Back in 1988 as a 21 year old working in tyre sales, I was very impressed of the XF Fairmont Ghia, the 15” alloy wheels and the futuristic all digital dash display.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Yes, they were a nice car. I wish I bought a mint one when they were so cheap a few years back.
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
The banks of buttons either side of the dash had me captivated when I first saw it even though I had seen similar on the Mazda 929 flagship model.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@jamesfrench7299 I am sure that’s where they got it from. 👍
@AA-co8de5 ай бұрын
The velour trim was so luxurious, and the graphic equalizer.. I am a LOT younger than you I was only 16 in 1988..
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
The big headrests front and rear really made them but must have hindered rear visibility. I can't ever recall seeing an XF in Fairmont Ghia trim as a taxi. Does anyone remember one?
@dufensmertz15 ай бұрын
I had an 84 XF 4.1 , T bar auto . After many years the motor was smoking badly , the auto was slipping and she was getting tired . I spotted a low milage ZL Fairlane on the side of the road for $400 which had been rear ended but was still drivable . I fitted the Fairlane engine , auto box and limited slip disc brake diff into my XF . The digital dash also went straight in the XF and to my surprise everything worked , oil pressure, tacho etc.. My XF was one of the rare ones that missed out on the standard factory rust . It was 25 years old when I retired it . Overall a bloody good car..
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Sounds like you had a great run and I love the second life you gave it courtesy of the ZL. 👍
@trship62744 ай бұрын
Was the swapped trans a four speed?
@markbehr884 ай бұрын
@@trship6274 ZL would have been a 3 speed as it was out when the XF was out. 👍
@dufensmertz14 ай бұрын
@@trship6274 Borg Warner 40 3 speed was standard in the ZL ..
@wafive5 ай бұрын
"EFI + EEC IV + WOW" I still have the sticker that came in a car magazine at the time (Modern Motor I think).
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Very cool. 👍
@commodorenut5 ай бұрын
Me too! Being more of a Holden fan, I never stuck it on anything, and it’s still in one of the drawers with all my 80s sales brochures.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@commodorenut You could probably sell it on Ebay! 😀👍
@commodorenut5 ай бұрын
My one & only speeding ticket was in ‘94 in a Monza red EFI auto XF S pack that belonged to a mate’s dad. He was drunk, and ran out of beer. I stopped him driving to the grog shop to get more, by volunteering to take him. First auto I’d driven, and it got away going down a hill. Cop wasn’t amused when my mate’s dad started abusing him for pulling over someone who was keeping a drunk off the road. He got straight into writing the ticket. I’ll never know if he might have reduced my 71 in a 60 zone to a warning or not. XFs were everywhere in the day. Many of my school mates parents had them as company cars or family cars. The fact they were on sale for just under 3.5 years helped, but also the shift back to larger cars won them many more sales away from Holden at the time too. I quite like them.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
No good re the ticket. I prefer the earlier models but do like the XF. They were everywhere years ago 👍
@billjackson47035 ай бұрын
I traded in my VL Holden wagon for an XF Falcon wagon mainly because it had much more room for packing our families camping/holiday gear, plus, with its front bench seat, it separated any fights between the kids.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Good to hear from someone who actually used the cars as intended. 👍
@zorankarabeleski3925 ай бұрын
I bought an XF Fairmont Ghia in 1990 it was an 85 model drove the guts out of it. I now drive a Honda Accord Euro Luxury 2012 model. But parked next to the Honda in my garage is a 2010 FG XR6 Turbo with just 50.765 km on the clock
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Nice 👍
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Here is my latest video on the history of Falcon. The XF. The best selling Falcon ever! Please make sure you Subscribe and 👍Like👍. It doesn’t cost a thing and really helps my channel. Thanks for watching. What do you think of the XF? 👍
@mickblack32915 ай бұрын
I believe the AWD Turbo XF Falcon was written off while road testing in England.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@mickblack3291 Yes, that is true and subsequently re-bodied. 👍
@markfitzgerald61015 ай бұрын
I had a 1984 Fairmont Ghia and my memories was the velour seats, pioneer stereo, digital dashboard and automatic center air vents, not to mention a y2k incompatible travel computer lol
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
They were extremely well equipped for their time weren’t they? And they looked very good too with those snowflake wheels. I wouldn’t mind a Ghia sedan or wagon. 👍
@phillipm10395 ай бұрын
When Ford changed to unleaded on the xf an easy way to identify one is the reflector on the side of the front bumper. They were a much more refined car over the xe a very nice ride.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Yes, that’s right. That little front repeater light on the side 👍👍
@tba39005 ай бұрын
Easiest way to differentiate between leaded and unleaded was the top of the bumper bags were painted instead of all black top and they had the side repeater indicator in the side of the bumper.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks for the info 👍👍
@panelvanman76715 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 just need to look at the fuel filler neck , open for leaded , smaller restriction for unleaded
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@panelvanman7671 Yes, that’s also true. 👍
@andrewg26185 ай бұрын
You're mostly correct. The first of the unleadeds in '86 had the indicators in the side of the bumper, but the bumpers were still full black.
@hornblowrfilms9285 ай бұрын
My first car was given to me from my late father 21 yrs ago, fuel injected Spac sedan that marine blue, he grabbed it off the side of the road for 800$ wit 6 months rego. Will never foget that moment in my life ❤
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Cool. You need to find another one. 👍👍
@hornblowrfilms9285 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 I have an Xe GL project car ATM. 😀
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@hornblowrfilms928 Excellent 👍👍
@davidhayter85165 ай бұрын
In 2001 I purchased an XF1/2 for $3000 with 70k on the clock and maintained it for more than fifteen years. First thing I did was shove it on LPG. It was a big, comfortable car but was let down by a multitude of things: head gaskets, door handles, power steering leaks, a/c failure, accelerator cable melting by heat from the manifold and towards the end the plastic tubes for the vacuum operated HVAC system deteriorated so that you had to plug up the leaks or cut off the cracked bits that were near the tree and try and join them. When everything was working it was a big, comfortable cruiser. You could drive all day (which I often did) and still not be tired or stiff at the end of the trip. Pity Ford (as usual) skimped on the quality. Replaced it with $500 1994 Nova (Corolla) with 200k. Everything still works.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Fair enough. That was your experience. Re the Nova. I had those as lease cars when working at Holden. My brother washed the cars and the front fenders were so then, where he leaned on them, there were impressions all along the top. 👍
@jimbojon25 ай бұрын
Aah the beloved XF Falcon, much like the HQ Holden a decade earlier they were everywhere at the time and I doubt that there were too many Australians that didn't own, had driven or at least rode in one at some point back in the 80's / 90's. Dad bought one new in 85, a 3.3 litre GL wagon, no it never won any traffic light drag races but it was bullet proof reliable and once it got going it would cruise the flat plains of north west N.S.W where we lived at the time at 120 Km/H all day with no problems at all with it's tall gearing. To the people who hate on the 3.3 for having "NO GUTS" they weren't tuned or geared for that, they were tuned to get good economy, that's the way the motoring world was like back then with the technology available at the time, if you wanted power you sacrificed economy and vice verse, not like today where you get the best of both worlds. Dad wanted economy and the 3.3 delivered, I don't recall exact figures but I do recall being able drive long distances and the fuel gauge barely seemed to move. That GL wagon was a top car though I secretly wish he bought a Fairmont Ghia, as a kid I thought those digital dashboards looked so cool. Another great video as always Mark, Thank-you for your efforts.
