Happy 50th birthday Ford Falcon!

[kiwi_2005]

:rock:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/motoring/3863339/Happy-50th-birthday-Falcon

The Falcon is the longest running model nameplate in Australia and New Zealand's motoring history, and it marks its 50th birthday on June 28, 50 years to the day since the first XK Falcon rolled off Ford Australia's Broadmeadows production line.

It's also 50 years since the first inline six- cylinder engine was produced at Ford's Geelong engine plant. The 144 cubic inch (2.4-litre) overhead valve (OHV) push-rod engine developed 67kW when it was introduced, which was class-leading at the time, but these days it's only about average for an engine half that size.
The latest Falcon's power unit, is a four-litre fuel-injected unit, with high-tech features like a dual mode split plenum, composite intake manifold, fast burn cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and possessed of dual independent variable camshaft timing.

It also produces about three times the power and more than twice the peak torque of that first Falcon unit, while being significantly more fuel efficient despite a 50 per cent increase in vehicle weight.
Almost all the intervening years have involved Ford's Falcon competing with its arch-rival Holden's large car, both in showrooms and on racetracks around Australia. True-blue Ford fans and the red brigade from Holden will argue who is the leader between the brands on the racetrack. However, they would have to agree that the Falcon and its Kingswood to Commodore competitors have in the past five decades been responsible for probably the most closely- fought racing series in the world, with their Bathurst battles having become legendary.
Ford is celebrating its Falcon's 50th birthday, with special 50th anniversary packages for most Falcon variants. They should be in showrooms in July.:cool:
http://i45.tinypic.com/168e5gj.jpg
:DL

[FIREWALL]

She may look homely but, she'll run forever.:salute:

[SteamWake]

She may look homely but, she'll run forever.:salute:

Heh the only ones I see these day have rims on them worth twice what the car is. They usually have crappy hand painted paint jobs and sometimes found with cardboard spoilers. They all seem to come with the same music tape that basically goes "Booom Booom Booom". :haha:

[Reece]

Yes I'm a Ford nut, my first one was an XP sedan and the next was an XY GS sedan, 102 Cleveland V8, that was a very nice car.:yep: We currently have a 2002 AU SR sedan,:DL my only gripe is it's very noisy regards creaking from the dash! drives you nuts, especially in cold weather.:doh:

[Jimbuna]

Nice to see a steering wheel on the correct side :DL

My first car was an Escort 1100 Estate :doh:

[Sailor Steve]

And my first car was a Ford Falcon...van! When they first made the van in '61 the windowless cargo version was called the Econoline, but the windowed passenger version was the Falcon. Mine was a 1963 model, puchased in '71.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/SailorSteve/FalconVan.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Was that engine petrol, diesel........or steam driven? :DL:03:

[Sailor Steve]

Was that engine petrol, diesel........or steam driven? :DL:03:
What, are you stoopid? I was poor - pedals of course! :O:

[Task Force]

What, are you stoopid? I was poor - pedals of course! :O:

Im suprised you didnt have to use your feet like the flintstones.:rotfl2:

[AVGWarhawk]

Was that engine petrol, diesel........or steam driven? :DL:03:


Wind-up

Here is the key:

http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/2901148/2/istockphoto_2901148-wind-up-key.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

OKAY, FINE! I lied, okay?

Here I am with my first car.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/SailorSteve/Scan0015.jpg

But I was always more into bikes.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/SailorSteve/Scan0003.jpg

[geetrue]

I also had a Ford Falcon ... it was a 63 1/2 black 2 door hard top with a four speed that could do the quarter mile at half moon bay drag strip (outside San Francisco) in less than 20 seconds.

Great gas mileage, but gas wasx only 25 cents a gal in 65 lol

Traded it in for a 65 Shelby GT 350 never really missed the Falcon till just now though.

Lets me see if I have an old picture of it somewhere ...

