American revhead sees an XD Sundowner for the first time

[@kerryharding5497]

This is our Van that my husband spent 3+ years restoring, RARE AS was its name when we were showing it at state and national titles. It won many awards and we are grateful now to finally see it again. Thank you for taking care and preserving it as it should be.

[@WastelandFirebird]

Thanks for bringing it up into perfect condition! Excellent work.

[@kerryharding5497]

@@WastelandFirebird thank you, we are working on a new build. Watch this space over the next couple of years. It's going to be good!

[@WastelandFirebird]

@@kerryharding5497 Let me know if you'd like me to make videos of the build process or the build result.

[@DarrelGarard-ky5vb]

Who in God's name owns that AMAZING FORD COLLECTION.MY MOUTH IS ABSOLUTELY SALIVATING.every single vehicle there is so desirable and I wish I had them all.who is the owner and what is his story.

[@davenorman8251]

Holy crap that is THE BEST Sundowner I have ever seen..absolutely beautiful..I feel honored as an aussie to even witness such a thing..How many people in this country even realise that what they are looking at only exists downunder..don't take it for granted it is the most nothing compares.

[@McMeevin]

Incredible collection, great to see some people are still preserving these Aussie icons.

[@phillipevans9414]

I was so happy to see an NC Fairlane (and indeed many other Fairlane's) in the collection...everyone always preserves/restores/collects the Falcons, and the Fairlane's get forgotten. Cheers from a very happy '93 NC Fairlane Ghia Sportsman owner. Thanks for the video "Wastie".

[@jamesfrench7299]

It's so good that guys out there have these meticulously kept collections like this. It's easy to feel envy but instead, we should be grateful somebody does it at all.

[@madskelli]

Hey Wasties!!! Hope you’re having a great weekend! We just got back home from filming at Summernats! We had so much fun! It was great meeting those who came up for a chat!

[@itzStoj]

You legend! Glad I ran into you and Mad Skelli, love the videos, keep up the good work. Thanks for the bottle cap, the cherry on a great weekend lol

[@mjk45]

I heard that it was you and Wastie arguing over sausage rolls at Summernats that caused that riot

[@madskelli]

@@mjk45 lies! We were enjoying the Yankee BBQ!!! We’re a peaceful duo!

[@mjk45]

@@madskelli So it was even worse than I thought, no Aussie barbie at an Australian religious ceremony is bad enough, but may be forgiven if it was Roo, Emu and Wombat done Texas style since everyone knows a certain WastelandFirebird is still learning and probably didn't know how deeply entwined Aussie car and barbecue culture are, but there can be no forgiveness knowing you had the sheer audacity to barbecue sausage rolls Yankee style no wonder it started a riot and I wouldn't be surprised if the Brazilians are rioting in sympathy with their southern hemisphere brothers.

[@jamesgovett3225]

Geez wouldn’t I just love that XD sundowner especially with its 4 barrel 351 Cleveland, I was caught up in the Panel Van craze in the 70’s as a young couta, and I had a special XB 351 4 speed with all the fruit Van that was one of the last XB’s made, I bought it new from Stilwell Ford in Melbourne and came with a lot of factory GT bits by Ford, Man I wish I still had that car! So much so that I cannot forget it even to this day, so much goog times in that beautiful Ford!

[@WastelandFirebird]

I love hearing these car stories. They make me feel like I'm there!

[@Swwa89]

That Ed sprint is beautiful!!! I'm no ford fan but from memory they came with a 347 stroker and manual!!! Nice looking car too

[@julianalderson3938]

Never seen a sundowner. Buetiful. Thanks

[@jonesy3million26]

We had an 81 xd falcon. It was like going back in time when you showed the interior - thanks!

[@WastelandFirebird]

For me it was like going back in time... in an alternate timeline! I'm getting to relive a life I never lived in the first place.