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
I'll take economy as long as power is adequate to get the job done decently. A high powered car can get you in trouble. Slow cars preserve your licence.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. I love your 3.3 wagon story too. And you are right. HQs and XFs used to be everywhere. Both were chewed up by the cheap racing series amongst other things. 👍
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
True. I had a 3.3 manual XD wagon and really liked it. 👍
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
Pete Wherret agreed from memory when he road tested a 3.3 manual sedan on Torque.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@jamesfrench7299 Yes. I saw that one. He liked the 5.8 GXL too. 👍
@tba39005 ай бұрын
Who wished they kept there XF? 30 years on ,still regret trading in my Ghia . Traded in on a new ED XR6 Traded my XF Ute for a BA turbo Ute Traded my S Pack for a EA Fairmont Ghia ( as bad as their reputation it was a bloody good car)
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
The Ghias were excellent cars and I would love a 25th Anniversary model. 👍
@mg74xbgt4 ай бұрын
Just picked up a XF panelvan 3/88 model. Guessing that panelvans/utes continued as XFs after February 88 till the XG a few years later. Love the XF and remember when everyone changed their XD/E to a XF front ends. My Boss at the time picked up a 88 Fairmont for $9999 Drive away when the EA changeover happened. Best car ever !!
@markbehr884 ай бұрын
Congratulations. Cool find. Yes, they continued on to XH and XG. You can see more in my EA to ED videos. 👍
@rigelrogers52642 ай бұрын
Now I've got 2 xf utes but chasing an xe front and dash etc for one
@markbehr882 ай бұрын
@@rigelrogers5264 cool. 👍
@pgilb705 ай бұрын
Fairmont Ghia is gorgeous. Really well reported.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks. I really liked those too. 👍
@barrycuda37695 ай бұрын
I can remember when XD's , XEs , XF,s were everywhere you looked, where did they all go ?. The only time I ever saw Peter Brock racing , he was driving a Mobil sponsored XF Falcon at the Thunderdome in Melbourne, I was right there when it burst a radiator hose, and that put him into a big sideways slide , he recovered it masterfully of course, that was 1989 .I could hardly believe it later on when I found out that the Thunderdome ended up being abandoned and in ruins, I thought it was great.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Yes. A long time ago they were everywhere. Re Thunderdome. I went to the first Auscar / NASCAR race there. 👍
@barrycuda37695 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 Was that in 1989? , I think it was the second event there that I went to.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@barrycuda3769 I think so? 1988 or 1989. Got bad sunburn and a rather unsavoury woman decided to turn around and flash us. I preferred to see the HQ series race frankly. 🫣😀
@barrycuda37695 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 You dont get that every day , how unsavoury was she ? I did note that a lot of the spectators didn't look like they were from the Melbourne elite.🙂 There weren't any HQ's when I was there , it was Auscar / Nascar , and standing right up against the fence with a pack of cars roaring past very close was a great experience.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@barrycuda3769 Yes, I remember walking up to the fence as the cars rushed past. Cool stuff. 👍👍
@tba39005 ай бұрын
EEC IV was the introduction of the dreaded TFI module. I have replaced thousands of them over the year and ended up buying modified looms they used on mustangs to mount them on something cool like the firewall and not the stinking hot distributor body . EEC IV lasted until the end of ED production.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Interesting. Thanks for the tip 👍👍
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
Are they easy to get to and obtain a replacement on a 5. 0 V8 distributor? I have an NC Fairlane that's been sitting due to what I suspect is the TFI module. Cranks over but no spark.
@MarksDiecastAndResinScale5 ай бұрын
Being a diehard Dick Johnson fan,I really liked his SVO prototype,even though I wasn’t a fan of the XF … XD & XE,though are great especially with 5.8 + 4 spd 👌 One thing with DJ’s SVO it didn’t have a turbo,it was either carby or EFI.The wheels were steel wheels and dress rims of what the alloys would of looked like,had it went in to production. The car in magazine is still up in QLD with the SVO 17 plates.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Ah. Thanks for that extra info. It looked pretty good didn’t it. Needed a turbo or V8 though. 👍
@thedon75305 ай бұрын
Got my Ls in a 1985 XF Spack 4 speed manual. Awesome car. Super light steering though & only 2.2 turns lock to lock, could surprise you if not used to it.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Yes. The steering was relatively light but not Chrysler light. 😀
@Low7603 ай бұрын
The last ad on the ute is accurate now still.
@markbehr883 ай бұрын
Yep 👍
@Luke-er6pg5 ай бұрын
I remember in 1987; my uncle getting the ‘S’ pack. Black with red stripe around it. I thought it was the coolest car ever! It drive so smooth. He had previously owned a XC GXL Fairmont, which I absolutely loved! But the XF was so superior in feel and comfort!
