👉The Ford Falcon in Australia: A Legacy of Innovation and Popularity
The Ford Falcon, produced by Ford Australia from 1960 to 2016, holds a special place in the hearts of Australian car enthusiasts. Here’s a closer look at its fascinating journey:
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1. Origins and Market Positioning:
- The Falcon was first introduced in 1960 by Ford Australia with a clear goal: to create a compact and affordable family car.
- Designed to compete with the dominant Holden models, the Falcon quickly gained popularity and became one of Australia’s top-selling vehicles.
2. The Rocking Story Behind the First Ford Falcon:
- On June 28, 1960, the first Australian-made Falcon rolled off the Ford production line.
- Interestingly, even before this historic event, the Falcon had already made a prominent appearance on the cover of an LP by Australian rocker Lonnie Lee.
3. Generations and Versatility:
Over its seven generations, the Falcon evolved to meet changing market demands.
Body styles included:
- 4-door sedans
- 5-door station wagons
- 2-door utility vehicles
- 2-door panel vans
- Hardtop coupés (until 1978)
Futura variants
Luxury models like the Landau coupe and long-wheelbase Fairlane and LTD sedans also stemmed from the Falcon platform.
4. End of an Era:
- In May 2013, Ford Australia announced the end of local production, including the Falcon and its closely related Territory crossover SUV.
- The decision was part of Ford’s global product development plan, which aimed to rationalize its range.
- The Falcon’s indirect replacements are the fourth-generation Mondeo from Europe and the sixth-generation Mustang from North America, with the latter continuing Ford’s Australian V8 heritage.
5. Legacy and Fond Memories:
- The Falcon once dominated taxi fleets, police departments, and company fleets alongside its closest rival, the Holden Commodore.
- Its reliability, style, and adaptability made it a beloved choice for Australian drivers.