Ford Falcon (XP)
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | January 1, 1925 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Parent | Ford Motor Company |
The Ford Falcon (XP) represents a mid-sized automobile manufactured by Ford Australia between 1965 and 1966. Serving as the fourth and concluding version of the initial generation Falcon, it also encompassed the premium Ford Fairmont (XP) variant.
Introduction
Launched in March 1965, the XP Falcon succeeded the XM Falcon, concluding the first-generation Falcon series that began with the XK Falcon in 1960. A significant advancement was the introduction of a 'torque box' steel subframe, which improved chassis stiffness and enhanced the vehicle’s reputation, particularly among Australian fleet operators who had previously considered earlier Falcons to lack robustness.
The majority of mechanical components and drivetrain elements were carried over from the XM to the XP model. Variants designed for commercial use such as utilities, panel vans, taxis, and police cars were fitted with five-stud 13-inch wheels and larger 10-inch drum brakes. These models also featured lower gear ratio differentials (4.00:1) paired with 6.70 x 13 tires.
Targeting the upscale market segment, the Fairmont was positioned against rivals like Holden's Premier and came equipped with 14-inch wheels featuring four studs to accommodate standard disc brakes—an option available on other models equipped with 13-inch wheels. Both Fairmonts and Futuras, including Futura hardtops, were supplied with bucket seats; however, only Futuras incorporated a center console.
Under the hood, power was delivered by a 200 cubic inch Super Pursuit engine, initially produced with a four-main bearing configuration before transitioning to an imported seven-main bearing version. Standard features on the XP included a three-speed automatic transmission, padded dashboard, carpeting, color-coordinated perforated headlining, blower heater, windshield washers, chrome interior rearview mirror, seven interior door-activated lights, and a handbrake warning light flasher. Vacuum-assisted disc brakes came standard on Fairmont models and were available as an option on other sedans and hardtops.
The XP shared front-end panels—including bonnet, fenders, and bumper bar—with the Mercury Comet produced between 1960 and 1963; however, it featured a grille designed by Ford Australia. A notable distinction was that the XP utilized single headlights in contrast to the Comet’s dual-headlight setup.
Model range
The passenger car variants of the XP Falcon were offered in several body styles: four-door sedan, two-door hardtop, and five-door station wagon, marketed under these designations:
- Falcon Standard Sedan
- Falcon Standard Wagon
- Falcon Deluxe Sedan
- Falcon Deluxe Hardtop
- Falcon Deluxe Wagon
- Falcon Futura Sedan
- Falcon Futura Hardtop
- Falcon Squire Wagon
In September 1965, the Falcon Futura Sedan and Squire Wagon were phased out and replaced by more luxurious Fairmont versions:
- Fairmont Sedan
- Fairmont Wagon
The commercial lineup within the XP range consisted of two-door coupe utility and panel van configurations:
- Falcon Standard Utility
- Falcon Deluxe Utility
- Falcon Sedan Delivery
Production and replacement
A total of 70,998 XP Falcons were manufactured before this model was succeeded by the XR Falcon in September 1966. Among these production figures, 93 units of the XP Falcon Squire wagon were built between February and August 1965.