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
That would have been a rare combo. 👍
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
They were a very nice car to travel in. Wish I got to experience the Fairmont Ghia or ZL Fairlane at least. My mother was driven home in a Comcar DL LTD in 1988 from her public service job in Sydney CBD. I was so envious. The closest I've come is a ZK Fairlane EFI six with phenomenal sound deadening.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@jamesfrench7299 Certainly nice cars. I do have a V8 ZK. Love it. 👍👍
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 it was white with navy blue velour. The extra knobs on the centre stack for the aerial and speaker balance as well as woodgrain trim stuck to mind. It was a column auto as well and no power windows unfortunately but a pleasure to ride in the back. I also travelled in a ZJ V8, again power window option eluded me and was not as silent inside.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@jamesfrench7299 You should try to find one maybe? 🤔👍
@jonathanparle84295 ай бұрын
My favourite Falcon of the lot. The whole fourth generation actually were great cars.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
The good thing about going through the history is that different people like different models they grew up with. 👍👍
@phugemawl5 ай бұрын
I had this model with EFI and the factory towing pack, and a friend of mine in Darwin had one with the "Outback Pack" .... great reliable cars
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks. That is the real test out there isn’t it. 👍👍
@biggin90775 ай бұрын
Had a XF wagon for home and work. Clocked up 400 000 km and it was ok. Went through 3 gear boxes and 3 power steering units but they were cheap to replace. Finally traded it in on an EF wagon and that car was fantastic, chalk and cheese.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Great service from those Falcons hey. 👍👍
@Dylan_Mulvaney_OFFICIAL5 ай бұрын
Hi Mark, wow thank you for this XF video, my parents purchased a GL model in 84. This certainly brought back memories. ❤
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks. So glad you liked it 👍
@johnkraft74615 ай бұрын
I remember in about mid-1988 going for a trip down to Warrnambool in me XB 302 manual with the girlfriend - we are in the CBD (😂) and this white XF sedan with 351 clevo and a toploader comes roaring down the street 😱 !!! I only new the spec coz Streetmachine had done a spread on it that year. Was other-worldly, just like the red XF GT HO efi 351 clevo Streetmachine built that year. A vision of what coulda been.
@nevillejohnson83165 ай бұрын
I remember this XF, he was a customer at the Ford dealership where I worked in Warrnabool. He was keen on doing an EA when they were released but for some reason never eventuated. That XF was as tuff as nails though...
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@nevillejohnson8316 great you remember that car. 👍
@johnkraft74615 ай бұрын
@@nevillejohnson8316 That's epic, mate ! I seen a couple on gumtree over the years and wondered if they were "The One" - be cool to track it down today ! Cheers bud 👍
@MeatballGarage5 ай бұрын
Enjoying this series Mark! XF For me is all about that digital dash and the snowflake alloys on the Ghia! Very smart looking car!
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks. Yes those were cool features. 👍
@motleydude735 ай бұрын
Always loved the XF Ghias. Still do. The epitome of 1980s excess! 4 cigarette lighters 😂 Owned one in 1996. Nice cruiser. Sure don't see many these days.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
It’s a shame. I’d like a really nice one for sure. 👍
@davetate11555 ай бұрын
My personal favorite Falcon.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
👍. A lot of it has to do with what you grew up with. 👍👍
@nigelbritton9645 ай бұрын
The XF 1/2 also got a colour keyed side sill. From my driving experience the XF EFI 4.1 unleaded went like a scalded cat while the 3.3 leaded carburetor was gutless.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Good points 👍
@tba39005 ай бұрын
Early unleaded engines used to suffer from pre-detonation, the cure was to round the sharp edges on the head near the inlet valve. They used to build up with deposits on the sharp edge and cause the air fuel to ignite as it passed. From memory Monotorque used to put a leaflet in the early VRS kits to have this mod done by a cylinder head specialist.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Very interesting. Thanks for the info. 👍
@aussietaipan87005 ай бұрын
I was at Ford when the XF came out and it was very refined over the XD and XE. In the service department, there were not many inherent issues with the XF which is why taxi's held on to them well after the model change to the AU. 549 liked
@351tgv3 ай бұрын
yeah the taxi fleet put ill fitting LPG tanks in and vaporiser converters (which were too small and leaked coolant*) which feed throttle body which caused all sorts of issues with the Webber carby, always had to be started in petrol mode and would only switch to LPG when the coolant levels were hot enough for the vaporiser converter to convert LPG to vapour. * the engine had to be tapped on the coolant line from the water port to feed the vaporiser converter and boy oh boy did that cause all sorts of issues and because they ran so lean (re: well above the temp limit Ford had set for the thermostat to do it job) they kept on blowing head gaskets, but what did they do back then? chemi weld in the radiator and sent then back out to work and the engines survived without fuss just slow in speed.
@davidbarnsley84865 ай бұрын
That would have to be my favourite episode so far mark since the last new falcon I bought was in January 1987 and was an XF S pack wagon in dark metallic blue I Really liked that car but now know why it was so gutless, less than100 kw that is so sad and it was an auto so that didn’t help And it was the first time I had bought an automatic car 👍👍
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it and it brought back memories of your blue car too 👍👍
@louiskats51165 ай бұрын
G'day Mark, Great video yeah I remember XF they were everywhere just about every local police car was a XF especially the deevee vans. My parents bought an XF in 1990 in maroon colour & served the family well on LPG, unfortunately it got stolen on Mother's Day in 2015 after 25 years with the family. Mum was devastated all the worse on Mother's Day, police never found it. Great video Cheers Louis Kats 👍
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks Louis. What a shame re your Mum’s car. Nice colour too. 😢
@noelgibson59565 ай бұрын
9:12........i gotta say, that yellow Corona is a handsome car! Toyota's EH Holden perhaps? Very stylish and well proportioned. Probably worth big coin soon.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
I’d be very hard pressed to pick it over the Family Edition Falcon though. Second choice would be the Magna. 😢
@noelgibson59565 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 I did have a red TP Magna for a few years, simular in appearance to the TM shown here. I did love it's looks, inside and out. I have a thing for any attractive car, regardless of badge.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@noelgibson5956 I worked for Mitsubishi when we launched Magna. I like them. Have an Elite wagon. 👍
@noelgibson59565 ай бұрын
When i had my XE, the XF utes and vans were still in production, and the sedans and wagons were still everywhere, despite being recently superceded by the EA. I recall not liking the XF as much. Yeah they were newer, had more bling, digital dash, etc, yet there was still something missing. I hated those caramel brown interiors. The bumper bars were held on by plastic clips i think, and were never aligned properly, and often came away very easily if car hit something at low speed. Mechanically, they were great, but the Windsor EFI V8's then offered in locally assembled Bronco's would have been a welcome option for buyer's wanting more excitement. I hope you cover the XG and XH utes and vans, of which the latter did offer V8's in the utes. Finally..........an EA ute SHOULD have been made.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Yes, an EFI V8 would have been great. I will get to those utes. 👍👍
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
I'm guessing Ford ran out of development money and couldn't justify an all new body for commercial buyers. An EA nose would have surely been doable.
