Ford Falcon AU - Misunderstood? The Most Comprehensive AU Review Ever!

Here is my mega episode on the AU Falcon. Part of my history series on the Ford Falcon (and other makes and models coming up). Thos was a huge undertaking in terms of editing and image sourcing so PLEASE give the episode a Like and also Subscribe for more old car history. By Liking and Subscribing (as well as sharing) you will ensure more old car enthusiasts get to see our Aussie car history while also preserving it for the future. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@markbehr88]

Here is my mega episode on the controversial AU Falcon. This is a car that has improved with age and the car is building a following with younger enthusiasts in particular. I hope you enjoy this detailed overview of the AU. Please be sure to Like and Subscribe so I can bring you more automotive history on famous makes and models. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@GOLiathus_over]

aint nothin controversial about it, its a car, car go vroom, wheels spin, you proceed down the road.... wheres the controversy lmao yea yea people didnt like the look of em etc.. etc.. but i dont care, i didnt buy something to look at, i bought something that will get me around, and its so good at that ill probably never need another car ever again

[@markbehr88]

@@GOLiathus_over The controversy was purely the styling and the interior materials on the base car. A controversy because, in terms of sales, it cost Ford Australia roughly 40% of its usual sales volume - equating to lost profit of hundreds of millions of $.

[@davetate1155]

I was in high school when the AU came out, and I love the XR and TS models, dreamed of owning one, I never did. I had an XF that I crashed the first week I had my license and later a BA Fairmont Ghia for a while which got rear ended. This put me off buying another Falcon but I always had a soft spot for them. I'm approaching 40 now and I still dream of one day having a small garage out the back that I can store a nice example Falcon in.

[@markbehr88]

Maybe it is time to return to Falcon country? 🤔👍

[@lesweb4608]

I wasn’t a lover of the original AU when first released. But I purchased a AU 2 Ute xls a year ago and absolutely love it. it’s comfortable, love the styling now.. 258ks and it’s just a bloody good daily driver…just wanted it to take rubbish to tip but just love its comfort, it’s power and well…prefer driving it over my new Hyundai, which shits me because of all technology… just want to start and drive without going through a menu to turn off stupid electronics that control steering etc! Give me an AU any day!

[@markbehr88]

I totally get it. I love driving my XR6 and V8 AU wagon. They are great to drive. 👍

[@mikldude9376]

​@@markbehr88 The v8 wagon would be a rare bird wouldn't it Mark ?

[@markbehr88]

@@mikldude9376 Yes, I reckon 120 made max. 👍

[@arkhsm]

Count me as one of the current keepers of an AU Falcon, an AUll XR8 in Venom Red, 220kw upgrade model. When I talk about it to anyone, I love to mention the ton of extra goodness that went into the most powerful ever factory, hand built 5L pushrod engine Ford, built anywhere ! These very meaty all iron units kept 5.6L of all new, all alloy Chevrolet LS1 absolutely in check, in the equivalent Holden Commodore SS (refer the Wheels Magazine comparison test), at a cost of a massive $2,000 per engine. One builder took one complete day to build one engine, and there were just 20 guys. Shout out to J Neves who built my ripper, that still whips out to redline @ 319,000k's ! Also, the 250 kw Stroker TE/TS 3's were easily able to see to the equivalent 255kw all alloy LS powered HSV's of the era, too ! The 'roach-mobiles are now well on their way to being CULT CLASSIC's, so I advise people to get a survivor while they're still reasonably cheap, as prices really are starting to creep upwards !!

[@markbehr88]

Good on you. I agree with you on the wonderful Windsor V8s. Anyone who knows anything about engines will tell you the Windsor V8s are fantastic. And I agree re the “roachmobiles” having the last laugh. I am glad I have mine. 👍

[@arkhsm]

@@markbehr88 So far, my second car in '81 was a blue XY. (FIRST WAS A HILARIOUS AUSTIN A30 !), and have had mainly Falcons since, '67 XR, 2nd XY, XF, EA,EF, now the AU ! Your series, especially coming from your insider perspective, is like re-living all those Wheels and Motor magazines all over again. I still remember the first car mag. I bought with my hard earned pocket money....the Wheels mag. with the Green RPO83 XA Falcon on the cover !!

[@markbehr88]

@@arkhsm Wow. Great collection of Fords. Sounds like my brother’s list of cars. Glad you are enjoying the series. 😀👍

[@yusuf.alajnabi]

As a proud owner of a series 3 XR8 I couldn't agree with you more. These hand built Windsor engines are proof that Geoff Polites told Tickford to up the ante to compete with the SS commodore they were able to match it in straight line performance and was a better balanced better refined car on a track/long drive.

[@markbehr88]

@@yusuf.alajnabi My brother has a Series 111 XR8. Very nice, low mileage car. Definitely a keeper. 👍

[@panord]

Thank you Mark. A comprehensive history of a car I never liked when new, but after watching I now feel the need for an XR6 VCT...

[@markbehr88]

Thank you. You should get one. 😀👍

[@PaulT-ep7lk]

Another ford I have saved. Au2 xr6 vct black. Tickford sunroof. With options other being a tow bar it's a 1 of 1 car. Has only 183k on it.

[@markbehr88]

Very cool. I love my silver one. 👍

[@coalfacechris1336]

Thanks! great show again Mark. Think the Tickfords aged better than the GM HSV's of the time, the Holden's are a "bit much" kind of like Transformer movie props. Still, not enough delineation from ford all of the time. BA-FGX XR6/T/8 variations all look the same from 5m let alone 50.

[@markbehr88]

Thank you very much indeed for the Super Thanks. Much appreciated. I think you’re right. The AU has actually aged very well. 👍

[@MyNameIsPlayer2]

It was a long one but was left wanting more at the end! Great series and keep up the good work.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. I was editing to 3am this morning - and still hadn’t finished so 48 minutes was my max. Hopefully covered most things. Glad you enjoyed it. I am hoping more people hit the old Subscribe button as it does make a big difference in terms of getting seen. 👍

[@jesus_built_my_hotrod]

Been waiting for this one. The AU definitely deserves an episode 10 times longer than all the rest😂 I have 2 AU2s a sedan and a ute, both with over 300k and both still going strong. Great video thank Mark.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. Glad you liked it. 👍

[@rodneymcgiveron]

G'day Mark... I traded my EF Futura on a former Tasmanian Agriculture Dept field officer car ..A 2001 Series 2 AU Futura.. It was 2 years old .. As of April 2024 she is still going sweetly...One wheel alignment in all that time , tracks perfect , starts easily , BTR transmission smooth as butter , replaced front brake calipers last year , two alternators after leaking power steering caused issue (now fixed with upgraded version) , Heater fan speed resistor plays up here and there ..and remote power windows no longer work . Original radiator would you believe and ball joints and shocks ...rust in bonnet catch and bottom of bootlid ... She is a gem and is singularly the most comfortable and perfect road manners car I have ever had ... Also have a beautiful FG XR6 ...but the old girl is a total joy ....And still love the look of her , faded paint and all .... Thanks for the comprehensive coverage of the venerable AU Falcon..