[@Twenty_Six_Hundred]

So many rare and special cars in that one shed. I dont blame you for not knowing as mainly just us hardcore ford fans will notice. But RS2000, EB GT, FG Sprint, ED Sprint, XE ESP,, XA GS, XB GT, XW GT, XY GT... Instant nut busting for heavy Ford fans. Would have loved to see a shot of the XF as im guessing it was an anniversary Ghia although with rarity in that shed it could be something special like the factory turbo variant. Anyway what a beautiful collection.

[@leandabee]

Brilliant collection😳, and very cute vintage toy cars💝, and yay, bluey is back 👌🐦

[@WastelandFirebird]

Hahahaha yeah we shot it the same day as day 2 of Geelong!

[@leandabee]

@@WastelandFirebird oh I see 😆, oh well, still happy to him/her 🤗

[@stevep2430]

Bought an xd panel van brand new in the early 80's, had it for about 2 days and when driving past a golf course copped a wayward tee off to the passenger side door. Was not happy.

[@johnvender]

Great to see that XD Sundowner even has do it yourself gearbox.

[@fordfalcongt]

I'm jealous of this collection!

[@bossesp351xe8]

Show us some footage and give us some details on the XE ESP. Good to hear the views of an enthusiastic car car that didn’t grow up with the same cars we are casual about but still love.

[@351clevelandmodifiedmotor4]

awesome to see loads of good old falcons in 1 place👌

[@WastelandFirebird]

Then I hope you've seen this one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGaXhqOwfrprp7M

[@seanyuke3249]

Faaarrrk. Ford lovers dream shed. Well done mate. 👍

[@mo-fogarage8739]

Haha that's Justin's old van. Beautiful example. Mines a S pac van and only a 6cyl 4spd but I love her just the same. Go the vans

[@WastelandFirebird]

Tell Justin thanks for taking such good care of it!

[@mo-fogarage8739]

@WastelandFirebird Justin built it from the ground up. Story in unique cars magazine. The old numberplate was RAREAS

[@kerryharding5497]

Yes it is.... haha it's his wife here

[@brianhoward9217]

I noticed the beautiful XE Fairmont Ghia ESP and XC Fairmont GXL on the left side as they walked down but nothing was said about them - 2 of my fave Fords of all time. Wasn't the big ol' silly silver yanky/Oz LTD gorgeous! The poor little FG-X XR8, as desirable as all hell, looked a little underwhelming next to such grace and iconic historical pieces. That's the sort of collection I'd like - out of all possible collections - maybe with a few of the last special Holdens too - just a special few.

[@WastelandFirebird]

Yeah the owner didn't say much unless I asked, and I didn't know what to ask!

[@icascone]

WOW!! I never knew they existed!!

[@jamesmcgowen1769]

I reckon you’re talking about ‘Lucas’ Upper Cylinder Lubricant about the additive to fuel. I use it, and it seems to work for me. Squirt some down the throat before you add fuel, and the fuel will last a lot longer than just fuel alone

[@noelgibson5956]

The Sundowner has a replica of a period correct rego label on the windshield. These are becoming a thing in the classic car scene these days.

[@kerryharding5497]

You can buy these now, it's a great addition when you are doing a concourse restoration like we did with this van.

[@burlatsdemontaigne6147]

I thought the thing about Ethanol in gas was that the water separates out after a bit and it rusts all the ferrous parts of the engine that it comes in contact with. Also that it rots rubber in gaskets and seals. Madness!

[@WastelandFirebird]

Yeah that's a better explanation of the problem!

[@ianmontgomery7213]

actually ethanol and water mix together and will burn - it helps get rid of water from a tank. The main problem with ethanol is it is incompatible with some plastics like fuel tanks and even some fuel lines.

[@StatesmanBass]

What are your thoughts on the hq Holden statesman? Almost like an Aussie version of the Cadillac with all the styling and badging

[@WastelandFirebird]

They're cool but they make me want a Sandman instead!

[@StatesmanBass]

@@WastelandFirebird I guess the Americans are just so flabbergasted by the idea behind panel vans! I just love long wheel base flagship models because they use such odd luxurious equipment.