@munckintattoolover245 ай бұрын
I love the panel van and ute ad at the end never seen it before!
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it. 👍
@watsisbuttndo8295 ай бұрын
I had a S pac fuel injected 4 speed , leaded fuel in french blue. Never let me down and previous owner had fitted koni shocks and some nolathane suspension bushings, very nice handling car.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Nice combo. 👍
@craigbartrop93435 ай бұрын
Traded in my VL Commodore for a XF S Pack Fantastic car. Thank you for another great edition
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Glad you liked it 👍👍
@couttsy2225 ай бұрын
A nice overview of the XF range, Mark. In my mind, the most boring Falcon model ever made up to that point. The look was just not cohesive at all -- a real dog's body. Considering that not that long before we were getting a new model Falcon every 12 or 18 months, the 4 years or so that the XF was around seemed to go on forever! That's why it was the best selling Falcon model ever, just because it was sold for so many years. I know it was a very competent (if dull) car but I remember wishing that Ford would just bring out a replacement! As a purchasing manager for an international company I never bought one XF Falcon but I did buy several Holdens -- they were just such a better car to drive. The ute, of course, was the one redeeming XF version and went on to be manufactured for many years to come.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Yes, it did go for a long time. The standard four wheel disc and power steering upgrade was a big step change for the market though, so it achieved that too. Re the Commodores, I assume you are talking VL rather than VK? 👍
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
The XD - XH ute could take a pallet. I heard the VN -VS ute could not.
@couttsy2225 ай бұрын
@@jamesfrench7299 -- the VN-VS ute was a show pony. I bought myself a brand new, 5 speed manual V8 VP ute for my business and it was horrible. At the same time I was also using a mate's 302 windsor XT Falcon ute a lot. I could either stick a heavy load in the back of the Falcon, tow a tri-axle trailer (or both) and it ran like a train. Heaps of power and handled like it was on rails. The Commodore was always on the verge of going out of control with anything more than a couple of hundered kg on the back. (BTW, I'm not one eyed! Holdens and Fords both had good models and rubbish models, good and evil traits at different times).
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
@@couttsy222 what do you expect with a sedan rear end in a truck compared to a proper load carrying leaf sprung rear Holden didn't turn to until their one tonner offering in the VX (or was it VT?) range. The established older Ford ute was actually fit for purpose.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@jamesfrench7299 Probably true.
@chrisF3515 ай бұрын
Thanks for posting the XF vid Mark, very enjoyable👍 i had a few XF's back in the early 2000's when they were cheap from the trading post. I enjoyed driving them. I really love the XF Ghia, those 25th anniversary Falcon are really nice too with the FE LTD wheels.👍. Keep up the good work👍
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks Chris. Glad you liked it. They used to be great value and everywhere. Those are my favourite two XF models, incl the Ghia wagon. 👍
@lancecooper46465 ай бұрын
Okaaaaay....here goes ...it was at this point. ..with allll the XF Falcon problems etc.. ...& the dropping of the Cleveland V8.....that i begrudgingly admitted that Holden had the better car with their VL Commodore & the turbine smooth RB30 & they still had their V8...admittedly they dropped the 4.2...no biggy...but the 5.0 could be livened up....& it needed it....hence my VL Calais thumbnail....& I'd been an absolute Ford tragic....it wasn't until the EF/EL that i took notice again & then ....the AU....& the rest is history💕💘🔥❤💘
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Yes, that Nissan engine was good albeit too dear. The Holden V8 was a good move in terms of keeping it in the range. Not huge power out of the box but at least they had one, as you say. 👍
@andrewg26185 ай бұрын
Mate, Holden nearly died in the VL era. They went bankrupt and had to be bailed out. If Ford had their sh*t togther with the EA...Holden may have died 30 years before they did. Don't get me wrong, I am sad that both Holden and Ford are no longer. But people seem to forget how far Holden went wrong when they decided to downsize to the Commodore. Apart from kids flicking through magazines dreaming of V8s, they just weren't selling. Did Ford make a mistake by dropping the V8? Potentially. However, you can't argue that it coincided with the most successful period for Falcon.
@borrisyuslav43064 ай бұрын
This comment is biased because my father had an 85 XF Falcon GL (silver/bench/column?) and it was officially the first car I ever drove, but the XF falcon will always be my personal favourite falcon. 2nd favourite model? FG XR6, no prizes for guessing why either. I owned one 😂
@markbehr884 ай бұрын
Fair enough. The memories are often worth as much as the car itself. 👍
@borrisyuslav43064 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88Absolutely. Do you have anymore info on the DJ XF SVO? Were they also turbo? Did any make it to production?
@markbehr884 ай бұрын
@@borrisyuslav4306 I don’t have any more info on those unfortunately. I have heard they were turbo and non turbo but maybe other subscribers may know? 👍
@borrisyuslav43064 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 Interesting Mark. Hopefully🤞. They are somewhat of an enigma in the ford world it seems.
@markbehr884 ай бұрын
@@borrisyuslav4306 I think so 👍
@gerarddaly35385 ай бұрын
Thanks mark another great video. Love the advertising clips
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks Gerard. We were there! 😀👍
@nowhere5294 ай бұрын
Door handles so many of them but an excellent Car, I had one.
