DFB's Image Collection

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

What was the firestone wheels glitch again? Did we get that here or was it a US thing?

[DJM83]

T2 TS50 for me is the pick of the T series cars (I had a T2 TE50). If only it got the 250 motor also, 220 was a gem in its own right also.
A girlfriend of mine at the time. Her dad was a motoring journo for the local rag. As soon as he told me he was getting a T Series in was in the the trip to Melbourne to pick it up when he got it and drop it off once reviewed (I suffered once he took it back, having to return home in a Kia Carnival) RDX-576 was that exact car i believe.

Love the pics

[FTE217]

The TSeries is the gem that sadly under delivered due to many things expressed by DFB.
I admired each of them as they evolved.
The options and trim quality is something that stands out might I add.
The let down was not enough powa as mentioned till the last.
I remember yours DJM and the many other fellow forum members back in those great days on the forum.
In fact many are still in close contact to this day even though not on the forum.
The 220 as much as a reliable gem it was just wasn't enough :(
I bought new a S3 XR8 in Meteorite and I luved it so so dearly but I just had to upgrade when I could and sadly long after all the great run out deals at FTe dealers of T3's.
My local was Garlicks and I used to see 6 or more T3's at great pricing but I just didn't pull my finger out to trade up.
Low and behold come 06 and on this forum I got to know a member who was ready to sell his low K Blueprint - I sussed it out at Peter Warren AFD.
9/4/06 we starting sorting out a deal, when I test drove it I was gob smacked how much more it had to the 220.
I was in heaven, deal done and still in my hands to this day.
Yer it sure was a drinker, I used to giggle having led footed it so many times my DTE was around 450 or less.
The smell of the fumes at idle, lumpy and take off like a cut snake !
Its a halo Falcon for me, deserved being a GT imo due to the 5.6 stroker.
It talked the talk wtf all too late.

Great memories DFB was waiting for this part of the history to be posted.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

The TSeries is the gem that sadly under delivered due to many things expressed by DFB.
I admired each of them as they evolved.
The options and trim quality is something that stands out might I add.
The let down was not enough powa as mentioned till the last.
I remember yours DJM and the many other fellow forum members back in those great days on the forum.
In fact many are still in close contact to this day even though not on the forum.
The 220 as much as a reliable gem it was just wasn't enough :(
I bought new a S3 XR8 in Meteorite and I luved it so so dearly but I just had to upgrade when I could and sadly long after all the great run out deals at FTe dealers of T3's.
My local was Garlicks and I used to see 6 or more T3's at great pricing but I just didn't pull my finger out to trade up.
Low and behold come 06 and on this forum I got to know a member who was ready to sell his low K Blueprint - I sussed it out at Peter Warren AFD.
9/4/06 we starting sorting out a deal, when I test drove it I was gob smacked how much more it had to the 220.
I was in heaven, deal done and still in my hands to this day.
Yer it sure was a drinker, I used to giggle having led footed it so many times my DTE was around 450 or less.
The smell of the fumes at idle, lumpy and take off like a cut snake !
Its a halo Falcon for me, deserved being a GT imo due to the 5.6 stroker.
It talked the talk wtf all too late.

Great memories DFB was waiting for this part of the history to be posted.

I never got mine under 22 L/100km!

Originally Posted by DJM83

T2 TS50 for me is the pick of the T series cars (I had a T2 TE50). If only it got the 250 motor also, 220 was a gem in its own right also.
A girlfriend of mine at the time. Her dad was a motoring journo for the local rag. As soon as he told me he was getting a T Series in was in the the trip to Melbourne to pick it up when he got it and drop it off once reviewed (I suffered once he took it back, having to return home in a Kia Carnival) RDX-576 was that exact car i believe.

Love the pics

The 220 was a sweet motor. I always thought Ford/Tickford did well to get that power out of the old OHV Windsor, Holden needed a stroker to get that number, Mercedes 24V SOHC V8 produced the same power but was obviously more advanced.

The only thing I question with the 220 was that it was pretty highly strung to get those numbers, so I do remember at the time there being a few temperamental examples. Not sure how true that was.