[FIREWALL]

Yes I'm a Ford nut, my first one was an XP sedan and the next was an XY GS sedan, 102 Cleveland V8, that was a very nice car.:yep: We currently have a 2002 AU SR sedan,:DL my only gripe is it's very noisy regards creaking from the dash! drives you nuts, especially in cold weather.:doh:


XP Sedan huh ? I guess you being a family man, Haveing a VISTA Convertible was out. :DL

[Snestorm]

Favorite car has always been Ford 1965 Galaxy 500.

I think Ford peaked at about that time, and has been rolling downhill ever since.
Technology went up. Dependability went down.

Now, after climbing out of a truck, my favorite transport mode is to walk, or cykel.
I just don't like cars, and all the BS that goes with them, anymore.

[d@rk51d3]

I had an XC, with the 302 Cleveland.

Best car I ever owned. It was nice to sit at the lights, with the engine idle gently rocking the car from side to side. :cool:

[Reece]

XP Sedan huh ? I guess you being a family man, Having a VISTA Convertible was out. :DLAh yes the Vista convertible, was a bit cramped though:
http://www.nestingmode.com/uploads/product/12176013823.jpg
UPPAbaby VISTA (Convertible)

One car I always wanted was a Ford Customline (Cusso):
http://www.transportcafe.co.uk/vintage_car_photographs/classic_ford_customline_blue.jpg

[geetrue]

This is the only picture I could find ... but it's the 63 and half Ford Falcon I purchased in 1964 right before I got married in that same year too.


http://www.theworldwideweather.com/1964_Lynda_and_Ray.jpg




Plus the one I traded the Falcon for ... a 65 Shelby GT 350 I purchased for only $2600


http://www.theworldwideweather.com/dads.jpg

[Reece]

Gee you are an old fart!! I thought I was!!:D BTW, love the slippers!:oops::yep:

[darius359au]

@Reece that Custom Line is exactly the same model and colour my old man had when I was a kid:D ,unfortunately he sold it and got a new XA station wagon when they came out in 73 (Oh gods...I'm showing my age with that statement:cry:)

[kiwi_2005]

My first car wasn't a ford but a Holden HG Monaro V8 253 was 19 when i got it abit to big for my boots at that age where i thought i was king but drove it like a grannie. Mine was the classic red with black strip.
http://i50.tinypic.com/ok9x5l.jpg

"Ford Cortina' 4 cylinder <-- Beaut cars never break down go on forever. Mine was a bright yellow :o drove one of these for approx 7yrs not a hint of rust on the body throughout its life.
http://i49.tinypic.com/iveu4l.jpg

Ford Falcon XY cleveland 308 beaut cars :up: they can handle the road really well at high speeds lovely car to drive made me a speed demon for many years.

(351 GT)
http://i48.tinypic.com/inrbsy.jpg


Last ford was the Ford falcon ute XF :rock:
http://i47.tinypic.com/2nhjqbl.jpg

Now i own a Japper :oops:

[Reece]

IIRC when the XY GTHO Phase III came out it was $5,300 love to go back in time, purchase and place in storage!:D

[krashkart]

Here's the closest I can get. My first vehicle was a '85 Ford Bronco II. Three-tone paint job (factory Black paint, rust, and sun damage). Had a six-cylinder under the hood with manual transmission. Loved it, drove it like a mad bat out of hell. She was very reliable, until the pizza delivery job.

R.I.P. Black Beauty :salute:

[Jimbuna]

Gee you are an old fart!! I thought I was!!:D BTW, love the slippers!:oops::yep:

Never mind the slippers, dig the socks :yeah:

:03:

[Reece]

Here's the closest I can get. My first vehicle was a '85 Ford Bronco II. Three-tone paint job (factory Black paint, rust, and sun damage). Had a six-cylinder under the hood with manual transmission. Loved it, drove it like a mad bat out of hell. She was very reliable, until the pizza delivery job.