[@jimclarke1108]

Keep out of the back , we know how much you like Sundowners🤠

[@TheA1carpetman]

Look out Trouble is town. Joke nice to see u post new adventures

[@bodgiesteve8849]

Bit of trivia, Sundowner meaning; Someone who's home is, wherever they are when the sun goes down. ie, drifter, traveler Also, there is a classic Australian movie, called 'The Sundowners" from 1960, staring Robert Mitchum, and Deborah Kerr. Epic movie,

[@WastelandFirebird]

Whoa, I love this, and I didn't know this!

[@davematthews8512]

Cool collection. What's with the white VL commodore hidden behind the Escort?

[@WastelandFirebird]

That was one of his wife's cars, I figured I'd leave that one out and make an all-Ford video!

[@aidanhurlsss]

Almost at 5k subs good stuff mate

[@daveamies5031]

This channel deserves so many more subs than that 👍🏼

[@icascone]

I hope Australia will one day produce cars again if they will be electric... To me even though I factually know Holden Ford and Toyota left in my daily life I still forget that Australia is not a car producing country anymore... Anyhow thanks for creating value once again :)

[@WastelandFirebird]

Yeah, and if you're like me, and you've never seen these cars, you'd better get here QUICK. They are slowly disappearing. And thanks again for remembering my motto.

[@TheRickestRIckc137]

All those amazing cars and no AU... feel like the collection is short by 1

[@Bonswally]

You came all that way to see an x series falcon

[@-sandman4605]

Was not expecting that sundowner to have a 5•8L, i don't know much about the sundowner but i hope it had the 4V Heads because the 5•8 goes much better with them.

[@bodgiesteve8849]

4V's disappeared in the mid 70's, with the introduction of ARD27A. Emission controls. 4bbl on closed chamber 2V's worked well on the street.

[@-sandman4605]

@@bodgiesteve8849 Well i can tell you that the Western Australian XD & the XE Police Pursuit Vehicles had the 4V Heads "FACT" and they where the last to be made with the heads so i just thought maybe they also gave them to the Sundowner.

[@bodgiesteve8849]

@@-sandman4605 police vehicles are exempt from many regulations enforced on the general public. ARD27A, covers emissions reductions for pasinger vehicles, and was fully implemented in 1975. Even today, use different suspension, and engine tune. Hell, in the 70's police were using V8 LJ toranas.

[@-sandman4605]

@@bodgiesteve8849 Ok

[@bensy010]

No AU Falcons?

[@josephbarker4436]

Love my fords however the bonnet on the eb gt and goes for the el gt aswell looks like someone sneezed on it and thought ahh yeah looks alright

[@HOLDEN921]

Hi wasteland firebird how are you doing today mate it’s hot in Ballarat today I saw old cars driving around

[@WastelandFirebird]

Howdy! We were just at Summernats, video will be ready in a week or so!

[@MikMech]

Yeah, who cares about the radio. I'm listening for rattles and strange new noises... (Edit - My paranoia is rampant!)

[@TheA1carpetman]

Chech and chongs Van made of weed was a sick van. Amexicon American. Were is your license pla sir. It's on the Bumper man.

[@WastelandFirebird]

I've actually never seen any of those movies. I think that needs to change.

[@TheA1carpetman]

@@WastelandFirebird up in smoke is a classic. When I was 18 it came out at the drive In moves that's were u would see some classic 70s 80s vans like the Van sundowner

[@philipbrown2514]

No Bathurst cred well maybe in the back

[@noelgibson5956]

As the former owner of an XE model, I gotta say I never liked anything after the XF as much as those that came before that model. In terms of sales, I think Falcon peaked during XE/XF, then gradually declined from that point, on. Buyers were becoming more interested in hi riding utes and SUV's. Ford Australia answered this with the Ford Territory (which really should feature in this collection), but never did a proper locally developed and built hi riding twincab ute, just an imported one. Had Ford Australia made the Ford Ranger in Geelong, this may have saved local manufacturing. The secret is to build what the public are buying. They wanted another type of Ford........not another Falcon. I hate that nothing we buy now, including any Ford, is locally made. Maybe contact Motorbookworld in Canterbury, Victoria and try to obtain a copy of wheels January or February 1978(can't remember which month exactly). It features a comparison between the then new Valiant Drifter, XC Sundowner and HZ Sandman. Fascinating reading.