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. That is great to hear re the episode. I hope you’ll treat the old Futura to a cosmetic make over to preserve that unique piece of Aussie motoring history - that keeps on delivering. They are so good to drive aren’t they? I love my Fairmont and XR6. 👍

[@mikldude9376]

You may find , that your window switches contacts are dirty , if they are the same as the XR6( the peanut style) , you can pull them apart with a butter knife and maybe a small flat screw driver and clean them , put a tiny tiny bit of grease or vaseline on the brass contacts and they will probably go again as long as the switch contacts are not melted . if I remember correctly you slide the butter knife or something thin and flat in the forward most position of the switch assembly between the arm rest fabric then gently pry and lift up , then disconnect the plug and start on the switch/switches . They are very simple to fix , and one of the Au little idiosyncrasies that happen every so many years. I hope I haven't missed a step , but yeah they are worth a try to clean and reassemble mate , if the door one is working I would definitely take a punt on dirty switch contacts. Cheers.

[@leoesposito8762]

@@mikldude9376 my dad has a AU 3 Fairmont bought new in 2002 160,000 km on the clock great cruising car on the hwy the heater fan failed last year and the dash had to be taken out to replace it and steering rack failed a few years back now there about the biggest issues i think he has had with this car the climet control cluster gave out meany years ago fading out of numbers and such but got it fixed by a privet repairer and its been good since...

[@markbehr88]

@@mikldude9376 Good tips. Thanks. 👍👍

[@Michka1001]

My 4th car back when I was a teenager was a series 2 base with the E-Gas engine in it. Absolutely loved the thing, it was so reliable and damn comfortable even for the a Forte. Would own one again in a heatbeat

[@markbehr88]

Yes, the AU’s are probably the most reliable and durable Falcons in the last 30 years. 👍

[@HomesliceGC]

Keen as to dive in to this one, have loved the series so far. I'm blessed to have picked up a 2002 Series II with only 138,000 k's on it which I have clocked up to just over 155,000 k's in 14 months of owning the car. It's coated with venom red paint and has a Havoc body kit from the factory that a lot of people mistake it for being a BA. Keen to see the section you've got on the Havoc kit as I'm sure you'll have something in there. Thanks for this channel mate, it's documenting Australian history in a detailed but accessible format, keep it up and can't wait to see what you do in the future, especially with that AU XR6 with the VCT engine.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. I do cover off the Havoc. Hopefully, you’ll still enjoy the video. I do give it a bit of a nudge but having said that, it is an interesting part of our Australian car history. 👍

[@famousamoss]

Mate, you under-promised and over-delivered! I thought it would be months between the EL and AU videos, while you started on the history of The General. Best one yet…thanks and well done! I had a VT company car and thought the AU (Forte) looked woeful at the time. It’s amazing that now the VT looks its age and the AU still looks modern. It must have been challenging for you going from the “dark side” to market the blue oval. It truly is amazing the kilometres that many of these cars have travelled…clearly great engineering by Ford Australia. I wonder if the low number of cars registered in each state includes those that have been transferred to club/historic registration? Well done again mate,you absolutely made my Friday night and I’ll watch this another couple of times over the weekend! You’ve really whet my appetite for the BA and, as I own an NC and NF Fairlane, I’m really excited that you’re going to produce a Fairlane edition. (I’ll probably also force myself to watch your Holden videos when the time comes…!)

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It was a big effort as I was up editing to the wee hours this morning and still hadn’t finished, but glad it all came together. BA will be another huge episode. I’ll need a break after this one so hopefully subscribers will look at the older videos including my mega USA road trip on the playlist. Cheers Mark. 👍

[@troysanchez776]

In Ford's defence, GM's US car divisions hurt themselves in the 80s with unadventurous designs that committed expensive modern platforms to samey 70's design cues. When customer clinics said that late 80s and early 90s designs were getting too samey, they had a cogent argument to be adventurous with the bug eye Taurus and AU Falcon.

[@markbehr88]

The Taurus was very adventurous in the 1980’s and super successful in the USA. The later, organic ones, like the 90’s Mustang and F truck - not so much. They almost took on a Japanese look. Unwelcome in an American vehicle imo. I think the problem was the brief to appeal to women = wrong and the move away from what had been a successful recipe. 🤔👍

[@yusuf.alajnabi]

As a proud owner of a series 3 XR8 I can say I love these cars. They were mechanically bulletproof and still are and the handbuilt 220kw engine in the xr8 was the beginning of Fords fight back against Holden for performance domination. To get a smaller 5.0 engine to put out the same power as a larger one was proof that Ford/Tickford threw a ton of money at it to get it right. Also ask any old Taxi drivers they will tell you the AU was the best. 👍

[@markbehr88]

I agree with you 100% 👍

[@istp1967]

Yeh, it looked Too much like a Taurus, or a Mondeo -- a bit much too Euro-styling for the Aussie market. But I still bought one; I didn't mind the 'waterfall' grill. That Intech engine coupled to a 5 speed transmission is still awesome as cruiser or tourer.

[@markbehr88]

I like the grille too but would never have approved it for production. They do drive well. 👍

[@kentfrederickireland]

These have been a nice addition to my Friday nights, thanks for the nostalgia!

[@markbehr88]

My pleasure. Please subscribe if you haven’t already. 👍

[@mariobrnabic4252]

Hi Mark. What a fantastic video. I really enjoyed the detailed analysis of the AU range. I did own a burgundy AU series 2 Fairmont Ghia, with the vct engine. It was a lovely cruiser, very comfortable., leather interior. I never had any mechanical issues, I always changed the oil every 5,000km. The only issue was electric. The climate control electronic digits were fading. Apart from this, it was a lovely car that enjoyed highway cruising, especially the many trips from Adelaide to Melbourne. I love this channel and am looking forward to your future Fairlane review.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. Great colour on the Ghia btw. I have a Sparkling Burgundy Fairlane. I insisted on a V8 and that colour when I started looking for one. The fading of the read outs seems to co e and go depending upon the ambient temperature. Better in cold weather for example. Very hot they fade then come back. Be nice if there was an aftermarket fix for that. Same for ABS sensors. I am looking forward to the Fairlanes and LTDs too. Still a few Falcons to go plus starting Holden and Chryslers which I will release concurrently. 👍😀

[@Aaajjjjjjjjj]

Awesome video as usual. Have to say those XRs looked fantastic. Let down by the rest of the range looking dumpy plus that unattractive interior. Also, never understood why Ford could never seem to get a decent window line for the EA onwards wagons.