R.I.P. Black Beauty :salute:Yes I have some good memories in the back seat of a couple of my cars!:oops::cool: Better be quick, the wife is home!:D
Also have some bad memories, been a passenger of a few cars and a truck that rolled!!:dead: The things you do when you're young, you get the idea that you're immortal! but no, just stupid!:yep:

[krashkart]

Yes I have some good memories in the back seat of a couple of my cars!:oops::cool: Better be quick, the wife is home!:D
Also have some bad memories, been a passenger of a few cars and a truck that rolled!!:dead: The things you do when you're young, you get the idea that you're immortal! but no, just stupid!:yep:

I am glad none of those accidents prevented us from meeting here. :sunny:

[Jimbuna]

Yes I have some good memories in the back seat of a couple of my cars!

You mean you actually got paid for licking rear windows!! :o

[Reece]

You mean you actually got paid for licking rear windows!! :oWell I don't know about windows!;) Oh I am naughty!:oops:

[FIREWALL]

IIRC when the XY GTHO Phase III came out it was $5,300 love to go back in time, purchase and place in storage!:D

You will faint now my friend. Sit down. :DL

A new auction record was set with the sale of lot 16, a superbly restored original Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III. The car sold for $683,650 (including buyer's premium).


Link : http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/general-automotive/31870-phase-iii-gtho-falcon-sets-new-auction-record-muscle-car.html

[Lord_magerius]

50th anniversary of an american car. Big whoop. When you guys figure out that roads aren't all straight and develop something without medieval suspension, then I shall be happy. Until then, just no. Come to eee yurrr ooop, we have corners. I know this may be confusing to some american readers, but a corner is a bit in the road, where it deviates from being straight and goes in a different direction. I know it's some form of wicked sorcery but if you go to eeeyurrroooop or affrikaaaar or even aysjeeaaah you will find these devilish things. :O:

[Platapus]

50th anniversary of an american car. Big whoop. When you guys figure out that roads aren't all straight and develop something without medieval suspension, then I shall be happy. Until then, just no. Come to eee yurrr ooop, we have corners. I know this may be confusing to some american readers, but a corner is a bit in the road, where it deviates from being straight and goes in a different direction. I know it's some form of wicked sorcery but if you go to eeeyurrroooop or affrikaaaar or even aysjeeaaah you will find these devilish things. :O:


You rock :yeah::rock:

It reminds me of the differences between F1 racing and NASCAR. In F1 you often have to turn right. :D

[Lord_magerius]

Tis true though, any car that has a suspension system that hasn't changed since a medievil ox cart, isn't a car. It's an engine with wheels. which might turn a corner if you offer it a cheeseburger and some fries. Why can't americans make decent cars? If they're not made out of 8 tons of steel and getting 20bhp out of a 6 litre v8 they're made of the same sort of plastic that comes with ready meals.

[FIREWALL]

You guys have short memories. Tran Am, I.R.O.C.

And I'm not talking about the cars. :DL

[krashkart]

50th anniversary of an american car. Big whoop. When you guys figure out that roads aren't all straight and develop something without medieval suspension, then I shall be happy. Until then, just no. Come to eee yurrr ooop, we have corners. I know this may be confusing to some american readers, but a corner is a bit in the road, where it deviates from being straight and goes in a different direction. I know it's some form of wicked sorcery but if you go to eeeyurrroooop or affrikaaaar or even aysjeeaaah you will find these devilish things. :O:

:rotfl2:

You mean switchbacks, right? I'm not finding any good pictures of the old road down White Bird pass. So here's a map instead.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=179&pictureid=2366

Back in the good old days people still knew how to build roads. The newer I-95 is just west of it; not as curvy but almost as steep. Y'all have runaway truck ramps over there in eeeeyyuurrrooop? :DL

[Lord_magerius]

We do, and finding a gem in a turd doesn't necessarily make you a rich man :O:

[FIREWALL]

We do, and finding a gem in a turd doesn't necessarily make you a rich man :O:

You wouldn't know a good car if it bit you. :O:

edit: Enlighten us. Just what is your idea of a good car ?

