futura | Sedan | ||||||
| ● | ● | ● | ● |
Grand Sport Rally Pack
The Grand Sport Rally Pack could be specified on Falcon, Falcon 500, and Fairmont models. XA GS editions featured rally stripes extending from front indicator lamps to rear doors and included similar options to those found on GT Falcons—such as twelve-slot steel wheels with brushed center caps, a three-spoke wooden steering wheel equipped with a horn button, and complete GT dashboard instrumentation (tachometer, odometer, oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, voltmeter). For the first time within this series, the GS was available as a two-door hardtop. The GS package was also extended to utility vehicles and panel vans. The most powerful engine offered within this pack was a two-barrel variant of the Cleveland V8. Unlike the GT model, the GS did not come standard with Option 56 ‘driving lights’ integrated into the grille but frequently had this feature added afterward. Additionally, the GT’s bonnet featuring NACA-style air ducts was not offered on XA GS models.
Falcon GTHO Phase IV
Building on the success of the XW and XY Falcon GT sedans, Ford Australia engineered the XA Falcon GT-HO Phase IV, a limited-run high-performance model tailored for Group E Series Production Touring Car competition, specifically aiming at the 1972 Hardie-Ferodo 500 event at Bathurst. Although the production target was set at 200 vehicles, manufacturing was abruptly stopped in July 1972 due to significant media scrutiny and political intervention, resulting in only a single production unit being completed. This distinguished road car, painted in Calypso Green metallic with a white vinyl interior, has undergone complete restoration since.
Simultaneously, Ford Special Vehicles Division prepared three standard Falcon GT sedans finished in Brambles Red for Bathurst racing, driven by factory pilots Allan Moffat and Fred Gibson. After the cancellation of production, further development was discontinued and these vehicles were sold off; one later participated in rally events under Bruce Hodgson before being destroyed. Although fitted with regular compliance plates, enthusiasts consider these cars as race-prepared iterations of the XA GT-HO Phase IV.
Howard Marsden of Lot 6 assigned the race cars designations XA-1 (Moffat), XA-2 (Gibson), and XA-3 (Hodgson).
Falcon GT - RPO 83
From April through August 1973, Ford Australia manufactured 250 XA Falcon GTs equipped with the RPO 83 package, comprising 130 sedans and 120 hardtops. The RPO 83 specification included a Holley 780 carburettor, exhaust headers measuring 2.25 inches in diameter, and a heat shield for the clutch slave cylinder hydraulic line. Both pricing and exterior styling remained aligned with standard versions. The homologation of the 2.25-inch headers enabled participation in Group C Touring Car racing events, such as the 1973 Hardie-Ferodo 1000.
Falcon 500 Superbird - RPO 77
Following favorable reception of the XA Falcon GT Hardtop-based “Superbird” concept displayed at the 1973 Melbourne Motor Show, Ford Australia launched a limited-edition “Superbird” derived from the XA Falcon 500 Hardtop featuring the RPO 77 package. This option included an Australian-manufactured 302 cubic inch Cleveland V8 engine, enhanced sports suspension, Grand Sport Rally Pack gauges, and a rear window louvre. Buyers could select from three distinct colour combinations with matching wheel centre caps: Polar White/Cosmic Blue, Yellow Fire/Walnut Glow, and Lime Glaze/Jewel Green. Prominent "Superbird" decals adorned the rear quarter panels while retaining standard "Falcon 500" badges.
Although initially promoted as a run of 750 units, actual production numbers were likely lower and took place between March and May 1973.
Motorsport
At the 1973 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 held at Bathurst, Allan Moffat alongside Ian Geoghegan achieved victory driving a factory-supported XA Falcon GT Hardtop entered by the Ford Works Team (Australia). The subsequent year saw John Goss and Kevin Bartlett claim first place in the 1974 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 behind the wheel of a privately entered XA Falcon GT Hardtop.