[@markbehr88]

Thank you. The XRs were the most accepted for sure. Also interesting that the AU series only lasted one model. Such was the state that Ford wanted to forget about the series by going to BA and not AV for example. They carried over the doors but not the model series. I know what you mean re the upper window line on the wagons. I always thought they could have disguised that better with well placed black out treatment. 👍

[@jason2533]

During my time at Stillwell Ford I got well aquatinted with this model. I remember the services up to 60,000km were free of charge as to try and gain more sales, I wasn’t a fan of the series 1 but the 2 and especially the 3 in XR guise were really good, I only ever saw a silver S model they were quite rare. Another rare one was a V8 Fairmont wagon in a silvery brown colour. The TE50 and TS50 were really good for the time, the stroker Windsor was finally up to the challenge against the Holden’s V8. The AUs may have been a flop when released but they’ve amassed a strong cult following in recent years.

[@markbehr88]

Yes you are right. I am glad I have my AU2 Fairmont V8 wagon. 👍

[@brettt8246]

I remember reading an article about the launch of the last Mazda based Ford Laser in Sth East Asia in 1998 where the vehicles featured the same looking 'Waterfall' or 'Salad Slicer' grilles with a very similar face as the first Au Falcon Forte model. It was successful in many countries, but when the KN Laser eventually launched in Australia in 1999 the waterfall grille had been swapped out to something more appropriate, probably as a knee jerk reaction to the AU Falcon. Maybe what polled well on smaller cars didn't translate to the bigger Falcon?

[@markbehr88]

I know Graham Wadsworth very well, having worked with him when I was at FPV. Jac Nasser had a lot of influence on the level 1 bonnet and grille. Graham had also worked on some of the Ford versions of the Mazda too, so maybe there was some influence there. I see Mercury in the Forte grille treatment. The rounded shoulders of the car and all the rounded shapes, including the interior, were just too much for people at the time. Ford Australia’s version of the Chrysler Airflow (a car I like too) 👍

[@jamesfrench7299]

That's a very valuable insight. The AU1 styling was likely no problem in a smaller car segment but was with the buyer base of the tough male image Falcon. You've also helped to explain how the Laser of the time looked like a smaller AU when it came to the rear lights, even though it was likely sold in overseas markets, and not only for Australia. It turns out the overseas market got an even more AU like version. Slight tangent, I have the Laser KE sedan (should be Meteor really) in the most luxury spec Ghia trim for Australia but other markets in SE Asia had the same car available in higher specs like power, windows, cruise control as well as a 16 valve DOHC 1.6. Mine only has the 8v B6f motor but thankfully has the EFI four speed automatic option pack . The GL trim was the bulk seller which only had the three speed automatic available (or 5 sp manual).and carburretored 8v 1.6. The Ghia in the Australian market has some goodies like map reading lamps, crushed velour trim as well as velour hoodlining, rev counter, lockable glove compartment, warning lamps on the doors , premium four speaker sound system over the GL's two speaker setup, electric mirrors, rear window wiper/washer, central door locking with illuminated key hole in the driver's door and fade out interior light! I am speculating we didn't get the more luxurious version here because the luxury segment was covered by the larger sedans and Aussies supposedly didn't see a point in a small econobox being that well specced. The Daihatsu Applause ended up turning that on its head here in 1990!

[@markbehr88]

@@jamesfrench7299 Yes, where the small cars dominate - NZ, Asia and Europe - the spec levels are much higher. We tended to want bigger cars the more luxurious you went. 👍

[@rwd323]

This a great episode. Looking forward to hearing more about your time at FPV

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. I will go into that in the BA episode. 👍

[@munckintattoolover24]

Great episode mate! My first car I bought was an 99 au fairmont ghia silhouette black, leather interior, vct 6 and with a havoc body kit. Great car. it’s still in the shed, needs a lot of tlc but a runner, probably a future project. According to the bloke I bought it off the original owner was a big wig at ford that got that body kit specially fitted. Dad still has his Au ute and mum has an Nu fairlane (in the shed now too) both in silhouette black as well! All in all I recon the AUs were the most reliable fords ever made.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. Sounds like you have some great projects in the making. 🤔👍

[@munckintattoolover24]

@@markbehr88 yeah got a few toys!

[@markbehr88]

@@munckintattoolover24 Always good to have a few toys! 😀👍

[@bears2604]

Love these videos. I actually watch them over to take in all the info. To right I hated the au back in the day' now I love them 😮, I thought the grill was commonly known as the waterfall grill 😮, keep em coming your a wealth of knowledge on our Australian history' it needs to be told, thanks Mark good on ya!

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. Glad you are enjoying the videos. 👍👍

[@JimLahey21]

I had a au ute as a work car for about 3 years when they came out. Never missed a beat. 2024 my neighbour has a au ute. Still going... exhaust is pretty much gone but still going.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, they really are excellent aren’t they. Maybe they should use the unbreakable title? 🤔👍

[@tba3900]

My friend owned P01 AU1 xr8 in galaxy blue. It was the AU XR8 press car for ford Australia . One of his friends at the time was an engineer for Ford. 😙

[@markbehr88]

Yes the P prefix is for the pre production line pilot build cars. Drove many of them as FPV’s and T3’s. 👍

[@barrycuda3769]

I remember hearing that the AU was more popular in NZ, than in Australia.

[@markbehr88]

Ford had a very strong market share in Australia. When I worked for Holden, I was posted over there with Don Bowden (the MD) to take Holden from N06 sales position to N03 (after Toyota and Ford). It is a totally different market over there. We had approx 55 Holden dealers and I visited each and every one. I enjoyed my time there. 👍

[@EdmundSampson-pd7vi]

One day we will look back and go damn i wish i put one in the shed back when they were about $800..... excellent review they all had massive potential but were underdone as far as HSV was concerned

[@markbehr88]

Most definitely. They are still relatively cheap but going up all the time. 🤔👍

[@1050speed]

I have a AU 11 XR 6 Tickford SPV sitting in she'd been there for a few years is it worth anything

[@markbehr88]

@@1050speed All depends on the condition of course. What kms and condition is it?

[@TilyXR6]

Super informative as always. With the booming popularity of mustangs these days I wonder how a coupe falcon would’ve taken off come the B series (especially with the GT being a mainstay) We will never know unfortunately Never could bring myself to buy into the AU cult, but if I had to and I had my pick I’d happily own a 5.6L model or even a Series2 rebel!

