Ford XE Falcon
Encyclopedia
The Ford XE Falcon is a car which was produced by the Ford Motor Company of Australia between 1982 and 1984. Introduced on 11 March 1982, the XE was a revised version of the XD Falcon
, which it replaced.
The XE range consisted of nine models marketed as follows:
An S-Pack was available on Falcon GL and Fairmont models and a European Sports Pack (or "ESP") was offered on the Fairmont Ghia.
Limited edition models followed, including the Fairmont Limited Edition and the Falcon Eclipse.
The biggest technical change was the introduction of a four link suspension system with coil springs on the Sedans. Wagons, Utes and Vans retained the semi-elliptical leaf springs as used on XD models.
The XE 'ESP' option added different headlights (with integrated driving lights) and a corresponding alternate bonnet, along with two-tone paint, Scheel-brand front bucket seats and other performance/luxury differences.
The Australian-assembled V8s were discontinued in November 1982. Ford Australia had built up a large stockpile of V8s intended to last until 1984. After the announcement of the end of the V8 in 1982 however, the stockpile had evaporated by the end of the year. During this period, Ford Australia also built a quantity of 4-bolt 5.8 litre “351s” — similar to those used in NASCAR
at the time — for race purposes in Australia. When the 351's race career ended in 1985, the remains were shipped and sold in the United States.
A fuel injected “EFI” version of the 4.1 litre six-cylinder was introduced in February 1983 to replace the 4.9 litre V8 but initially produced only 149 bhp and 325 Nm of torque, well down from the 188 bhp and 344 Nm produced by the 4.9. V8 engines remained absent from the Falcon range between 1983 and 1991.
back to the traditional full-size Falcon. In 1982, for the first time in more than a decade, the Falcon eclipsed its Holden rival in terms of sales. Ford Falcon remained number one seller in Australia until 1988, when Holden returned to the full-size Australian sedan design.
Dick Johnson won the 1984 Australian Touring Car Championship
at the wheel of an XE Falcon.
.
in October 1984.
Ford XD Falcon
The Ford XD Falcon is a car that was produced by the Ford Motor Company of Australia between 1979 and 1982.The XD series was introduced on 28 March 1979 and was initially offered in five models:* Falcon GL * Fairmont...
, which it replaced.
Model range
XE Falcon GL Wagon |
The XE range consisted of nine models marketed as follows:
- Falcon GL Sedan
- Fairmont Sedan
- Fairmont Ghia Sedan
- Falcon GL Wagon
- Fairmont Wagon
- Falcon Ute
- Falcon GL Ute
- Falcon Van
- Falcon GL Van
An S-Pack was available on Falcon GL and Fairmont models and a European Sports Pack (or "ESP") was offered on the Fairmont Ghia.
Limited edition models followed, including the Fairmont Limited Edition and the Falcon Eclipse.
Changes
The XE was a facelifted and revised version of the XD Falcon with external differences restricted to a new nose, new rear bumper, and taillights.The biggest technical change was the introduction of a four link suspension system with coil springs on the Sedans. Wagons, Utes and Vans retained the semi-elliptical leaf springs as used on XD models.
The XE 'ESP' option added different headlights (with integrated driving lights) and a corresponding alternate bonnet, along with two-tone paint, Scheel-brand front bucket seats and other performance/luxury differences.
Engines
The XE range was introduced with a choice of four engines.- 3.3 litre inline six cylinder
- 4.1 litre inline six cylinder
- 4.9 litre V8
- 5.8 litre V8
The Australian-assembled V8s were discontinued in November 1982. Ford Australia had built up a large stockpile of V8s intended to last until 1984. After the announcement of the end of the V8 in 1982 however, the stockpile had evaporated by the end of the year. During this period, Ford Australia also built a quantity of 4-bolt 5.8 litre “351s” — similar to those used in NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
at the time — for race purposes in Australia. When the 351's race career ended in 1985, the remains were shipped and sold in the United States.
A fuel injected “EFI” version of the 4.1 litre six-cylinder was introduced in February 1983 to replace the 4.9 litre V8 but initially produced only 149 bhp and 325 Nm of torque, well down from the 188 bhp and 344 Nm produced by the 4.9. V8 engines remained absent from the Falcon range between 1983 and 1991.
Transmissions
Manual transmission was available in 3 speed column shift (in 6 seater models) and in the more common 4 or 5 speeds floor shift. Auto transmission was 3 speed, floor shift in 5 seats and column shift 6 seater units. Automatic was more common than manual. The XE was the first Falcon to be offered with a 5 speed manual transmission.Sales
As the fuel crisis eased, Australians moved away from the smaller Holden CommodoreHolden Commodore
The Holden Commodore is an automobile manufactured since 1978 by the Holden subsidiary of General Motors in Australia, and, formerly, in New Zealand. In the mid-1970s, Holden established proposals to replace the long-serving Kingswood nameplate with a smaller, Opel-based model...
back to the traditional full-size Falcon. In 1982, for the first time in more than a decade, the Falcon eclipsed its Holden rival in terms of sales. Ford Falcon remained number one seller in Australia until 1988, when Holden returned to the full-size Australian sedan design.
Motor sport
QueenslanderQueensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
Dick Johnson won the 1984 Australian Touring Car Championship
1984 Australian Touring Car Championship
The 1984 Australian Touring Car Championship was the 25th running of the Australian Touring Car Championship, and was the last year of Group C regulations. The following year would see the introduction of the international Group A regulations...
at the wheel of an XE Falcon.
Accolades
The XE Falcon/Fairlane/LTD range was the first automobile to receive the prestigious Australian Design AwardAustralian Design Award
The Australian International Design Awards is an industry body established by the Industrial Design Council of Australia , founded in 1958. The Awards are Australia's only national design awards for industrial design...
.
Production and replacement
Production totalled 193,890 units prior to the replacement of the XE by the XF FalconFord XF Falcon
The Ford XF Falcon is a car that was produced by the Ford Motor Company of Australia between 1984 and 1993. The XF sedan and wagon sold between October 1984 and February 1988, with the utility and panel vans running through to March 1993....
in October 1984.