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Ford Falcon XY
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1970 - 1972 |
Country: |
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Engine: |
6 cyl. & V8 |
Capacity: |
2.4/3.3 liter 6 and 5.7 liter
V8 |
Power: |
121 bhp (3.3 liter) |
Transmission: |
3/4 spd. man / 2 spd. auto |
Top Speed: |
n/a |
Number
Built: |
100,474 |
Collectability: |
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The XY marked the apogee of the second generation Falcons,
superior in performance to its competitors, better built,
fitted with a range of locally designed six cylinder engines,
and in GT form, producing the ultimate and fastest Falcon
of them all.
Popular with police forces, rental companies and the public
at large, the XY featured a new plastic grille split in
the centre and revised tail lamps.
The 250ci six was now almost as big as previous V8's,
and all engine and transmission combinations afforded
class leading performance.
For those lusting after a GT, but without enough cash,
Ford introduced the GS (Grand Sport) Pack, available in
Falcon 500, Futura and Fairmont models.
The improvments included the all important bucket seats,
floor console, T-bar automatic or 4 speed manual, power
steering, air conditioning, power operated windows,
ventilated disc brakes, the 302 5.0 liter V8, a tinted
laminated windscreen, vinyl roof and low-profile radial tires.
Perhaps the strangest iteration of time goes to the XY
4x4 utility. While not a great success, it does show the
forsight of the Ford engineers to envisage the popularity
of a 4 wheel drive combined with sedan like handling
characteristics and levels of comfort.
Unfortunately though the 250ci engine used in
the 4x4 proved less than economical, and the ride
from the all leaf-spring suspension was downright
uncomfortable.
Having to stop the vehicle and engage four wheel
drive from the front hubs was also a problem, although
only a minor discomfort compared to that being delivered
to the hip pocket and backside.
Across the entire range, improvements were made to the seating, safety equipment
and steps were taken to provide a smoother, quieter ride. But of
course the houours (and the reason the XY is best remembered so
fondly today) goes to the 351ci (5.7 liter) engine.
While similar in
capacity to that fitted to the previous model, the 351 fitted to the XY was a completely
new engine design, more modern and efficient, and when
locally produced, would power the Falcon through the next
decade.
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