Ford Falcon (EA26). 1988–91 (prod. 223,612, incl. Fairmont). 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon. F/R, 3157, 3949 cm³ (I6 OHC). Svelte new clothes for Falcon, still a rugged car beneath the smooth exterior. Adopted Ford’s aero look, and considered by some to be the best balanced of the lot. Steve Park–Clive Potter-designed exterior hid the fact that the three-speed automatic and live rear axle were retained, though virtually all-new OHC engines débuted. Reported to have cost Ford A$700 million at a time when the balance sheets looked healthy. Not that reliable, subjected to minor improvements. Series II in 1989, with four-speed automatic; 30th anniversary model in October 1990.

Manufacturing location: Broadmeadows, Victoria, Australia

Marque: Ford | Model: Ford Falcon | Predecessor: Ford Falcon (XF) | Successor: Ford Falcon (EB)

q.v. Ford Fairmont (EA)