Introduced in September, 1973 the XB offered a minor but
succesful restyling of the XA, with its color keyed bumpers
and recessed grille offering a cleaner and tidier presentation.
The XB featured a slight restyle of the previous model,
featuring a cleaner but more aggressive front end with
a forward sloping bonnet and a wide set, 'egg-crate' split
grille.
The design was very reminiscent of the
1971-73
U.S. Mustang. The tail lamps were also neatened.
The 351ci Cleveland V8 engine remained, now solely manufactured
in Australia rather than imported and in a major development,
four wheel disk brakes were fitted as standard.
The XB ran out the GT line, existing until June, 1976
after which there were no more GT's.
While it suffered
from falling performance at the hands of emission regulations,
it excelled in the Grand Tourer role, being comfortable
and refined, with good handling, great brakes and V8 performance.
Only 1950 four doors were produced, and 949 hardtops,
making the Falcon XB GT highly collectable today.
There
is also considerable prestige associated with the fact
that the XB GT was used as the basis for the black "Pursuit
Special", or "The last of the V8 Interceptors", featured
prominently in the Mad Max and Mad Max 2 films.
Today many car collectors consider them a true Aussie
icon, and deservedly so! Even stock standard 1974 XB
sedans, used as the basis for the blue and yellow "Police
Interceptors" in the first Mad Max film, are today
finding a new cult following.