[@markbehr88]

Yes. The coupes would have been a hard sell but pretty cool. 👍

[@neilstleon6251]

Excellent overview Mark. I've owned 2 AU wagons for over 500k km and a very beautiful car and economical if driven with a light foot around 9/L 100km. And beautiful interior.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. Glad you enjoyed it. BA next. 👍

[@rjbiker66]

The VT sat nicely on.its suspension. The AU was all tippy toes. I remember seeing AUs fitted with IRS (not sports) with the rear wheels bouncing up and down on small bumps like it lack damping

[@markbehr88]

The AU IRS is best in class, like the Jaguar rear end. No question about that. 👍

[@RichoBCV]

Glad you mentioned the Jac Nasser preference wrt to the Forte grill. Jac paid a visit in early 1995, didn't like the design so told the clay modellers work thru the night and come up with something the next morning. And that's how the Forte grille came into being...

[@markbehr88]

Some might say that explains everything. I heard the designers were not big fans of the Forte grille but Jac was? 🤔👍

[@JohnnyRoadRunner-rr6qf]

haven't seen the vid yet but knowong your other vids, this is gonna be mint! Can't wait to learn more about my dream car!

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. Let me know once you see it. Hopefully it will deliver. 👍

[@zorankarabeleski392]

Another thing the Tickford Performance Falcons maybe later in production line the XR Falcons had was sequential shift Autos with + - buttons on the steering wheel unheard of in most Cars at the time. The quality of the leather interior was better as well than the following models plus the steering wheel and gear shifter on the Manual and Auto performance Falcons were Made by Momo

[@markbehr88]

Yes, I do mention the Momo wheel and button controls on the steering wheel as an Australian first. 👍

[@aussietaipan8700]

72 liked, this was a long one. I left the car industry in 1994 so missed out on seeing these cars new and close up. I cannot remember which model came after the AU.

[@markbehr88]

It was a big story to tell! Next model is the BA. Another big story! 😀👍

[@mitto4504]

Great video Mate. I had a XB coupe when the Hillier coupe was built. I loved it and wanted to buy the factory version but it was impossible to get on the list to order one in Adelaide. I kept the XB 👍

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. The coupe would have been cool but your XB would still be worth more. 👍

[@reitsmaassociates]

I ordered a new manual AU III XR6 Falcon back in the day , such an odd combination now that I look back , I enjoyed it , my next car was a new automatic BA falcon XR6 which was a major refinement. Thanks for the trip down memory lane

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. I reckon that manual AU XR6 would have been cool. 👍

[@jamesfrench7299]

I've seen a Forte sedan with a manual. It was burgundy and sounded really nice.

[@markbehr88]

@@jamesfrench7299 Quite a rare sight. 👍

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@markbehr88 so was the EB GLi with V8 I saw at an auction.

[@Jason-BMWM5]

Hi Mark, thanks for the episode, enjoyed it.

[@markbehr88]

Pleasure 👍

[@bradg5910]

Great job Mark, very comprehensive. Despite a general distaste for the AU it certainly has become a cult car known for legendary reliability. Ford more so than ever differentiated the Falcon from the LWB Fairlane/LTD, they looked vastly different in the AU series. I wonder if that was deliberate?. The IRS was a far superior Australian designed setup to that in the Commodore, and even the BA, but was very heavy.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. It was a tremendous amount to cover. The differentiation was definitely a conscious move. When you have long wheelbase cars that are too close to the SWB models ala VN Commodore to VQ, it does have a negative impact on sales. I think Ford did a great job with the LWB cars (I went to the launch and have a Sparkling Burgundy V8 one - on the channel). They reminded me of shrunken Lincoln Town Cars. There was a lot of negative sentiment for the AU’s though and Holden did a great job on the WH (I was Product Planner for Large Cars for Holden when we worked on that and it remains one of the best looking Holdens along with the VU ute I also worked on - story in this month’s Aust Muscle Car). The IRS on AU was top notch. Much better than Holden and BA. 👍

[@dallass8665]

great video ive had a couple Au 1 being a fairmont au2 fairmont in the past great cars

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. The AU’s are great cars, regardless of what some people may think of the styling. It is certainly better accepted by more people now than then. 👍

[@TheTigerQuoll]

The series 2 is a nice looking sedan and the horizontal venting on the grill with the raised hood transform it from being an ugly cockroach like series 1.Glad you saved the AU 2 from drift destruction by young gronks.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, they need to try to revive the broad shoulder look, which they did more so at BA. 👍 re the VCT XR6.

[@gregs5247]

another great episode Mark, thanks!!

[@markbehr88]

Thank you very much. Please subscribe if you haven’t already. 😀👍

[@tcpnetworks]

I was in the dealership, ordering my EL Ford Fairmont Ghia. The AU Falcon was only 2-3 months away. The EL Fairmont Ghia was on the way out and orders were getting tight. I put my money down and signed the contracts. I was lucky, because the reaction to the AU Fairmont put a run on the remaining stock of ELs to the point that had I not paid in full for the car (by escrow) the price being offered would have been 8-10 grand MORE. Just looking at the Forte made you sick.... If the designers and the board had read the room... They'd have known this was a bad car.

[@markbehr88]

I can understand that. The EL Ghia is great but I also wouldn’t say no to a Black or Sparkling Burgundy V8 Ghia AU. 👍

[@sp19822]

The AUII non commercial models also came with free scheduled servicing for 60,000km(incorporated in the purchase price, and the dealer got paid by Ford after completing the service) to attract buyers. This was axed with the AUIII. The VT and VX Commodore outsold the AU generation quite significantly, except in terms of Ute's.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, that’s right. I was working in both camps at different times between Holden, Ford’s Ad agency, HSV and then FPV - so had an interesting viewpoint on what was going on in the market. 👍

[@trship6274]

I thought it was pretty cool how they released the AU with a column shift option. I really didn’t like the spoilers on the XR’s and the plastic looking front bumper. Looks super tacky. I had a forte and it was an excellent car.

[@markbehr88]

I thought the XRs looked strange but good. I did like the bi plane spoiler but as I mentioned, I had that on my Mustang SVO. 👍

[@ricknel76nelson54]

AUsome video! Loving the Falcon series. The AU has been a very underrated car, but finally, getting some love. The S1 Forte salad slicer grille always reminds me of the vertical bars on the XY grille, and the AU Fairmont grille reminds me of the XB Honeycomb grille. That's just me though.