[DFB FGXR6]

The Cougar!

While Ford Australia executed the "New Edge" styling theme all kinds of wrong with the Falcon, (I say that as someone who has always liked the AU styling) Ford in Europe got it spot on for their models. I have always said that New Edge worked much better on the smaller cars, think the first gen Focus, the second gen Mondeo and the original Ka! The Cougar is included in that belief.

Based on the front drive Mondeo platform and powered by a 2.5 Duratec V6, the Cougar could be had in 5 speed manual or 4 speed auto. The engine produced 125 kW @ 6250 rpm and 220 Nm at 4250 rpm, the rev limit set at 7000 rpm.

The Cougar was sold via the FTe dealer network, meaning sales potential was somewhat limited. Sales started in October 1999 and continued into 2004, although it actually stopped production in 2002. Sales were very slow, but at least Ford were having a go, a philosophy brought on by the late Geoff Polites. That same philosophy also brought us the Mustang Cobra, the big dick T-Series and the resurrection of the Falcon GT as a continuous model.

I actually looked at one of these when shopping for my first car at the end of 2004. It was quite a petite car, very pretty and somewhat exotic looking. The one thing I noticed sitting in the driver's seat, the headroom was pretty tight.

[DFB FGXR6]

Can anyone put some light onto why Ford fitted the brass tags on the front number plate of press cars? Did this also apply to Ford employee cars too? Was this a tracking or identification number for the factory fleet? From what I have seen, the brass tags went right back to the 1970's and seemed to be phased out by the time the FG was launched.

[cycle myth]

As I understood it all internal fleet cars (staff, press, loan evaluation etc.) were fitted with brass tags.

[GT1533]

Cycle myth is correct.

Brass tag was originally a Ford asset identifier. There was an asset number stamped on the tag. Originally, company cars were assets and had a tag attached. The tag on cars could be either a rectangular tag or a disc. Cars that were fitted with a brass tag had generally unrestricted access in and out of the plants security gate. Cars fitted with a brass disc were generally employee lease cars and access to plants was restricted. At some point they stopped stamping numbers on the tag, and then eventually got rid of the tags too.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by GT1533

Cycle myth is correct.

Brass tag was originally a Ford asset identifier. There was an asset number stamped on the tag. Originally, company cars were assets and had a tag attached. The tag on cars could be either a rectangular tag or a disc. Cars that were fitted with a brass tag had generally unrestricted access in and out of the plants security gate. Cars fitted with a brass disc were generally employee lease cars and access to plants was restricted. At some point they stopped stamping numbers on the tag, and then eventually got rid of the tags too.

Originally Posted by cycle myth

As I understood it all internal fleet cars (staff, press, loan evaluation etc.) were fitted with brass tags.

Huge thanks to both of you, a mystery I have wondered about for decades solved!

[Sprintey]

Wow, what a thread! DFB, thank you for all the pAUrn.

Have you got technical/sales description for ED XR8 Sprint? Or the internal sales spiel for the 2nd Territory SR (1st with black interior)?

Edit: I have physical copies, can scan and send if you wish.

[Sprintey]

Question for FG in 2011 - do you have details of the FG XR6 Limited Editions?
That's my son's one. Very interesting the Auto XR6 doesn't get the same IRS shortly beforehand. Had no idea so many changes going on.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

Wow, what a thread! DFB, thank you for all the pAUrn.

Have you got technical/sales description for ED XR8 Sprint? Or the internal sales spiel for the 2nd Territory SR (1st with black interior)?

Edit: I have physical copies, can scan and send if you wish.

Yes please!!

[DFB FGXR6]

The XG, XH and XH II Falcon.

These models represented the continuation and end of a series of Falcon that launched in 1979. For some reason, Ford opted to skip the E-Series generation with the Falcon Ute and Van. From memory, the painful teething issues that the EA brought had Ford apprehensive about tainting the reliability reputation of Falcon Ute and Van. How true that is I don't really know. Another angle would be they ran out of money fixing quality and production line problems, the cheap solution being to just facelift and update the XF and be done with it.