[@WastelandFirebird]

I've been buying a few old Wheels magazines, and now I've just ordered one more!

[@noelgibson5956]

@@WastelandFirebird 🤠👍

[@noelgibson5956]

@@WastelandFirebird Update:- it's Wheels February '78. Looks like they're out of stock...........but maybe give em a tingle. See what they say.

[@WastelandFirebird]

@@noelgibson5956 I got one from eBay!

[@noelgibson5956]

@@WastelandFirebird You're seemingly one step ahead of me. Cheers 😃

[@temptempy6750]

Watched your car reviews months ago in sydney (sundowner), stoked you saw (and showed) this one. 👍 for you. You mention the van scene in USA, wanna see a bedford van pull 1200HP a day ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYeXkpprrt1-eKM

[@shanevonharten3100]

The designers changed headlight shapes, as well as everything else to keep designers in a job

[@GrumpSkull]

Holden alternate between round and square headlights to keep innovation happening. Ha!

[@marvindebot3264]

It was mainly because up until the late 80s/early 90s (can't recall the date) there were only a half dozen shapes headlights could be in the US and when they were freed up they went nuts. The channel Technology Connections has an excellent video on the subject that is worth watching.

[@spiritlevelstudios]

You never see the FGX Sprints getting driven on the street. Such a waste.

[@GrumpSkull]

80's era. Pffft!

[@WastelandFirebird]

In the alternate timeline I come from, the apocalypse happened at the end of 1981, so 1981 and earlier I will still get excited about. It's "The Long 70s" to me!

[@GrumpSkull]

@@WastelandFirebird "Gas! Petrol! Guzzolene! Listen! Hundreds... thousands of `gallons... as much as you want!"

[@WastelandFirebird]

@@GrumpSkull Exactly.

[@davidlegg9690]

That was a pretty ordinary look at a fantastic collection of Fords.

[@jamesfrench7299]

No that's his authentic viewpoint of this collection. No pretention. He's still learning as he goes and is letting us in on his journey.

[@madskelli]

@@jamesfrench7299 what a beautiful comment! ❤️

[@lesklower7281]

I like round headlights the Suzuki Jimny has round head lights and rectangular headlights are cool even better glass headlights even cooler if course my 1997 Toyota Hilux has rectangular glass headlights

[@jamesfrench7299]

I love the American fad of twin square headlights on everything in the 1980s.

[@lesklower7281]

@@jamesfrench7299 In Australia glass rectangular head lights were available in the Toyota Hilux to 2003 some jeeps came with retangular and round headlights and the Suzuki Jimny has round head lights but they are plastic

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Just hold the camera STILL FFS !!

[@WastelandFirebird]

We don't have a gimball or fancy stabilization like those other fancy channels do! We're old-school!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

@@WastelandFirebird Old school camera operators used tripods and "fancy gimbals" are $100 now. There's no excuse for poor camera work ....

[@WastelandFirebird]

@@edwardfletcher7790 I run around a lot (like actual running) and the camera weighs too much already. Really we should probably just be shooting with something much smaller. I'll give it some thought....

[@edwardfletcher7790]

@@WastelandFirebird When I was doing camerawork, SP Betacam was the standard, they weighed 8 kg on my shoulder, you'll manage ! LoL

[@hulksolutions8397]

Wow the xd looks like it just came of the showroom floor

[@davidrose2382]

What's with the cargo pockets gay cowboy,jeez

[@WastelandFirebird]

The mysterious secret of the pockets was revealed a few minutes in to this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWjcpGVsocaNmNE

[@aerotuc]

Great car ,and better still great PETROL ENGINE ,the engine that is not for tonka toys like the EV .

[@richardglen9761]

No sense having cars.if you don't use em is that a hot chilli red el