Ford Falcon (XT)

For a complete overview of all Falcon models, see Ford Falcon (Australia).
Ford XT Falcon

Ford Falcon GT (XT)
Overview
Manufacturer Ford Australia
Also called Ford XT Fairmont
Production March 1968-June 1969
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door Sedan
5-door Station Wagon
2-door Coupé utility
2-door Van
Related Ford ZB Fairlane
Powertrain
Engine 3.1 L (188 CID) 6-cyl
3.6 L (221 CID) 6-cyl
5.0 L (302 CID) V8 [1]
Transmission 3spd manual
4 speed manual GT only
3spd “Fordomatic” automatic
3spd “SelectShift Cruis-o-matic” automatic [1]
Dimensions
Length 4689 mm
Width 1875 mm
Height 1389 mm
Curb weight 1324 kg (sedan)
Chronology
Predecessor Ford XR Falcon
Successor Ford XW Falcon

The Ford Falcon (XT) is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1968 to 1969. It was the second iteration of the second generation of this Australian-made model and also included the Ford Fairmont (XT)—the luxury-oriented version of the Falcon.

Introduction

The XT Falcon range was introduced in March 1968 [2] as a facelifted version of the XR Falcon, which it replaced. The XT featured a revised grille and taillights and improved safety features including split-system brakes, larger tyres and electrically operated windscreen washers.[3]

Standard equipment in the luxury Fairmont models included bucket seats, front disc brakes, a heater/demister, a wood-grain dash, carpet and courtesy lamps in all four doors.[3] The Fairmont Wagon featured an electrically operated tailgate.[3]

Model range

The XT was offered in 4-door Sedan, 5-door Station Wagon, 2-door Utility and 2-door Van variants as follows.

The luxury Fairmont models were not badged or marketed as Falcons.[1]

The XT Falcon GT, which was introduced two months after the other models in May 1968, was the performance model in the range.[4]

Engines

Four engines were offered in the XT range, all with increased capacity.

Engine capacity was now officially quoted in litres rather than cubic inches.[3]

Production & replacement

After a production run of 79,290 vehicles [5] the XT Falcon was replaced by the XW Falcon in June 1969.

Motorsport

The Ford Falcon GT (XT) which placed 3rd in the 1968 London-Sydney Marathon

An XT Falcon GT driven by Bill Gates and Jim Bertram scored an outright victory in the 1969 Rothmans 12 Hour Classic race for production cars at Surfers Paradise International Raceway on 5 January 1969.[6]

A team of three XT Falcon GTs won the Teams prize in the 1968 London-Sydney Marathon,[4] finishing 3rd, 6th and 8th outright.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Ford Australia sales brochure FXT2/68/5
  2. Glass’s Dealers Guide, South Australian and Northern Territory Edition, June 1973, page 50
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Ford Falcon XT Retrieved from www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au on 15 April 2010
  4. 1 2 3 Ford Falcon XT GT Retrieved from www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au on 15 April 2010
  5. Falcon XT Technical Specifications Retrieved from www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au on 15 April 2010
  6. Sweet Smell of Success, Racing Car News, February 1969, pages 30-33

External links

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