[@markbehr88]

Love what you did there! I can see the XY and XB in those grille treatments. I love my AU1 V8 police car but part of the reason why (apart from rarity) is that I know a lot of people think it’s ugly - which is fine by me. Glad you are loving the series too. 👍

[@WorksOnMyComputer]

I drove an early one of these in our work fleet. Ford had asked us to complete a survey about it. I wasn't kind about the cars looks, but also its cost cutting in places over EL and the not so subtle way Ford wanted GLi and Futura owners to know they bought the cheapest model with that awful grill and dashboard. Got bailed up at the Sydney car show when the series II was released and asked if the changes made me more agreeable to buying an AU. I asked them when you put the grill from the work ute on the sedan to make it less ugly, does that indicate things are going well on the styling front? Appreciate the mechancials were fine, but never ever warmed to these and still don't. I get why people like them now, especially given how durable they have proven compared to the BA and BF, but man Ford kicked an own goal with this cars styling. The legacy of AU was once Ford sorted the styling with BA, they became absolutely petrified of changing it again and taking risks and FG at launch suffered because of that. It was a safe car styling wise, but it wasn't different enough. Although again, this didn't stop the accountants from cost cutting parts of FG, that absolutlely should have been better. Things like better seats (early examples had the mushiest el cheapo foam I think I ever felt in Falcon seats), an entertainment system that was effectively obsolete at launch and a lack of more standard equipment to bring the car up to market expectations for a new series Falcon. Those of us with long memories also lamented that the el cheap carpet and roof lining from BA series was carried over too. In the end the more you see a car, the more you get used to it and I certainly don't have the same reaction to AU, that I had when it launched which was basically complete revulsion, but its never going to be a model I think was a pretty Falcon. The XR makes it tolerable, everything else is still a hard fail in my book. There were much better styled cars in Falcon's production history, but I am willing to believe however that it was probably the best mechanically sorted Falcon Ford made.

[@markbehr88]

I think your comments are a very good summary. The AU appearance has improved with age and later cars like the Mercedes CLS normalised it to some degree. I do get it though. Ford could have done better if they stuck to their more rectangular styling approach of the previous generations. 👍

[@domenicutalktomuchziomickm1292]

Love this 😊 great video thanks for sharing…

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. Please subscribe! 😀👍

[@domenicutalktomuchziomickm1292]

@@markbehr88 I have. Long time fan

[@markbehr88]

@@domenicutalktomuchziomickm1292 Thank you 👍

[@AussiePom]

A wonderful video Mark and I was riveted to the screen so thank you for all your hard work and effort in making these videos I think Mark for many at that time the styling was not only modern but alien although with the passing of the years many people have warmed to the styling. Perhaps that's because of the lumpy bumpy offerings in the SUV's that get imported here now that the styling of the AU seems all rather tame. Also a whole generation of people have grown up and are now only beginning to appreciate all the work that went into producing the home grown cars. It's a real pity that they won't experience new home grown cars..................or will they.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. I agree with your comments re the AU styling. I, for one have zero interest in SUVs. It’s cars, cars and cars for me and our Aussie cars in particular punched well above their weight. Unfortunately, I don’t think the local market will return. 😢👍

[@AussiePom]

@@markbehr88 No it probably won't but it's called wishful thinking.

[@markbehr88]

@@AussiePom Yes, we can dream. 😀👍

[@davidbunn2108]

These first arrived when I turned 18, have been in love with them ever since. A pure drivers car, precisely balanced with just enough power to have fun in, but not go crazy with. Currently own a mint au2 xr8 Rebel, a joy.

[@chrisF351]

Great episode Mark lots of good info on the AU's 👍👍

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much Chris. 👍

[@biastv1234]

Very much becoming a desirable car . Excellent episode

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. It was a big one! 👍

[@bigt8702]

Hey Mark, your car videos are the bomb! I dig your enthusiasm for these rides. I've always been a die-hard Ford fan, and also into Holdens too. My first wheels was a 2000 AU2 Falcon Forte in liquid silver. It was practically brand new when I got it, just a year old with 20k on the clock. I was just starting my apprenticeship, and with a $10k loan from the bank and some help from my mum, I snagged it. Had a blast with my buddies and my now-wife in that car, loads of memories. Back then, my mate picked up an Olympic edition VT2 Commodore with a police pack and a slick 5-speed manual. That thing was a beaut too. We had some epic times cruising around in our rides. Honestly, I think people leaned more towards the VT back then-it had a killer look. Fast forward 23 years, and now I've got quite the collection of Aussie cars, a mix of Fords and Holdens. Three of them are AUs-a Forte, an XR8 manual (fully loaded), and my pride and joy, an AU3 TS50 in manual, with all the fruit. Among all my cars, the TS50 T3 really steals the show. It's a blend of modern and old-school muscle, like nothing else in the Ford Australia lineup. Thanks again, Mark. Oh, and a little side note about the T-Series TS50: The T2 and T3 TS50s did come in manual transmission. Only 5 T2s and 70 T3s were made that way. Cheers!

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. Glad you liked the video. You have a nice collection. Thanks too re the manual TS. My references said auto only but you and another subscriber pointed out they were available in small numbers. 👍

[@twentysixhundred7813]

It took them so long to get the T series bodykit right. Finally with the series 3 they hit the nail on the head and removed the gimmicky roundness and made it look aggressive. What a shame because by that point most us Ford fans had wrote off the AU as a whole by that point. It's almost like a set of fresh eyes had a look and said "remove this and that and rather than trying to be all fancy finish here". All i can say other than the early series one Falcons having a unique ugly duckling status these days im glad Ford fixed many glaring issues with the other models in the range. Back in the day i remember when the series two Falcons came out i couldn't quite put my finger on why they started looking more appealing. However like i mentioned the first impression of the cars design as a whole burnt me as a fan of their product. For me EL still held the crown till the BA came along than i finally started to appreciate the AU for what it was later down the track.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, time does heal all wounds or most of them! 👍

[@MathoAU]

Thanks Mark, brilliant series in regards to the history of the Falcon. My favourite has always been the XA/XB variant

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much 👍

[@ckaparos]

Great Video Mark!

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much Costa 👍

[@MegaSkypes]

Hey Mark I was at a foundry that developed the lpg system for the AU in 1998

[@markbehr88]

Very cool. Back when we made stuff! 👍

[@MegaSkypes]

@@markbehr88 yes a good few years ago!

[@MegaSkypes]

@@markbehr88 and I bought a AU 5.0 litre V8 tray back to purpose built a cool room for my business it was fantastic!

[@markbehr88]

@@MegaSkypes sounds cool 😉👍

[@user-en9zo2ol4z]

A thoroughly enjoyable and well-informed episode, which has convinced me to subscribe. The baleen and the rounded shoulders of defeat, I had considered as essentials of the design brief?

