The Ford Falcon (XW) is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1969 to 1970. It was the third iteration of the second generation of the Falcon and also included the Ford Futura (XW) and the Ford Fairmont (XW)—the luxury-oriented version.

Ford Falcon (XW)
Ford Futura (XW)
Ford Fairmont (XW)
Ford Falcon 500 Sedan (XW)
Overview
ManufacturerFord Australia
ProductionJune 1969 – October 1970
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size car
Body style4 door sedan
5 door station wagon
2 door coupé utility
2 door van
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
Engine3.1 L (188 CID) 6-cyl
3.6 L (221 CID) 6-cyl
4.9 L (302 CID) "small block" V8
5.8 L (351 CID) “Windsor" and "Cleveland" (in second series GT-HO) V8 "
Transmission3spd manual
4spd manual
3spd “Fordomatic” automatic
3spd “Cruisomatic” automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,819 mm (111.0 in)
Length4,689 mm (184.6 in)
Width1,869 mm (73.6 in)
Height1,417 mm (55.8 in)
Curb weight1,348 kg (2,971.8 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorFord Falcon (XT)
SuccessorFord Falcon (XY)

Introduction

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The XW Falcon was released in June 1969[1] replacing the XT Falcon. The XW was an extensive facelift of the XT, featuring a new grille and tail lights. Almost all exterior panels were new and the interior was extensively redesigned.[2]

Model range

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The XW Falcon range featured eight passenger vehicles and three commercial models.[1]

  • Ford Falcon Sedan
  • Ford Falcon Wagon
  • Ford Falcon 500 Sedan
  • Ford Falcon 500 Wagon
  • Ford Futura Sedan
  • Ford Fairmont Sedan
  • Ford Fairmont Wagon
  • Ford Falcon GT
  • Ford Falcon Utility
  • Ford Falcon Van
  • Ford Falcon 500 Utility

The Futura was new for the XW, reviving a name last used in the 1965 XP Falcon range. A Grand Sport rally option package was available on Falcon 500, Futura & Fairmont sedans.[3]

GT-HO

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The limited production, high performance Falcon GT-HO was released two months after the mainstream models. A further development, the GT-HO Phase II was released on 24 August 1970.[4]

Engines

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3.1 litre & 3.6 litre in-line six cylinder engines carried over from the XT Falcon as did the 4.9 litre V8. A 5.8 litre V8 (the 351 Windsor) was introduced initially with the XW, as was later the 351 Cleveland in the Phase 1.5 and 2 model.

Production

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Production of the XW Falcon range totalled 105,785 vehicles.[1] 2,287 XW Falcon GTs and 662 XW GT-HOs were built.[5]

Replacement

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The XW Falcon was replaced by the XY Falcon in October 1970.

References

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  1. ^ a b c Falcon XW Technical Specifications Retrieved from www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au on 1 February 2010
  2. ^ Ford Falcon XW Retrieved from www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au on 1 February 2010
  3. ^ Ford Falcon XW sales brochure, Ford Sales Company of Australia Limited, page 23
  4. ^ Ford Falcon XW GT Retrieved from www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au on 1 February 2010
  5. ^ Ford Falcon XW GT-HO technical specifications Retrieved from www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au on 1 February 2010
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