The XG Falcon Ute and Van launched in March 1993. Finally, the old OHV Falcon 6 was euthanized, the EB II-spec 4.0 SOHC engine took its place. These engines produced 148 kW @ 4500 rpm and 348 Nm @ 3750, the XG XR6 made 161 kW @ 4600 rpm and 365 Nm @ 3650 rpm, both offered in 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto.

Platform wise, the front chassis rails were changed, there was an EB style grill insert, different side protection moldings, black window trims and quarter panel mounted side repeaters. Interior wise, there was a revised EB-spec instrument cluster, center console (except bench seat), steering wheel & seats.













The XH Falcon Ute and Van represented the end of the line for the X-series Falcon. Launched in April 1996 and running to June 1999 when the AU Falcon Ute arrived. For what was the end of the line and to be replaced in a couple of years, Ford did more than you would have expected.

Mechanically, the engine carried over, missing out on the dual length intake manifold brought to the sedan/wagon range, although there were improvements made to refinement. However, the E series spec front suspension design with rack and pinion steering system was adapted to the XF front end with frame and bodywork from the firewall forward changed to suit, joined by revised rear suspension. There was also a new domed roof panel for increased head room, a specific bonnet and front quarters to mate the XF body to the EF headlamps, wing mirrors & bumper. (XR models didn't get the bonnet vents though.)

Interior wise, there was a new EF spec instrumentation pod and interior trim, EF style 4 Spoke steering for the XR's. Safety wise, ABS was now optional, as was a drivers airbag.

In October 1997, Ford released another update in the form of the XH II. Numerous minor spec changes were made to the interior, exterior and equipment levels, too many to note here. The big news was the return of the V8, including the first ever XR8 Ute, signaling what was to come. Both 165 kW and 185 kW versions of the Windsor V8 were offered.









































Ford also did a couple of one-off concepts based on the XH, in what could be interrupted as gauging the market for performance orientated or more upmarket Utes. Having seen both in the flesh, they certainly drew attention!

[GT1533]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

For some reason, Ford opted to skip the E-Series generation with the Falcon Ute and Van. From memory, the painful teething issues that the EA brought had Ford apprehensive about tainting the reliability reputation of Falcon Ute and Van. How true that is I don't really know. Another angle would be they ran out of money fixing quality and production line problems, the cheap solution being to just facelift and update the XF and be done with it.

I have some knowledge here.

EA26 Program (EA Falcon) did not have Ute/van included because they had much lower margins than passenger vehicles (from having to partly compete with cheap one-tonners like Hilux etc), which combined with high investment required for the unique stamping, meant they weren’t financially justified. The decision was made to carryover the XD platform and phase out over time. Besides, even back then, the EA platform was probably going to be the last Falcon.

Exactly the same was true of the EA169 (AU Falcon) and the program was originally approved without a Ute/van. The plan was to continue facelifting the XD platform/XH. However, it became apparent during the EA development process that this carryover was just too old and would not cut it in the market. At the same time, or because of it, the Ford Australia engineers came up with the concept of the separate-tray-ute which came with a much lower investment level, albeit without the ability to have a van. This made the Ute financially viable so it was added to the program. And that is why the Ute arrived about 9 months after the sedan.

Great thread DFB, and a great collection of photos. Thanks for sharing them. Do you have higher resolution versions that would be suitable for printing and framing? I’d like to add some of them to my garage walls.

.

[DJM83]

Some really strange decisions seem to have been made in the FG range as a whole.

XHII XR8 ute looks amazing!
Best thread in a while. Love reading.

[BENT_8]

Isnt the first XG pic of the white panelvan actually an XF?
Has the repeater front bar mounted instead of behind the wheelarch.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Isnt the first XG pic of the white panelvan actually an XF?
Has the repeater front bar mounted instead of behind the wheelarch.

Late 91 on XF had it behind the wheel arch above the door strip.