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. I appreciate it. 👍

[@samkaur4098]

Hi Mark.Thank you for a very informative video.I had 2 AU Falcons in the day and absolutely loved them.Both were AU Series 2 Futura wagons.One got written off in an accident and the other got stolen.Great towing cars.Best regards.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. The wagons are terrific cars. I have a rare AU2 Fairmont V8 wagon (episodes on the channel) , which I love. In fact I was driving it today to move some large items. They are such comfortable and versatile cars. 👍

[@landrover8178]

Great video! I've owned about 8 AUs over the years, still have 3 and regret selling the rest. I've got a S3 fairmont, S1 1998 XR6 and S3 1 tonne ute, the last two are long term projects I'm restoring and planning to keep for good. I love them, they are my favorite car by a long shot and I wish I could go back in time to buy them new!

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. It’s great you are saving those AU’s. 👍

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Well...I watched all 48m, yeah, not today Mark, sorry. Sure, AU Fortes were prettier than OB's Magna, the Taurus was like a more microwaved AU & it did give us the BA. But the AU, as a personal car to sit in every day, drive & admire, was demonstrably understood by the public. No-one wanted one. Those good bits were hidden whilst everything you looked at or touched was cheap & nasty. It was widely considered objectively ugly. My Sales Managers at AP were miserable swapping out their Magnas. As for the pre & launch TV marketing, it was 'different'. Yorak agrees with you however. Cheers & thanks, it was a well done story.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much and send my best to Yorak too! 😀. I do think they have improved with age and a Ghia has a pretty decent interior. They should have looked to use the high series dash sans woodgrain on all of them as part of the upgrade - but really, the serious upgrade was called BA (and not AV - don’t mention the war). I love my 4 AU’s (incl my Fairlane Ghia V8) although I wouldn’t say no to a nice WH. 👍

[@area51isreal71]

1998's P76? All jokes aside at least Ford went to the effort to differentiate one trim level from the next plus it still drove like a Falcon. Smooth, quiet and effortless.

[@markbehr88]

And look what P76’s are worth now! 😀👍

[@mattyvella6669]

Love your work Mark! Some small corrections on the T3 FTE’s. T3 TS50 also could be purchased in a manual but are very rare. Also ESS was available from T1 FTE models. Cheers, Matt

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much Matt. I wasn’t aware of the manual TS50’s (can’t remember driving one but it was 22 years ago). Do you know how many were made? 👍

[@mikldude9376]

Another great falcon Episode Mark , and one that brings back a lot of nostalgia for this 15 year Au owner . I know im a broken record and ive said it before , despite the Au`s polarising looks , ford actually got a lot right in the Au series , but many people who looked at them and dismissed them and never actually drove them missed out on a model that was actually really good to drive . I totally agree on the up market sporty models being underwhelming in standout enthusiast recognition features , if you said to any non car enthusiast , I have a TE 50 , they wouldn't know what the hell you where talking about , and yes seeing them from a small distance they would look like another AU.. I got to drive a couple of other AU`s other than my S2 XR6 ( I loved that car ). A mate of mine had a series one V8 fairmont , the fairmont looked somewhat more up market from the base S1 one models , and the series one fairmont was actually also a pretty nice place to be and was pretty nice to drive . I also had a drive of one of our lady neighbours standard S2 AU falcon , we have been in this neighbourhood for years , and every car our neighbour had , she had no clue on maintenance or mechanical sympathy , and every car she owned she ran into the ground , and something would fall off , or the car would not start , or the battery terminals would be growing gum trees .... you get the idea , and she`d come knocking on my door to rescue her . Her S2 Au was actually one of the later ones built later than mine , on this one occasion I helped her out and took the car for a test drive , and my instant feel for the car was everything was flogged out , you put the key in. the ignition barrel and it was like stirring porridge , you opened up the bonnet and had to hold the bonnet up , part of the exhaust was missing so it sounded like a tractor , it did however drive ok . Mine in comparison was tight all over like a drum , it's amazing how being maintained and not makes a huge difference in cars. when I decided to retire my AU , I looked at soooo many cars from so many brands , one of the few cars I sat in while in a showroom was a mustang convertible , this would have been about in 2018 , the mustang had the same sink into the seat feel and nice driving position for me just like the AU , if I had 60 k spare I would have bought the car on the spot :). The b series seemed to have a different seating feel where to me anyway , it seemed you sat on the seat rather than in it , I don't remember sitting in an FPV , but the stockers , base Utes and taxi models came across that way to me. Sorry for the long post , I look forward to your next video Mark .

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. Yes, the AU’s are great to drive and very durable. Re the maintenance, some people just have no idea or mechanical sympathy - and not just for cars! The best idea is to find a really nice AU or two and just look after it. It will treat you well plus go up in value. I agree re the seats - sitting in the AU versus on in some of the BA models. The GT-P FPV seats were a bit like that too but not so the GT seats. 👍

[@Luke-er6pg]

Very polarising falcon Mark! I personally loved the XR8 and the look of the XR series. The Ghia too was a very nice model. Again, a great episode by you!

[@markbehr88]

Thank you. Yes, it was and still is a very polarising design - but not as much as it used to be. It had very few “lovers” back then but it certainly has some now. 👍

[@sp19822]

There was a recall fairly early on in the the AU's life (around 1999) for a suspension bolt if I remember correctly. The NSW Police found the issue in their first batch of AU's, which led to the recall. There was also negative feedback from police departments over the brakes, which led to the braking system improvements introduced in the AU II.

[@markbehr88]

I recall that I think? Yes the AU1 brakes were not the best. 👍

[@tba3900]

AU also had a 6x2 Ute. Designed by Transit Horston. Sold through dealers as an option with factory backing.

[@markbehr88]

I love those. 👍

[@tba3900]

@@markbehr88 one of my customers had a 6 and an 8, the 6 had a hydraulically tilting body. He could never understand why everybody wanted to borrow the 6 and never the V8. The penny did finally drop

[@markbehr88]

@@tba3900 There used to be one in my local area but I haven’t seen it in a while. If I do, maybe I might enquire……..😀👍

[@sp19822]

Knox Ford, in Melbourne were one of the specialist dealers who sold a lot of the 6X2 Ute's. The people who did the conversions were not far away, in Bayswater.