@markbehr884 ай бұрын
Yes, the door handles were very cheaply done. They looked like the XD ones but were much more cheaply made. 👍
@hodaka10002 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 They can be permanently repaired by using a stainless steel screw and washer inplace of their riveted white metal privet
@markbehr882 ай бұрын
@@hodaka1000 Thanks for the tip. 👍
@yanknbank0075 ай бұрын
Had an August ‘85 build XF S-pac manual with Fairmont rims that I bought when it was 4 months old with 3,000k’s on it. Drove it as the family car for 18 years until it was replaced with an AU11 Fairmont Ghia. I still have many fond memories of the trips we did in it with the family to a lot of different places. Wished I’d kept it. I haven’t made that mistake with the 2008 FG G6ET. That’s a keeper.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks. At least you have the G6! A lot of fond memories for the XF S packs for sure 👍
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
By far the Fairmont Ghia was the standout model. It just left the lower tier models in the dust on outer appearance alone. The Fairmont looked too much like the base model and should have looked more opulent. It didn't even offer a power window option like the XD and XE models, which always bothered me. Even the Falcon S pack got electronic vacuum florescent display guages for fuel and temp which I was impressed with. I loved how there was a flashing border as a warning on the guages when readings got critical. Looked so advanced. I found the front a bit less masculine for a Falcon but was effective in updating it's appearance and looked quite good.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Yes, I agree with all those comments. 👍
@andrewg26185 ай бұрын
Good points. I have an 86 XF Ghia in Regency Red. All original including snowflakes and the foglights. Only thing I did was lower it which just takes the looks to a whole new level. People that see are still impressed with its features. You're right about the Fairmont. My dad had a new one in 1985. To me it was actually lower spec than the S pac - except for the standard silver Pioneer deck that the Fairmonts came in. It shared its dash with the GL. They should have at least included the S Pac dash in it.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@andrewg2618 Yes. Sounds like the Fairmont dipped out. 🤔👍
@phil49775 ай бұрын
Excellent video Mark. Really enjoying the Ford Australia history. This model really showed Ford at the top of its game.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks. Yes, Ford was on a roll for sure. 👍
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
More electrical issues due to lower grade wiring compared to XE. Unfortunately new models don't usually mean better in every way.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@jamesfrench7299 And a lot more electronics. 👍
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@jamesfrench7299 And they generally had more electronics too. 👍
@bossdog148017 күн бұрын
Great presentation as always Mark. I had 2 of these, a white 250 wagon auto and a 200 red ute, auto as well. The wagon had cruise control and adjustable steering column, two firsts for me. The wagon had a cazillion miles on it but still went like a rocket. They all seemed to have seat problems at high miles, in that they slowly disintegrated with continued getting in and out of the car. A friend of mine worked for the police garage in Sydney and all of the cop car's front seats were damaged even at low k's.
@markbehr8817 күн бұрын
Thanks very much. Yes, the metal in the seat backs used to fatigue and the Police cars in particular often had a bent backrest. Great cars all the same though. 👍
@tedburnard8415 ай бұрын
Had a hire car XF GL wagon with 4.1 and auto on a job in the Top End. It was OK to drive and hauled a drowned VL out of Jim Jim creek. Most annoying thing was its propensity to ‘break wind’ with the unmistakable whiff of hydrogen sulphide, causing my workmate and I to cast snide looks at each other with the inevitable ‘did you just drop one?’
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Ha hah. That’s a new one! The VL experience could have been an ad!
@tba39005 ай бұрын
I had 3 XF’s a S Pack in blue , a GLS Ute and a Fairmont Ghia. I absolutely loved the Ghia and put. Hella 181 driving lights next to the hella 151’s.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Very cool. The Ghias were very well equipped and I loved the Ghia wagon. 👍
@tba39005 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 the Ghia equipment was a quantum leap . Loved the buttons for climate control on the left and head lights , cruise on the right. The “ digital” dash was a special touch. I did a 3.9L EA motor conversion in one, we modified the sump , radiator and fabricated engine mount brackets . The engine had to sit slight offset to get the firewall clearance. Funnily enough the XF and EA wiring colour for the engine were 90% similar which made the wiring a piece of cake. We showed the conversion to a ford dealer and they took photos years later the XG was released with the 4.0L. The 3.9L Ghia has better power and fuel economy. We did plan a 4.0L electronic 4 speed auto for a customer but the car was written off when the owner fell asleep at the wheel.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@tba3900 very interesting. 👍👍
@jamesmcgowen17695 ай бұрын
Hi Mark, I can’t remember the name of the Nissan version of the ute? Tradesman?? It was weird seeing a Falcon with a Nissan badge on it, but then it was also weird seeing a Holden Commodore with a Toyota badge, or a Corrolla with a Holden badge. The end wasn’t too far away from that point in time
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
It was actually called the “Ute”. 👍👍. The Button plan was straight out of the USSR handbook. 😀👍
@philnorbury90325 ай бұрын
Thanks Mark, XF was really comfortable but absolutely gutless. My mate had a white 25th anniversary model, beautiful car.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
I’d love one of those. 👍
@Fireblaze12305 ай бұрын
Memories i swapped a ke lazer for a XF pretty sure it was a fairmont. At the time i was young and stupid she was white with the 4.1 also a 4 speed manual. I remember it had a holley carb on it and it was a rocket ship.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
You got the better deal I reckon! 👍
@tcpnetworks5 ай бұрын
My Falcon was fantastic. Just a lovely car.... It was a long time ago though...
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Yes, I remember renting a new S pack. How time flies! 😳👍
@nasa_fanboy44345 ай бұрын
Beautiful vehicles. Wish they could still be purchased. Not in new zealand anyway, they just are not around like they were 20 years ago where you could pick them up for around 2k. There are some for sale, but people are asking like 20k nowaways.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Yes, they certainly have gone up in price a lot. Like all old Falcons they were once common and now a rare sight. 👍
@dazaspc5 ай бұрын
These were great cars and great value. However they suffered from from a few critical faults that caused many to be ended before their time. They would eat head gaskets. Not because the engine was a bad thing but it was due to the head being above the top of the radiator. They were fitted with a bleed valve but these were frequently ignored and the coolant system would never fill the head fully. If you took off the radiator cap it would frequently loose its level in the head. The 4 speed manual versions also suffered from a problem with the clutch. Higher mileage versions would often split the single layer firewall around the end that mounted the clutch cable. They were also the pick for every taxi for years longer than they should have been. Ford Australia's Second best model only surpassed by the AU.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
All good points. 👍👍
@danparsons88315 ай бұрын
Had the silver s pak sedan at 17 and 1 week. Loved that car. Currently have a zl with the digital dash and efi. Still goes really well on the open road
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Cool. I will cover the ZL when I do Fairlanes. 👍
@rickford45505 ай бұрын
I remember my old man buying a new xf s pack wagon,loved the digital dash,striking yellow
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
Partial digitised dash. Guages only.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
That would have been a cool looking car. 👍
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 GS rally pack - alike. Speaking of, what should I come across a couple of weeks ago? A beautifully preserved yellow 1977 Fairmont GS rally pack, not long after your XC-lent video. It has 77 XC on the plates.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@jamesfrench7299 That would be a nice car 👍👍
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 it was a wagon and it had a folding ladder inside lol. Was obviously taken care of though. Got a few looks from passers by.
