All Ford Day 2010 - Part 4 - XM-XY Falcons

The Ford Falcon GT mythology began in 1967 with the XR GT, and stayed in production through to the XB Falcon. It lingered on as a non GT, with the same mechanical specs as the XC GXL 5.8, then disappeared from Fords lineup until the EB GT. 

At the All Ford Day, there was a strong showing by the XR thru XY owners. The majority were of the GT variety, with a few tough non-GT's and an XY Falcon hearse. The sound of a 351 cubic inch Cleveland is unmistakeable - and brings a smile to any petrolheads face. The 351 was introduced in the 1971 XY and there were several on display. 

XR Falcon 1967

XY GT 1971 - with the famous carb mounted bonnet scoop known as the 'shaker'.

XY GTHO 1971

XR GT 1967

XY GT

XY GT

XW GT 1969-70

XY GT

XW GT - the bonnet scoop is to cool the braking system master cylinder!

XY GT

XY Falcon Hearse

Nice pinstriping on this XP Falcon Ute

XW Falcon - Strip competitor, street registered.

1966 XR Falcon 2 door US version

The Falcon began its life in the US in 1960. Ford Australia dropped the two door version in the XR-XY range, only resuming it in the XA. This striking metallic blue two door XR Falcon is the 3rd generation Falcon, built from 1966 to 1970 in the United States. in 1970 US production stopped when it became obvious it would not meet new safety regulations. I dont know what engine this car has, but it s a 1966 built US car. If only the two door had been offered in Oz!

Next post - EA-EL Falcons

Wheels Motoring Expo Mar 2010 - Part One

Two car shows in two weeks, in the same place. Not bad! Last week I attended the All Ford Day, this week I went to the Wheels Motoring Expo, on the lawns of Old parliament House. Considerably larger than the All Ford Day, there were over 1200 cars on display. I cant photograph all of them - so here in the next few blog posts are a selection of cars that took my eye. Many makes were represented, a true multicultural automotive fiesta.

Upon arrival I ran into several of the members of the Canberra and District Leyland P76 Club.

Leyland P76 V8 Targa Florio

Six Cylinder Super engine bay.

Leyland P76 V8 Executive

I then bade farewell, and set off to look at more automotive treats. I was also hungry, and was hoping that I could avail myself of a dagwood dog.

Triumph TR3's 

Triumph TR8

Rover 3500

Rover SD1's

Rover 75 (last model built before being sold to Chinese interests)

Aston Martins

Lotus Esprit - Lotus are back in F1 this year. 

More Morris's in the next post.

All Ford Day 2010 - Part 3 - XABC Falcons

Australian Falcon design really branched off from the parent company in the early 70's with the XA series of Ford Falcons. The last XC, sold in 1980, was dated by then, even with the rectangular headlights on the XC GXL. By then the design had proven itself as a strong seller, and a success on the race track. 

Churned out in the millions in 2 door, four door, hardtop, sedan, wagon, utility and panelvan versions with six cylinders and two families of 8 cylinder engines, The Windsor and Cleveland, there was a model to suit everyone. At the All Ford Day, there were mainly 2 and 4 door GT Falcons, with no commercials on display. 

XA 4 door sedan. 

XB GT

XB GT Hardtop. Painted bumpers were standard on the GT. 

XB GT hardtop. Beautiful car.

Next post:  XM-XY Falcons.