[@markbehr88]

@@sp19822 very interesting. 👍

[@DangerAngelous]

Having stopped and looked at a really good one the other day, I love how an AU looks! It's a nice, friendly face like a labrador, that said being the big Ford I get that people didn't appreciate it having the sort of face you'd otherwise see on a hatchback. Then again, going way back to XK-XP Falcons, the AU to me just looks like some of those early, rounder features came back out from the genetics

[@markbehr88]

I think the challenge was that, when the XK-XP Falcon came out - it was a modern, American styled car to go up against Holden but also more modern and larger than the English cars of the day that were sold here. Then, XR launched and re-shaped the whole market - including for Holden, who had to rush to lengthen their HK. From that time on, the Falcon was a big, square car. So, when the AU went down the path of making it look smaller and softer - the loyal base said - No thanks. Luckily, the AU has become far more acceptable as we drive in a sea of SUV blobs plus the too late acknowledgement of our wonderful Aussie car industry that is no more. 👍

[@louiskats5116]

G'day Mark, Another great episode Mark, thoroughly enjoyed the whole 48 minute video & so educational. Plenty of AU stories. In 1999 I was working in Campbellfield on Sydney Rd selling Nissan UD trucks, great company great job went to Japan on Nissan's money 10 days First Class Qantas 27 years old, single boy that is a whole story. But my first company car was a VS Series II Executive & being the number 1 salesman in Australia I was given a all new AU Futura, Black, all the bonnet protector, weather shields, awesome car brand spanking new from Coffey Ford in Dandenong but gee black what a hassle to keep it clean. Got head hunted & moved on & no more AU. Back in 2008 needed a station wagon & took me over 6 months for one to finally appear. Ford Fairmont AU Series III, one owner full leather interior, factory bullbar low kilometres absolutely fantastic car for a growing family. Unfortunately after 3 years got written off so one less AU Fairmont Wagon Series III apparently very rare all black leather interior. There is a AU Falcon parked across the road from my parents house in Sunshine I see couple of times a week. The old Greek fella sold his original owner HQ Kingswood Station Wagon 202 for peanuts to buy a new AU silver in colour. He has passed away years ago now the grand son got a hold of it. Mag wheels, big exhaust, VL Commodore Turbo badges on it & beats the hell out if it, last count replacing diff number 4 from all the burnouts. Car has never been garaged very weather beaten still there as I speak. BTW If you are in the Albert Park are goto the corner of St Vincent Street & Iffla st. Saw it other day sitting for over 2 decades. A HQ one ton cab chassis with a old style 70's aluminium ribbed box van on the back with original number plates. Hasn't moved in over 25 years old Greek guy owns it. Will not sell it, pays the rego, flat tyres, covered in graffiti this HQ is iconic & everyone in Port Melbourne, South Melbourne and Albert Park knows it & he will not sell it. That's it from me Cheers Louis Kats 👍

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Louis. Great memories hey? I’m sure that Holden One Tonner sounds like a landmark. 😀👍

[@louiskats5116]

@@markbehr88 Come over for a coffee & happy to show you 👍👍

[@chrisweeks6973]

The original AU's waterfall-style grill always reminded me of the pre-war Triumph Dolomite; not a fan of the Forte's style. However, by the time the AUIII came out, the design was far more resolved and I liked it enough to buy one. I found it to be a very nice car.

[@markbehr88]

Yes,I think that was how many people felt re AU1 vs AU3. I like AU1 (especially my V8 Police car) because it is so different. 👍

[@chrisweeks6973]

@@markbehr88 Yes, as a former P76 owner (V8 Deluxe; bought it brand-new) I can identify with that perspective! At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about our cars. The fact that we like them is enough. 👍

[@markbehr88]

@@chrisweeks6973 exactly my philosophy too. 👍

[@Low760]

My father in law has an au ute and wagon, the wagon is at 700,000km on its third motor. The ute is manual and recently carried 1.8t of scrap on the tray a short distance. Tough things.

[@markbehr88]

Tough as old boots hey!🤔👍

[@paulsz6194]

Hi Mark, I think the reason why the AU Ute sold well was because of two reasons 1) Yes they release a cab- chassis which allowed more versatility on the back,wether it be an alloy tray, mini refrigerated cool room for transporting food or a mini camper add-on . - never seen anyone Use it to carry a caged cow, though 😜 . 2) Holden took quite a hole to release the VU series Ute ( in early 2001, was it? ) and had dragged the VN- based, VS series III Ute into h new century, which had a noticeably more narrow interior compared to the AU. The AU was wider, more powerful ,more modern, more comfortable (especially in the 3 seater configuration ) and came with a factory-backed LPG fuel option, high allowed it to narrow down the gap on commercial vehicle sales. Holden essentially did what Ford did with the XD Falcon Ute- just dragged it on for too long ( until the XH series) only doing minor improvements to keep buyers returning for the next model.

[@markbehr88]

Yes I think that’s right. Plus the Ford’s had the excellent space behind the seats, which the Holden did not. I remember us looking at that space when we were developing the VU. Read the latest Aust Muscle Car magazine for the story on the SS ute. 👍

[@wafive]

15.34.... I think that particular Sierra may have been from South Africa... Given the XR8 badging. I can recall a report in Wheels (Or possibly one of the others .. Modern Motor Manual) that claimed the 5.0 engine being fitted tot he Sierra was sourced from Australia, which would have made it a 302 Cleveland.. Could not understand why they would not have gone for the 351... Seems more likely they used the Windsor from America....

[@markbehr88]

Yes, that is what the caption says. You may have missed it. The Sierra XR8 was a South African only domestic model that had the Mustang 302 V8. I would love one. 👍

[@feefyefoefum]

Definitely 5 litre Windsor from Mustang GT.

[@markbehr88]

@@feefyefoefum That’s the one. 👍

[@jonathanrabbitt]

Back in the mid '90s I was working for Walker Australia and was dragged into a meeting in which a 3D isometric drawing of a fabricated tubular part was put on the table. "Project Pegasus" from memory; and all super-secret. I said, "Is that the new Falcon IRS subframe?" I received some very dark looks from the top brass in the room. Not sure where it ended up being manufactured. I found it to be a pretty funny situation at the time.

[@markbehr88]

Ha. You called it though. 👍

[@baabaabaa-yp2jh]

Gd vid mate! Hey the taxi drivers didn't underestimate the AU, factory gas/juice combo. My got one with 380+ ks on the clock, had been looked after inside and out (for a taxi!) still purrs!!

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. It’s just run in! 😀👍

[@GlennEverittMasterofMachines]

A very underrated car the AU. Great episode Mark.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much Glenn. Hope you’re well? 👍

[@thelandofnod123]

Man some of those mock ups and artist impressions were awesome. The only real thing that I didn’t like of the AU was the Forte grill.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, that was the most grating aspect of the design. See what I did there? 😀👍

[@thelandofnod123]

@@markbehr88 Unfortunately yes. I was going to trade the EF II in for an AU Forte, one of the first things the dealer said was that they should change the grill for about $450.