@lukestocks43703 ай бұрын
Love the videos. I've owned and XF all my life. XF GHIA currently. X2 I love them
@markbehr883 ай бұрын
Thanks very much. 👍
@johnblood33675 ай бұрын
Awesome eposode. Brings back memories the yellow one of Dads Yellow XF Falcon GL, which I ended up in the end. I LOVED that yellow
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks. Great memories hey. 👍
@andrewg26185 ай бұрын
Thanks for doing these videos. They're great!
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Glad you like them 👍
@rightleft70505 ай бұрын
Ive always prefer the XF front over the XE
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Personally I like XE but each to their own. I actually like XD best. 👍
@davidrochow93825 ай бұрын
I drove the 6 seater station wagon taxi pack model of this and besides from the transmission, front bumper bar droop and interior door handles it was a great car and far better then the Commodore was. After about 1,000,000 km and just before it was taken off the road as a cab the boss put a new motor in it so he could claimed it on his tax and then used it as his private car for quite a while after.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Yes, I have heard they did massive miles and after retirement, often the better ones were used by the operators as private cars. Pretty good recommendation. 👍👍
@andrewg26185 ай бұрын
There's just something about the overall look of an XF Fairmont Ghia with the snowflakes that previous or future Ghias just couldn't match. Obviously engines etc improved but the XF just had something the others didn't. The digital dash....the velour that peaked in that era...it never got as plush as that.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Agree. It just needed an injected 302 V8 👍
@user-kv1gu4ow7i5 ай бұрын
Great video again. What would driving one of these as a daily be like. Parts easy to find?
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks. Glad you liked it. Having driven one as a daily about 18 years ago, it was fine. Parts should still be ok but not on every corner like before. I can’t believe there are no fuel senders for EA to EDs for example. Crazy! 👍🫣
@craig39165 ай бұрын
great video. love my aussie fords. maybe an obsession, have 6 atm, from xy to bf. 6 n 8 n turbos, 3 sedans, suv, ute, wagon. cant pick a favorite tho shame they let the aus auto industry as a whole wither n die. im sure we will regret it eventually if not already .
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks very much. You can never have too many 😀. Agree. A crying shame our car industry is gone 😢
@OLDS985 ай бұрын
Very good Mark. I liked how you did several things: You mentioned the link to the Mustang with the taillamps. You talked about Holden. You showed and talked about that Australian car plan where they shared models. I would like to hear more. I saw Toyotas( Lexcen) that were Holdens(Commodore) and Holdens(Apollo) that were Toyotas( Camry). Ford worked with Nissan and Mazda. I liked how you shared the upgrades and the interiors. I liked the digital gauges I saw and I did not know they offered a front bench seat. I also liked when you talked about what happen to Holden Commodore at the time. I did not know American GM had to help them. This model reminds me of the 1980's Mazda 626/ Nissan Maxima. Thank you Mark.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks Olds98. I am glad you appreciated all the elements. I will certainly talk more about the Button car plan as I go through the various models. Maybe I will do an episode on it as a standalone. 👍👍
@OLDS985 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 That would be quite interesting. I read about the plan some time ago and saw things here and there online, but it would interesting to learn more. I really did appreciate the elements in the video. Please continue your videos. They are quite the education.
@SLYDIT4 ай бұрын
We had a snow white S pac wagon. Such a nice cruiser
@markbehr884 ай бұрын
Sounds like a nice car. 👍
@maxrockatanksyOG5 ай бұрын
Friend had a white S Pac EFI & 5 speed, had optioned LSD. Damn that thing used to boogie for what it was (just prior to the JDM influx, very late 90's- 2000). I had a 351 XD ex NSW highway patrol sedan at the time; another friend had a Fairlane, it had these funny little front seat headrest inserts (like little pillows), i remember we would sit in the back pissed as farts punching these inserts all around the front of the car!
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
How good would it be to have one of those three cars now! 👍
@romemancer79055 ай бұрын
We had our late build 1988 XFon the road for 18 years...now all models having 4 wheel disc brakes...a GL wagon and just a good honest family car never garaged and never showed any rust...only issues being carbie problems from age...It also had the depression in the firewall for the bigger intech motor that came in later models ! cheers ...
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Very cool. I really like the wagons. 😀👍
@mickbrenton5 ай бұрын
Thanks for this fantastic Falcon series Mark!!!
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
My pleasure. Glad you are enjoying it. 👍👍
@mikldude93765 ай бұрын
Great job doing the Aussie car history Mark , brings back memories for me , as a young bloke i worked at two ford dealers and a holden dealer for several years in the 70s , i miss all the old cars from the 60`s 70`s , 80`s era that where old school and built to be able to be easily repaired and serviced unlike the expensive throw away plastic fantastic s of today . In my old age i even appreciate the 3 speed autos of the old falcons because they where very smooth , and ford was bit notorious for always putting a tall first gear in the falcon models using the torque rather than revving the tits off them like some brands.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks. Glad you are enjoying the episodes. I agree. I miss those days when we had our own cars and plenty of used ones on offer for reasonable prices. Especially during fuel crisis when you could buy V8s for next to nothing! 👍
@davodrums5 ай бұрын
Never liked the front and rear on the XF. Much preferred the XD and to a lesser extent the XE, which the old man had the X Pak version of. Great video though 👍
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks. I tend to agree with you there. 👍
@thedronedownunder3919Ай бұрын
Hi Mark, I've only recently found your channel and I must say thank you! I'm 57 and these throw backs are.just awesome. One thing I need clarification on, is the XF the biggest selling falcon or is it the AU? I've read the AU across all 3 series makes for the biggest selling model. Clearly you know a tonne more.than most, having working with Ford and other badges. Cheers.