[Lord_magerius]

My idea of a good car is something that looks good, granted american cars do look awesome, but you have to have the balls to back the looks. For example, 200hp out of a 5 litre engine is just not acceptable. Over here we can get 200hp out of a used condom. Steering must actually work, it isn't just there for show. Luxury doesn't mean BIGGER! Luxury is style and class, not cup holders and wheelie bin plastic. Just my opinion though, and an opinion is like a clitoris, every c**t has one... :O:

[Reece]

IIRC when the XY GTHO Phase III came out it was $5,300 love to go back in time, purchase and place in storage!:D

You will faint now my friend. Sit down. :DL

A new auction record was set with the sale of lot 16, a superbly restored original Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III. The car sold for $683,650 (including buyer's premium).


Link : http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/general-automotive/31870-phase-iii-gtho-falcon-sets-new-auction-record-muscle-car.htmlYes that is why I said what I did, if only you could see the future!!:doh: When I sold my GS Falcon of the same year I cried! now I know why!!:cry:

[TarJak]

Whilst the Falcon has american origins the current crop is certainly all Aussie, goes around corners the best uses a 4.0L turbo charged straight 6 cly engine that puts out 420HP and 450Nm of torque, goes around corners and is sprung with those curly coiled things rather than the flat blade.

So come on down under to Oorstraaylyar and find out what makes a great grand touring sedan really tick over.

http://www.accurateautomatics.com.au/attachments/Image/ford-fg-falcon-xr6-turbo1.jpg

[Reece]

And still rear wheel drive!:yeah:

[Lord_magerius]

I bet you even have the option to turn the traction control off like a big boys car should have :yeah:

[Sailor Steve]

50th anniversary of an american car. Big whoop. When you guys figure out that roads aren't all straight and develop something without medieval suspension, then I shall be happy. Until then, just no. Come to eee yurrr ooop, we have corners. I know this may be confusing to some american readers, but a corner is a bit in the road, where it deviates from being straight and goes in a different direction. I know it's some form of wicked sorcery but if you go to eeeyurrroooop or affrikaaaar or even aysjeeaaah you will find these devilish things. :O:
I find it funny that Europeans like to talk about Americans not bothering to understand them or their ways, but you are more than ready to do exactly the same. Here are a couple of facts (well, the first is opinion, but I think it's well-founded).

1. European and American racing. European racing started when people raced against each other on the open roads. Hence, 'road racing'. Americans went down to the local horse track. Hence, 'oval racing'. It's amazing what tradition will do for you.

2. A lot of Europeans don't seem to understand the scale of things here. I'll try to put in in Eurospeak to make our situation clear.

I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. We have 2.5 million people in the whole state, and most of us live in three metropolitan areas, all within 130 km of each other. To the The nearest city of any size to the south of us is Las Vegas, Nevada, which is 570 km away. To get there we pass through a few small towns and some mountains. To the West is Reno, Nevada, about 480 km, and it's about 1/4 the size of Salt Lake, so the next real city west of us is San Francisco, 970 km away. . To the north is...well, nothing actually. Boise, Idaho, but that's not very big either, and after that is the Canadian border. To the west is Denver, Colorado, again about 800 km.

So American cars were developed to travel long distances in straight lines. Most of them weren't overly fast, but some were made for speed. That said, they didn't have to handle a lot of tight twisties, they just had to get us there in relative comfort.

It's fine to disagree, but my old Model T doesn't like being made fun of. You've hurt his feelings, and he'd like an apology.

[Pioneer]

My first Falcon, although I never "owned" it.

http://www.inthejob.com/QLD_TimQpol%201982.jpg

[krashkart]

Sweet ride, Pioneer. :DL

[d@rk51d3]

You will faint now my friend. Sit down. :DL

A new auction record was set with the sale of lot 16, a superbly restored original Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III. The car sold for $683,650 (including buyer's premium).


Link : http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/general-automotive/31870-phase-iii-gtho-falcon-sets-new-auction-record-muscle-car.html


Old news. They'll fetch double that now.:yep:

Then theres the XA GTHO Phase IV, only 3 left out of the original 4 (from memory). Owner has reportedly refused offers of $3 million.