1970 Ford Falcon

When Ford introduced its new all-purpose compact model dubbed the Maverick, the venerated Falcon name was re-appointed to the Torino line as its base model during the second half of the 1970 model year. Although it was the 'bare-bones' version of the Torino, it could be ordered with the 429 Super Cobra Jet engine paired with either an automatic or four-speed manual transmission. Just 90 examples of the Super Cobra Jet Falcons with the Drag Pack option were built in 1970, and of those, thirty-eight were fitted with an automatic transmission. The potent engine meant several necessary upgrades including staggered rear shocks, a heavy-duty cooling system, a 9-inch rear, and a Detroit Locker unit.

During the first half of 1970, the Falcon was apart of the Fairlane series and rested on a 111-inch wheelbase platform for the two- and four-door sedan, and 113 inches for the wagon. The Torino-based Falcon had a 117-inch wheelbase for its sedan and a 114-inch platform for the wagons.

Near the close of 1965, Ford introduced all-new styling for the Falcon, its third major update since its introduction in 1959 for the 1960 model year. It rested on a shortened Fairlane platform with unibody construction and was powered by a standard Thriftpower inline-6 cylinder engine (with a displacement size of 144, 170, and 200 cubic inches). 9-inch brakes were fitted to cars with six-cylinder power and 10 inches for those receiving the V8s. Body styles included a two- and four-door sedan, and a station wagon. Styling elements included a chrome windshield and rear window and rain gutter moldings.

The styling introduced in 1965 would continue through the first part of 1970 when declining sales and the inability to comply with forthcoming safety standards prompted management to bring about its demise as a Fairlane-based model. The short-run of 1970 models was identical to the previous year's version, with the Falcon name, in script, on the rear fender sides and on the vertical section of the trunk lid. They had the redesigned side marker lamps introduced in 1969 along with the full-width anodized aluminum grille.

The 1970½ Falcon

The Fairlane-based Falco was discontinued in December of 1969, followed by the final iteration of the Falcon - known as the 1970½ Falcon and produced only in 1970. It served as the lowest-priced Ford intermediate car, positioned below the Ford Fairlane and the Torino. Body styles included a two-door pillared sedan which was unique to the Falcon, a four-door sedan with styling shared with the Torino and Fairlane, and a five-door station wagon (again, with styling shared with the Torino and Fairlane). Standard equipment included manual windows, a heater, and a 250 cubic-inch inline-6 cylinder engine offering 155 horsepower. Among the list of optional equipment included all radios, power steering, power disc brakes, tinted windshield, vinyl roof, four-speed manual transmission, Cruise-O-Mati automatic transmission, and air conditioning. Engine options included a 302 CID, 351 CID, and 429 CID V8.

The 302 cubic-inch V8 had a cast-iron block, overhead valves, five main bearings, a Motorcraft two-barrel carburetor, 9.5:1 compression, and produced 220 horsepower at 4,600 RPM. The 302 CID V8 with a Holley four-barrel carburetor produced 290 horsepower at 5,800 RPM. The 351 CID V8 with a two-barrel carburetor produced 250 horsepower while the four-barrel version had 300 horsepower. The 429 CID V8 produced between 320 to 370 horsepower depending on the configuration.

by Dan Vaughan

One of the biggest selling names in worldwide automotive history, the Ford Falcon has been sold since 1960.

Original production began in 1959 at Broadmeadows, Victoria in Australia and was manufactured by Ford.

Still remaining the most popular Ford model in Australia, today the Falcon is only built in this country and production still continues steadily.

Since 1960 when the model was first introduced, over four million Ford Falcon's have been manufactured in various versions. Available in sedan, station wagon, panel van and as pickup trucks (or more commonly known as ute in Australia) the Falcon has been a versatile automobile.

The Falcon has become signaturely popular as both taxi cabs and police vehicles in Australia and New Zealand. Other well-known uses for this Ford line were rebuilt versions made into stretch limousines and hearses.

The 'XK', a right-hand drive version of typical Falcon's that were sold in the U.S. debuted in September of 1960. Due to lack of durability, this model was not considered to be a popular success on rough terrained outback roads.

The next two years brought modifications and design changes to the 'XK' to authenticate it to Australian terrain.

Redubbed the 'XL' this more modified vehicle came with several updates including a heavier suspension system.

Unfortunately, this model was also not considered durable enough and failed in the Australian market for the beginning years.

Ford refused to give up, and after several years noticed a steady rise in market sales.

1964 introduced a new version of the Falcon to the Australian public. The 'XM' was the first version that carried an Australian-designed body.

After the 'XM' was the 'XP' which was considered to be an upmarket variant and claimed the prestigious Car of the Year title for 1965 by Wheels magazine.

Ford Falon variants have been designed to race in touring car races held in Australia for many years. In 1969 the'XW' which came with a bigger V8 was 351 cubic inches and produced up to 291 hp (217kW) and the Canadian-designed 'Windsor' engine. This GT model is still considered to be a valuable collectible model today.

1970 brought the XY with it a 'Cleveland' 351 being the sole difference as it replaced the Windsor. The XY produced 300 hp (224kE).

Producing 385 hp (287 kW), the semi-legendary 'XY' GTHO Phase III was the next updated version of the Cleveland in 1971. These were rare and only a few were built.

US production dwindled to a halt soon after as what became known as the 'Supercar Scare' in 1972 impacted the sales of street-legal supercars that could top 220 km/h.

The end of production in the US paved the way for much greater Australian input in the design of Australian-made Falcons, from 1971 onwards and the Falcon still remains a popular car today in Australia.

Making up the majority of Australian state police fleets, the Ford Falcon (along with its rival the Holden Commodore) are modified and upgraded to accommodate this popular trend. Dual airbags, sports suspension, and a limited-slip differential have been transitioned to provide comfort and safety to police officers.

To accommodate speed detectors, both radar and police radios, a police-certified speedometer, map reading lamp and room to facilitate emergency lights, the police version is also modified with a heavy-duty battery, alternator and wiring.

In New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and many other territories in Australia the sedan versions are the most popular used police vehicles today.

by Jessican Donaldson