@markbehr88Ай бұрын
@@thedronedownunder3919 Thanks very much. I hope you’ll subscribe? The XF was the top seller, mainly by virtue of the elongated production of the utes and vans. 👍
@timfordfalconxf77145 ай бұрын
As my name and profile photo say, XF falcons are the best :D
@noelgibson59565 ай бұрын
XE V8's are more betterer. 😉
@timfordfalconxf77145 ай бұрын
@@noelgibson5956 i would have to 100% agree :D
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@timfordfalconxf7714 Good to know the episode is well targeted. 👍👍
@timfordfalconxf77145 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88all of them are very enjoyable :)
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@timfordfalconxf7714 Thanks very much 👍👍
@jasoncarpp77425 ай бұрын
G'day Mark. Another awesome video. Have you driven either of these Ford Falcons? I had a neighbour when I was a boy who had a Fairmont wagon. It wasn't as nice as the Aussie built Falcon, but it wasn't bad. 🙂
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks. Yes, I have driven all of those. I do like the way our Falcons drive. 👍👍
@coalfacechris13365 ай бұрын
Really enjoy your channel, Mark. In '89 my old man traded his rusty ex-company XE ute (mine-site truck, did my learners in it) for an XF Ute straight off the lot, at the same time as he helped me get KE Laser cheaper in a two-for-one deal. The XF was a bit more refined than the XE, and compared to the non-powered rack in the XE the XF's power steering was so light it felt like steering a boat. XF was certainly the most mundane of the generation. Old man had an XD Fairmont too (wish he kept it). He later got an XH ute, Sill has a gas BF Ute now at 80.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks. Glad you are enjoying the channel 👍👍. I remember when I was at Mitsubishi, the vehicles that would be sold to the mines would become very rusty and just decimated. Sounds like you had a few Fords in the family! 👍
@coalfacechris13365 ай бұрын
Cheers Mark. The big issues with the "pit" trucks is the frame rails of the chassis-ed stuff fill up with the corrosive mud. My niece's other half works at a local car yard. Told me they'd bought a late 2010's Hilux from a mine auction for a few grand, pressure cleaned the crap out of it and sold it for $25k off the lot a few weeks later. Buyer beware, kind of like old Police pursuit cars. Old man never had a preference as an owner, his first car was an FJ. By the 70's, he'd had back-to-back Chargers, then a big grey Valiant Ranger that he traded in for the XD in either '79 or '80 (probably wishes he had kept all of them lol). He's had a bunch of cars. As for me, the Laser amazed, drove it into the ground. Great car. As for other Fords, BA Turbo (incredible with the flash tuner 'till I done my license speeding), ex-Telco XH Panel van (no rust-should have kept it), and since new from '09, an FG n/a XR6 with 300000+ km's that can't be stopped with an axe. We've had good luck with Fords!
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@coalfacechris1336 Yes. The conditions there are highly corrosive. Sounds like you’ve had a great run with your Fords. 👍👍
@tba39005 ай бұрын
Wayne Draper did the millennium falcon Ute , that did look really nice.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Ahh, yes I remember that. 👍👍
@tba39005 ай бұрын
XF was a last for many Falcon things Last pushrod 6 Last carby engine Last rear fill fuel filler Last upright spare tyre placement on sedan End of front suspension design which date back to the XR ( interchangability) End of non folding rear seats End of broken door handles Last of the X series model Last model to have drum service brakes(drum park brake introduced in EF) Last EFI model to have air box mount above the exhaust (WTF where they thinking) But was a first in Unleaded fuel and catalyst converter Low beam - high beam incorporated head lamps on all specs Repeater indicator on side Colour coded mirror backs(high spec)
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Interesting. I am sure there are some others too. First for four wheel discs and power steering standard across the range of sedans and wagons (mid life update). Anyone else? Firsts and Lasts?
@tba39005 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 last falcon 6 with EGR
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@tba3900 We’re building the list!
@tba39005 ай бұрын
Last to have pressed steel rocker cover, pcv mounted in oil filter cap.( definitely not the last to have a cork rocker cover gasket.😖
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@tba3900 Wow. Now you are getting micro. What about tyre size? Surely a last there?
@reitsmaassociates5 ай бұрын
Fabulous series - big thanks !
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thank you. 👍👍
@anthonywalsh21645 ай бұрын
8:55 “You can come too, grandma!”
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Yes, that was a bit weird. 😵💫😀
@REPOMAN247225 ай бұрын
I always liked the XE. Missed opportunity for an XE Turbo to counter the VL.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Yes, that would have been good for sure. Maybe they were worried about warranty? 👍
@REPOMAN247225 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88I think engineering money, dont know how strong the internals were, I know they were pushrod, making it rev more would probably cause valve bounce and turbo's like higher revving motors especially back then they would have went for a small turbo.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@REPOMAN24722 Yes. I think you’re right there. 👍
@hodaka10002 ай бұрын
I have an XF ute it's unregistered at the moment but I hope to get it back on the road this year I'm more a Holden person and didn't really like the look of my XF ute until I saw a Mustang that looks much like it
@markbehr882 ай бұрын
Good luck with it. 👍
@aus80srockradio943 ай бұрын
Worthy of mention, note the rego number on the old Hilux @13:24 : )
@markbehr883 ай бұрын
😀
@teotats5325 ай бұрын
Best driving car in the world
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
I do like the way a Falcon drives. 👍
@teotats5325 ай бұрын
I was being sarcastic, The things are turds.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@teotats532 It didn’t work!
@teotats5325 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 Let me know if you do a review on a Camira, you probably like the way they drove too.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@teotats532 WIll do. I will have my people call your people. If you ever drove a JD Camira you will know it was an excellent driving car. Excellent performance and handling and styled by Leo Pruneau. 👍👍
@tba39005 ай бұрын
Modern motor mag did the sprintex supercharged falcon at the same time AIT did the All wheel drive falcon.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Interesting. Shame they weren’t offered ex factory although the AWD Falcon was around $75k. You could buy a cheap house for that! 👍
@tba39005 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 Hence why non of those companies survived or were bought out by other companies.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@tba3900 Yes. You could kind of see it wasn’t a solid business idea. Not enough volume. 👍
@krisdockers20475 ай бұрын
How cool it WAS, to drive around in my 3 on the Tree 3.3L 1980 XD falcin wagon. Could not have even heard of Torque/ NMs, how many seconds to 100 (to get a speeding ticket, OR WORSE, have a stack beceause you were being a dickhead). These cars had character and a vibe for our youth that heaps of folks reading this ( probably not many) will get!
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
I get it. With that engine combo you just drove accordingly. 👍
@Luke-er6pg5 ай бұрын
VK Calais vs XF Fairmont Ghia: Which one was better in comfort, style and luxurious options?
