Ford Falcon (XT)
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 1, 1925 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Ford Falcon (XT) represents a full-size automobile manufactured by Ford Australia between 1968 and 1969. It stands as the second version within the second generation of the Falcon series and also incorporates the Ford Fairmont (XT), which is the upscale trim of the lineup.
Introduction
Debuting in March 1968, the XT Falcon served as an updated iteration of the XR Falcon, showcasing a redesigned front grille and rear lights, improved safety through split-system brakes, larger tires, and electric windshield washers.
Standard features on the luxury Fairmont models included bucket seats, front disc brakes, heater/demister units, wood-grain dashboard details, carpeting, and courtesy lights on every door. The Fairmont Wagon further enhanced convenience with an electrically controlled tailgate.
Model range
The XT series was available in various configurations: a 4-door Sedan, a 5-door Station Wagon, a 2-door Utility, and a 2-door Van. The range comprised:
- Falcon Sedan
- Falcon 500 Sedan
- Fairmont Sedan
- Falcon GT Sedan
- Falcon Wagon
- Falcon 500 Wagon
- Fairmont Wagon
- Falcon Utility
- Falcon 500 Utility
- Falcon Van
Fairmont variants were marketed distinctly from the Falcons. Launched two months following the main release in May 1968, the XT Falcon GT represented the performance-focused model.
Engines
The XT lineup featured four engine options with increased displacement:
- 3.1 L (188 CID) inline six-cylinder delivering 114 bhp, standard on Falcon and Falcon 500
- 3.6 L (221 CID) inline six-cylinder producing 135 bhp, standard on Fairmont and optional for Falcon and Falcon 500
- 5.0 L (302 CID) V8 engine rated at 210 bhp, available as an option for Falcon, Falcon 500, and Fairmont
- 5.0 L (302 CID) V8 generating 230 bhp, standard equipment on the Falcon GT
Engine sizes were officially denoted in litres rather than cubic inches.
Production & replacement
A total of 79,290 XT Falcons were manufactured before being replaced by the XW Falcon in June 1969. The XT badge was later revived in 2002 for the base model of the BA Falcon series.
Motorsport
An XT Falcon GT piloted by Bill Gates and Jim Bertram claimed victory in the 1969 Rothmans 12 Hour Classic for production vehicles held at Surfers Paradise International Raceway on January 5, 1969.
Additionally, a trio of XT Falcon GTs earned the Teams award in the 1968 London-Sydney Marathon, finishing in overall positions of third, sixth, and eighth place.