88 ?? had it on the front bar side as you say. but I think you are right it being an XF

Can't make it out but if the rear barn door Falcon badge had GLi its a XG on.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Isnt the first XG pic of the white panelvan actually an XF?
Has the repeater front bar mounted instead of behind the wheelarch.

I think you are correct on that.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I think you are correct on that.

[DFB FGXR6]

The BA Falcon!

There is a lot to unpack here, so I will have to break this into sections, starting with the basic BA overview and the starting point of the range.

The BA was Ford overreacting to the poor reception of the AU……………….and I say that in the most positive of ways. When you look at Holden’s VY facelift that launched at the same time, all they did was throw some new panels and a dashboard at the VX and called it done. Ford on the other hand HAD to make an impact with the new Falcon, they had to overachieve to win back lost ground.

It would take me many thousands of words to fully describe the BA Falcon, but I suspect many here would already know the story, so I’ll try and keep this more generalised and take a more personal approach to this pivotal model.

I was 16 years old in September 2002, not far off 17. I was living and breathing all things Ford. My uncle was the spare parts manager at the local Ford dealer, he fueled my passion by collecting every single Ford brochure in 2002 for me to geek over, I still have those brochures and I can’t begin to describe how influential that was. My dad also lined up a ride in one of his employees then new AU III XR6 VCT Ute with ALL of the Tickford options, fittingly, it was Venom Red! It was fate in the making!

As was the thing back then, you were either a Ford or Holden boy, each side giving as good as they got. The only exception to that was if you were some weirdo who liked JDM or German stuff, in which case they got ribbed by both the blue and red side of the equation. I mention this because as a Ford boy, the Falcon and its lack of success on the racetrack meant I was on the underdog team. But the BA Falcon changed that!

Once again, I lived for the release of new magazines to indulge my intrigue………………no instant internet media in those days, you would be waiting for that next copy of Wheels or Motor to read about a new model. Ford at the time started to drip feed the media with little snippets of information on this new Falcon, which was being called the AV Falcon until Ford finally dropped that piece of information too. Details such as all new seat designs, rear suspension, tucked and hidden wiper system and adjustable pedals were dribbled out to the media all in an effort to drive interest in the new model. Even the race teams played along, just check out Craig Lowndes car from that era and you will see the black outline of the new XR’s headlights in the classic Green-Eyed-Monster………….



To be frank, it would be quicker to list what wasn’t changed in the transition from AU to BA, so I will keep this as brief as I can. The usual front and rear quarter panels, hood, boot, bumpers and lights were naturally changed, but at great expense, Ford went even further to change the roof along with the front and rear glass on the SWB sedan, Ute/Wagon/LWB carried the AU parts over. While the doors looked the same, they were also altered. The interior was all new, save for some minor less used switches. Mechanically, the sedans got that new IRS as standard, banishing the classic Watts Link rear end to history. Wagon and Ute carried the leaf rear end over, which to me was a good thing. The rear chassis legs were straightened on the sedan, said to increase structural rigidity by 88%!! Front suspension was carry over. The brakes were new across the board, offering larger rotors and calipers. Every single engine was either brand new (V8) or heavily revised (Inline 6), all featuring drive-by-wire throttle control, an Aussie industry first. The automatic was now adaptive and offered manual shifting across the range. Combined with a host of other small, but important changes and additions, the BA was a massive leap into the future for the Falcon.

The work Ford did was rewarded in the form of several awards, including the then still relevant Wheels Car of The Year. Sales went through the roof, at one point the plant was at over 100% daily capacity, they even implemented overtime to keep up.



Back to a personal point of view, I learnt to drive in a 2003 BA Futura in Mercury Silver. When the lease was up on the current family car, I pestered and pestered my Dad to buy a BA Falcon. The Barra was, even in NA form, a pure joy. At the time, this was the most powerful car I had driven and coming from a gen-1 Forester with only 92 kW, you can imagine how 182 kW and 380 Nm felt in comparison! The ride was soft and cushy, the perfect long-distance combination of ride comfort and power in reserve.

