Ford Falcon (XD/Blackwood). 1979–82 (prod. 197,293 all types, incl. Fairmont). 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon, 2-door pick-up, 2-door panel van. F/R, 3273, 4098 cm³ (I6 OHV), 4942, 5766 cm³ (V8 OHV). Ford so feared buyers flocking to the new Holden Commodore that it previewed the XD Falcon (codenamed Blackwood) in advertisements with the words ‘On ice’ months before launch. When it did launch, after a development budget of A$100 million, the Falcon was a clean, boxy design, very much in vogue for the 1970s, with a large glass area and the impression of volume. At the time, considered by its designers to be smarter than the Ford Granada Mk II, which took a similar theme. A stylistic leap ahead of XC, though with similar engines and mechanicals, as well as old-fashioned driving position. Option of column or floor shift. Length, width down from XC but same wheelbase. Still seemed large given how Commodore had downsized, but this proved to be the right decision as the shock of the 1979 fuel crisis lessened. Base model GL, S-Pack option. Sundowner panel van aimed at private buyers, hence inclusion here. Alloy head sixes 1980; 5·8-litre wagons deleted after 1980 with 5·8-litre sedans deleted after 1981.

Manufacturing location: Broadmeadows, Victoria, Australia

Marque: Ford | Model: Ford Falcon | Predecessor: Ford Falcon (XC) | Successor: Ford Falcon (XE)

q.v. Ford Fairmont (XD)