Ford Falcon (XD)
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Ford Falcon (XC) |
| Founded | March 1979 |
| Defunct | March 1982 |
| Successor | Ford Falcon (XE) |
| Headquarters | Australia , Australia |
| Products | Full-size car |
The Ford Falcon (XD) represents a full-size car manufactured by Ford Australia between 1979 and 1982. This model marked the debut of the fourth generation of the Falcon, encompassing the upscale Ford Fairmont (XD) variant.
Overview
Launched in March 1979, the XD Falcon succeeded the XC Falcon. Despite increasing fuel costs, Ford Australia opted to maintain the full-size Falcon platform, contrasting with competitor Holden, which downsized its large vehicle range through the introduction of the European-inspired Commodore.
Throughout the 1970s, Ford explored smaller alternatives such as the European Granada and American Ford Fairmont, but ultimately dismissed these options due to the expense involved in adapting them for Australian conditions and in creating luxury versions for the Fairlane and LTD series.
Rather than downsizing, Ford enhanced fuel efficiency on the existing platform by incorporating lighter materials extensively, including high-strength low-alloy steel for critical parts and plastic components for bumpers and fuel tanks. The XD model preserved the wheelbase of the XC but widened the front track by , resulting in a more compact exterior without sacrificing cabin space. Aerodynamic improvements lowered drag by 10%, while weight dropped by compared to its predecessor. A mid-1980 update introduced an alloy cylinder head and electronic ignition system, reducing weight by an additional on six-cylinder engines and boosting fuel economy by 7-10% relative to earlier models. These refinements allowed fuel consumption figures to rival those of smaller competitors like the Holden Commodore, which became a significant selling feature.
The styling drew inspiration from the 1977 European Granada Mark II, sharing only its headlight design. The station wagon incorporated a one-piece lift-up tailgate adapted from the American Ford Fairmont, a first for Australian production. Unlike its predecessor, the XD lineup did not offer a 2-door Hardtop version.
Engine selections comprised a base 3.3-litre six-cylinder, an upgraded six-cylinder, and two "Cleveland" V8 engines rated at and . Transmission options included a three-speed manual with column shift (available only with six-cylinder engines), a four-speed manual with floor shift, and a three-speed automatic featuring either column or floor shifters—the automatic being the most widely chosen. All powertrains used carburettors; although fuel injection was considered, it was postponed due to cost factors and later introduced with the successor model XE Falcon.
In 1981, 250 units were imported into Trinidad & Tobago by that country’s largest Ford dealership.
Production totaled 197,293 XD Falcons before being succeeded by the XE model in March 1982.
Model range
The XD series comprised five passenger variants:
- Falcon GL sedan
- Falcon GL wagon
- Fairmont sedan
- Fairmont wagon
- Fairmont Ghia sedan
Commercial models introduced in September 1979 included four options:
- Falcon utility
- Falcon van
- Falcon GL utility
- Falcon GL van
S Pack option
Available from launch in March 1979, the "S Pack" offered features such as slotted wheels, pinstriping, "S" badges, wool-blend cloth upholstery, a digital clock, auxiliary driving lights, blacked-out paint accents, and sport-oriented instrumentation including a tachometer.
European Sports Pack (ESP) option
Introduced in June 1980 on the Falcon GL Sedan, the European Sports Pack (ESP), designated as option 54, included distinctive features such as "Bathurst" globe alloy wheels, a sports-tuned suspension equipped with Bilstein shock absorbers, "Scheel" front seats, an instrument panel and clock illuminated in red, along with the 4.1-litre six-cylinder engine with an alloy head. Starting January 1981, this package was extended to the Fairmont Ghia model.
Limited Edition Fairmont Ghia
Towards the end of 1981, a Limited Edition series of 500 Fairmont Ghias was launched, offering upgrades beyond the usual premium specification. These special two-tone vehicles were offered in Galaxy Blue or Dark Burgundy paired with Aztec Gold, incorporating Marchal fog lamps sourced from the ESP and 14-inch "Volante" alloy wheels manufactured by Globe. Interior enhancements featured power-adjustable seats and a padded center console adapted from the FC LTD. Powertrain choices included the standard 4.1-litre alloy head six-cylinder engine along with optional V8 variants.
Sundowner van
The Sundowner van combined standard GL van features with a 4.1-litre engine and a four-speed manual floor-shift gearbox. It came equipped with slotted steel wheels, sports-oriented instrumentation, front and rear spoilers, driving lamps, and distinctive exterior striping.
Motorsport
Following Ford Australia's exit from motorsport in 1973, designer Wayne Draper recognized a market for aerodynamic components tailored to Falcon racing teams. Collaborating discreetly with Bob McWilliam to avoid management conflicts at Ford, they developed front splitters and rear spoilers for XB and XC Falcon Hardtop race cars produced between 1976 and 1978. Draper secured rights to the "HO" badge as "homologated options" and created an aerodynamic package for the XD Falcon, which underwent wind tunnel testing at Ford—referred to as "XD Phase 5." The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) mandated adjustments for homologation compliance, prompting HO/Phase Auto to manufacture the required 25 vehicles for Group C Touring Car competition.
Dick Johnson piloted the Group C Falcon XD "Tru-Blu," powered by a 351 cubic inch engine and backed by Palmer Tube Mills sponsorship, to victories in the Australian Touring Car Championships of 1981 and 1982. Alongside co-driver John French, Johnson also triumphed at the 1981 James Hardie 1000 driving an XD Falcon; although the race was prematurely halted due to a multi-vehicle crash, it was officially declared complete after surpassing two-thirds distance. This Falcon delivered approximately 411 horsepower and is currently preserved within the David Bowden collection.
Allan Moffat competed in an XD Falcon during the 1980 Bathurst 1000 after setbacks with his Mazda RX-7 program caused by CAMS homologation delays and Ford Australia's racing withdrawal. With limited preparation time, Moffat’s yellow XD Falcon experienced dry-sump oil system failures and retired after just two laps. This event marked Moffat’s final Falcon race for several years; his yellow XD is also housed in the David Bowden collection alongside other notable racing Falcons.