I remember on a family holiday to the Victorian high country, my Dad at the wheel, being stuck behind a stupidly slow caravan for many km’s. With a large cue forming behind us and despite multiple opportunities for the caravan driver to pull over, the tension within my Dad was building and building…………….until he cracked! When the opportunity arose, he slammed the throttle down, the gearbox went back to 1st (which was would run to 88 kph with the 3.23 diff), the big Barra erupted and passed that stupid caravan with supreme ease. I laughed and cheered in excitement, my mother other hand was less than impressed. And that’s why these cars were so good for touring, they had power and torque in reserve to pass quickly and safely. Try the same mauver in a gutless naturally aspirated medium SUV that seems to be the default now, and that result would likely be different.

I loved that BA Falcon, I just wished I had pestered Dad to buy an XR6 instead.









































































Coming next, the models that recaptured interest in the Falcon and won over a whole new generation of fans………………………..

[DFB FGXR6]

Continued...................................

[Sprintey]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

banishing the classic Watts Link rear end to history.

I do believe it has returned in the Ranger Raptor. Which is amazingly far ahead of its competitors in 2023. Is time going backwards?

[DJM83]

All this Falcon stuff makes me think (more) about what we have lost (dont wanna go off topic) some proper gems among all this. Definitely enjoy seeing all this promo stuff.

[roddy1960]

Originally Posted by DJM83

All this Falcon stuff makes me think (more) about what we have lost (dont wanna go off topic) some proper gems among all this. Definitely enjoy seeing all this promo stuff.

Falcon in general has to be the greatest car name in our history ..It's unbroken longevity , it's remarkable diversity as a sedan , coupe , station wagon , ute , van , flat tray and the base for limo's even ...definitely for producind a number of most iconic cars not least the XR GT (the first of many ) and the car that all others are compared to , mighty 1971 XY GTHO Phase 3...Over three million built can't be wrong ...

[DFB FGXR6]

The BA XR Range

One of the key aspects of the BA Falcon was making the XR models more visible and accessible. Up until the BA, Tickford took care of the XR models, teaming with Ford on the engineering and then putting the finishing touches on the cars before being shipped to dealers. With BA, Ford wanted to reach and appeal to a bigger audience, the XR models were very much a big part of those plans. In some cases, this took some of the “specialness” away from the XR’s, especially the entry level XR6 which now shared the standard BA 4.0 engine. However, there were further avenues for those wanting something “special”, more of which I will cover in a future post.

The major focus with the BA Falcon in general was making it aspirational again. I remember reading Geoff Polites being quoted as saying he wanted the Falcon to be the most popular used car in the country, the theory being that if there was strong demand for the car in the used market, it would naturally flow onto new cars as well. While fleet sales were always the bulk of sales, Ford made sure the XR models were highly desirable to private buyers, drawing them into showrooms, and then flowing on to the used market as well. A high focus was put on personalization, with a large choice of colours from mild to wild, choice of wheels, premium brakes, various interior trim configurations joining a long list of options and accessories to entice buyers to custom spec their car. I loved this aspect of the BA Falcon, in some ways going back to the 1970’s era.

We of course all know the biggest drawcard of the BA Falcon was the launch of the new turbocharged version of the DOHC inline 6. It’s this engine that in many ways saved Ford, appealing to a crowd of enthusiasts that were most likely shopping Japanese previous to this. Called the Barra 240T, this engine has become an icon all over the world for its strength, torque delivery, performance, and smoothness. In its initial incarnation, the Barra 240T was choked down to make the old T5 and 4-speed auto gearboxes live, however, even that didn’t necessarily hamper its popularity or desirability.

I think with the Barra Turbo, or Gull as it was codenamed internally, this was the first Falcon 6 to actually have an exhaust note to speak of. It also smoothed out the induction thrash, something that continued until Ford started tuning the intake sound of the naturally aspirated version for BF, and FG in particular.

Having driven every single Falcon engine from the mid 80’s, the turbo Barra is the only one I haven’t had the pleasure of sampling, although I have ridden in one. Again, my old man got me a ride in his employees brand new BA XR6 Turbo Ute 2003. Heavily optioned with a hardtop and spoiler, premium sound, leather and 18-inch wheels, that car looked amazing in Blood Orange, and it went like stink!