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
I think the Fairmont Ghia had it all over the Calais interior wise but prefer the Calais 5 litre V8 to the 4.1 EFI. Six versus Six I would have Ghia. 👍
@Luke-er6pg5 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 Yes-the Fairmont Ghia was a couple years ahead of the Calais in style and comfort. It was more spacious too which is something the Falcon’s had over the Holdens in spades. If only the Ghia did have the optional 5.0 ltr V8!!! Can you imagine?????
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@Luke-er6pg Exactly! 👍👍
@shaun30-3-mg9zs5 ай бұрын
Hi Mark, I do like this car with a nicer softer front end face lift of the previous model, the front look similar to a Nissan Primera P110 ( I have had 2 Primera's good car's ) and I noticed a Nissan badge version of the ute. I was quite surprised with this new car it was still available with a 4 speed manual gear box. This car is needing a V8 engine to the range, I liked the Fairmont Ghia Estate/wagon. I like the look of the alloy wheels on the 25 anniversary model, is this the last of this style of Falcon/Fairmont in 1988. I did notice the Holden Commodore which looks identical to the Vauxhall Carlton / Viceroy / Royale. Good car car ads, as always great videos on this Falcon series , Take care
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks Shaun. Glad you liked it. The softer front of the XF was to warm up the public for what was coming next. The EA26. My next episode. 👍
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 I hope you cover the build quality issues. Let's just say the XF should have had a four year model run.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@jamesfrench7299 I think that was an industry wide issue. 👍
@jamesfrench72995 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 unfortunately the EA got lumbered with the poster child for poor build quality label, even though the VN Commodore had no claim to being any better really.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@jamesfrench7299 That’s very true. 👍
@96libertytt5 ай бұрын
Now 95% of those 278k XF's are gone. Probably a conservative estimate.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
You are probably right there. They were very common used cars in the early 2000’s but not now. 👍
@commodorenut5 ай бұрын
50% or more were probably stolen at least once in their life too. Kids could start them with the dipstick!
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@commodorenut Yes, vehicle security from Ford and Holden stepped up around 1990 due to extreme theft rate, especially in WA. I remember there were WA specific anti theft specs that were rolled out across all states. Tibbe locks, rolling codes, deadlocks, immobilisers etc. 👍
@commodorenut5 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88Yes, WA led Australia in that respect. Some of the best immobilisers came out of WA - I used to buy the Cyclops RFID ones to fit not only to cars, but a myriad of different earthmoving equipment.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@commodorenut Yes. I remember it all coming out of WA. 👍
@jack-nn2km5 ай бұрын
wonder if that all wheel drive is still alive
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Apparently yes but re-bodied after a big crash in England. 👍
@commodorenut5 ай бұрын
About 10 years ago the AIT magazine car was floating around the Narellan NSW area. One of the people who saw it told me it was now in good hands.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@commodorenut That’s good to know isn’t it. 👍👍👍
@JosephCowen-fz8vj27 күн бұрын
Ford sold all wheel drive XY Falcons in the 1970 s Holden also sold HZ all wheel drive V8 s .
@mrdoiii5 ай бұрын
Such a shame these didn't have the V8 option. Back then a Windsor 5.0 would've been a very good combination in these.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Yes, I agree. That would have been great. 👍
@JosephCowen-fz8vj27 күн бұрын
It was on the horizon in the next few years in the EB in 1990 .
@johnnykeys19785 ай бұрын
OMFG. KZfaqrs take note: See how this guy got straight to the point and didn't bleat on with "LikE aND sUbSCribe" pathetisism? FFS this is a formula I can watch without simultaneously vomiting and using the "don't recommend channel" function. WATCH AND LEARN YOU NOOBS. This is how it's done.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. 👍
@mariusvanderlinden7323 ай бұрын
Hello Mark, one question? Where came the design from? Was this pure from Australia or was there influence from other parties? If yes who and why? Why was the Ford Granada or Consul (Europe) not popular in Australia and New Zealand? Was it not cheaper for Ford in general to produce less models for economical reasons?
@markbehr883 ай бұрын
Hi Marius. This was a completely Australian design. More room and more power than a Granada in terms of torque plus a large wagon on offer. Australia also had 85% local content rules. We also made larger luxury versions of these cars on a longer wheelbase. I will cover those in later episodes. 👍
@mariusvanderlinden7323 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88Hello Mark, The Ford Granada and later the Ford Scorpio was also to available in a Estate Version and in that period the GHIA Version. And what is the link between Ford - Mazda and Ford - Nissan? In Europe I know the coopération between Renault and Nissan and Mazda works with Opel ( In Australia HOLDEN) But those co-operation are for me new. The HOLDEN cars in The Netherlands are maybe countable on a few hands. In the UK I'm not sure because they have as you probably know the VAUXHALL. But at the time of TOPGEAR (UK - with Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond) there where a few models presented. TOPGEAR was then very very popular in Europa especially by us in The Netherlands.
@markbehr883 ай бұрын
@@mariusvanderlinden732 Yes, but the Australian Fords are larger than the Scorpio etc as that is what the market wanted. Holden released the Opel based Commodore in 1978 and Falcon eventually outsold it as it was too small. Ford owned 25% of Mazda at one point. The Ford/Nissan arrangement was a Gov’t led initiative. Holden shared with Toyota but it did not work. 👍
@mathewhyland89255 ай бұрын
G’day mark
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
G’day 👍👍
@royferntorp5 ай бұрын
Collectible? I bought one of these at a government auction (NSW). An ex ETSA ute. Drove it around until a guy offered insane money for the 3.3 with auto. He paid cash, I signed the papers and caught a cab. Back to my trusty Corona.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
An appreciating asset! 👍
@MegaSkypes5 ай бұрын
I had one back in 96/97 it was on LPG and it got stolen!
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
That’s no good 😢
@MegaSkypes5 ай бұрын
@@markbehr88 it was annoying when it happened but about 14 years ago I did have a beautiful XD which I should not have sold
@Eric-kn4yn5 ай бұрын
6 pot underpowered how did motorists survive those days
@JackF995 ай бұрын
All their parents had walked to school ten miles in the snow year-round, uphill both ways so this felt like luxury.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
Compared to auto, air conditioned fours, they were pretty good. 👍
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@JackF99 Yes. True. 👍👍
@andrewg26185 ай бұрын
They got around by not driving like idiots. The 6s were plenty powerful. Forget the Kilowatts....it's all about torque and the Falcon had plenty.
@markbehr885 ай бұрын
@@andrewg2618 Fair call. I enjoyed my S pack 5 speed. 👍