[DFB FGXR6]

The XR8 on the other hand wasn’t all that well received, buy the press and buyers……………..at least for the sedan as the XR8 Ute remained very popular. The XR8 boasted a 260 kW version of the new DOHC Boss V8 that was hand assembled across the road at FPV. Much has been said about the constrained power band and lack of low-down grunt, it was also a very big and heavy engine. Ford actually had to put shiny tape on the rocker covers so it didn’t scratch up the engine bay as it was married to the body on the Broadmeadows production line. But…………………………it sounded amazing, and for many, that was the crucial element. There is a lovely full, deep and throaty induction note on those Boss engines, accompanied by an exhaust note that was what I call “creamy”.











































Now for a little fun, can anyone tell me what’s wrong or different about the following shots?











If I could spec a BA XR right now, it would easily be the XR6 Turbo sedan in Citric Acid, automatic, 18-inch wheels, premium brakes, side airbags, Sports Steering Wheel (the FPV/chunky style item) and the Momo shifter. I’d also do the XR Luxury Pack (that came later in the BA run) which included unique leather and suede seat and door trim and the premium/Fairmont ICC which included dual zone climate control and premium sound. I actually have a price spreadsheet, so this would be the price before on-roads –

BA XR6 Turbo Sedan Auto - $44,885
Prestige Paint - $345
18-inch XR Wheels - $1500
Premium Brakes - $2950
Momo Steering Wheel – $695
Momo Shifter - $215
XR Luxury Pack - $4595
XR Floor Mats - $100
Total Price - $55,285.

Now that price might sound high, then or now, but tell me what car I could buy right now with the same performance and number of seats? Kia Stinger, well maybe, but that thing is nearly dead, and the price went north quickly after launch. Makes you realise how good we had it!

[Adamz Ghia]

I was always glad they changed the bonnet bulge, the original looked awkward and like an afterthought. I only ever saw one on the road, an XR8 in Phantom.

I remember when they were released, it seemed like nearly every second XR was Phantom. These days, I never, ever see them, where did they go? Same with Blood Orange, they’ve vanished.

[Franco Cozzo]

The only AU I like is the LWB cars and the T series - you're on point about that IRS setup, I think it was a massive step backwards going to the control blade style on the B series/FG compared to the double wishbone setup the AU cars have. The Holden setup in my Caprice is a joke, you can crack/break the K frame without even abusing it - they **** the bed with normal driving/use.

The biggest eye opener to me was when I drove a customers AUII Fairlane Ghia across their bumpy paddock, expecting to need go to bras n things for a sports bra fitting prior to driving it off road, I hit all the bumps and it barely upset the car and I smoothly floated over the paddock - it drove about on point with how my E38 7 series did with a very fancy self leveling hydraulic rear suspension setup.

[roddy1960]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

The only AU I like is the LWB cars and the T series - you're on point about that IRS setup, I think it was a massive step backwards going to the control blade style on the B series/FG compared to the double wishbone setup the AU cars have. The Holden setup in my Caprice is a joke, you can crack/break the K frame without even abusing it - they **** the bed with normal driving/use.

The biggest eye opener to me was when I drove a customers AUII Fairlane Ghia across their bumpy paddock, expecting to need go to bras n things for a sports bra fitting prior to driving it off road, I hit all the bumps and it barely upset the car and I smoothly floated over the paddock - it drove about on point with how my E38 7 series did with a very fancy self leveling hydraulic rear suspension setup.

I like them all but I'm biased...blessed with a beauty for the past 21 years..so probably why ..

[FTE217]

BA I get using the brilliant blueprint colour but it annoyed me how exclusive the colour was for AU turned into heaps of them on the road onwards.
Yer the buldge needed to be smoothed off and more uniformed the design change looked great !
I liked the BA but the boat anchor turned me off hence opting not buy one.
Great upgrade on body design but interior quality went backwards and the blade suspension - cost cutting.


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