[@markbehr88]

@@thelandofnod123 Yes that’s why they put the ute grille on the Classic as there wasn’t any other choice. 👍

[@mikfalk8019]

Bought my first AU about a year ago. V8 fairmont Ghia. Also have owned an XD falcon GL with 3 on the tree and EB Fairmont 👍 Damn door handles 😂

[@markbehr88]

Sounds like a great collection. 👍

[@allyboy8]

Yep, the Almighty AU!

[@markbehr88]

It was Mighty! 😀👍

[@lancecooper4646]

@@markbehr88 ........is😜

[@markbehr88]

@@lancecooper4646 Fair call. 👍

[@ESP351]

I had a new 2001 AU 2 XR8 in Lightning Strike and of all the Falcons i have had previous to it and after i would have to say it was the best Falcon i had when it came to mechanicals,fit and finish.The only let down was a strand of hair in the paint on the right hand guard.I had seen the hair in my garage after driving home.It suprised me that it passed QC in the paint shop at Ford with the high vis lighting that they have.Apart from that i liked the battery volt and oil quantity gauges it had and i hoped they had kept them till the end on the Fgx XR models.Nice to see you on Classic Restos USA edition also.

[@markbehr88]

I agree with you. The AU’s are the toughest and most durable of the Falcons. Did Ford fix that paint issue or did you just leave it? 🤔👍

[@ESP351]

I brought it to the attention of the dealer and they logged it for warranty and they stated the guard would need to be resprayed​.As i waited for the respray to be approved i was on my way to work one day and i was hit by a Hyundai Excel on the same guard.I traded the AU for a BA series 2 XR8.When i traded it the paint defect was still there and the guard was still damaged. @markbehr88

[@markbehr88]

@@ESP351 Fair enough. Disappointing though on a new car. They normally wear hair nets so strange for that to happen.

[@johnblood3367]

Great Video as always. I had a Series 2 AU Futura for wife at time. I was driving a series 1 VT Commodore Executive I liked both. But the AU Ioved driving on the odd occasion ( Esp as it had cruise an more power) AU was AWESOME . White in colour. The VT was a midnight dark blue. Both Good cars, but the AU was superior in ALL areas especially comfort. The 18 months I hung out to trade the VT for a BF2 Fairmont Ghia ( Current car owned now 16 or 17 years) was torture. As for shape of both VT AU I liked them both from release. However the AU I liked a bit more as it was NEW shape ( not traditional box) It was curvy it was polarising. I will admit like all I didn't like the front Grill on the Base Forte of AU series 1

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. I think you’ve given a very balanced comparison about AU versus VT, from a perspective of someone who owned both. 👍

[@michaelbyrnes7944]

Wow what a great video thank you

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. Please subscribe and check out the other Falcon history videos plus a lot more! 👍

[@michaelbyrnes7944]

Yes I subscribed and watched, nearly all of them love your work I really enjoy your videos very informative and factual I’m a fan now

[@markbehr88]

@@michaelbyrnes7944 Thanks very much. I appreciate it. 👍

[@vxii4u]

As the VT Commodore was released in August 1997, it was well established & accepted in the marketplace before the AU was released over a year later. The EA came out before the VN, then their new models sync'd up until the EF/VS. Ford released the EL whereas Holden went to the new platform with the VT a year earlier.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, that’s right. 👍

[@ReginaldHarris-gm8fi]

Nice info, lol was wondering if the breviation, FTE stood for ford tickford enhanced ,if so my 2000xr6 ford falcon au series 2 has her stickers below the doors saying tickford enhanced everything all original could you give me any idea what this means ,thank you kindly for your time.😊

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. Ford Tickford Experience was the abbreviation. In terms of your car, it could be a range of things, most likely wheels. Normally, there is a build plate in the engine bay that lists the enhancements.

[@couttsy222]

I thought I was the only one that called the AU I Forte a baleen whale when it was first released!!! They were truly an ugly car. The subtle changes made for the AU II transformed it, though. I was fortunate enough to have a VT Commodore as well as two AU II Falcons as company cars back in the day. The AU II was such a better car than the VT, which I grew to loathe. The second AU II did so much heavy work for me -- over 100,000kms and towed my V8 Commodore rally car all over the countryside. They do tend to grow on you.....

[@markbehr88]

There you go ! We both call it that. One other point I did not mention (there was so much to cover) was that the body rigidity of the Falcon was so much better than the Commodore. I remember having a VT2 ClubSport company car when I was at HSV and it would creak and groan when you drove into a driveway diagonally. You can do that in a 1 million KM AU and it won’t do that. 👍

[@jamesfrench7299]

I drove AU 2 and 3 taxis from 2006 to 2008 and each one I drove felt and sounded different to each other. One I got to drive for ABC taxis had done 700K and the body was as tight as a drum with no rattles and it ran smooth as silk with a very melodic BTR 1st gear whine. I personally think the AU 2 and 3 look quite masculine front and rear and that deep rear bumper totally transforms the rear to make the car appear more substantiate. Only problem was they scraped up driveways! The transmission had excellent quality changes that were so satisfying to feel. A trick I learnt with the AU's transmission was to put it out of economy mode whenever I had someone next to me at the lights with a merge or lane end ahead, and just apply light pedal travel to take off and let the car speed up in a longer first gear which would catch the other out as the car exponentially gained speed without launching heavily!

[@markbehr88]

Great insight. They were very durable to deliver that kind of taxi service where they were on the go all the time. Agree too re the series 2 and 3 where they were trying to make the car look more square. 👍

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@markbehr88 BTW this didn't work too well in the BA and BF. Must have been a vastly different power band. Far from being ashamed to be driving a high kilometre taxi, I would proudly boast of its high miles to passengers who would always be impressed and Incredulous. Good marketing!

[@seenile6962]

Love you.videos mate

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. 👍

[@dragonpnut76]

I love my AU falcons. I currently have 2 V8 Fairmont wagons as my daily drivers.

[@markbehr88]

Very cool.

[@saroshali827]

I came to Australia in 2020. Was given a series 3 forte by my uncle to drive to work. I initially did not much like the look, however as I took and keep going on the freeways, started loving the drive as well it's looks. I soon fell in love of her so much that I started calling her my GF 😂 One night it got hit to the pole and I lost her. I felt a great loss, wanted my AU back. I submerged myself in thoughts of her, dived in her story and researched more to pick the best model for me. Then I bought a silhouette series 3 Fairmont Ghia vct. Then bought another a winter white series 3 Fairmont Ghia vct and another a moonsoon blue series 3 Fairmont Ghia vct. Have been driving all of them. None of them have given me much trouble. I even look to buy another a Congo Green series 3 Fairmont Ghia 😂 Have some plans for each of them such as upgradation, engines swaps, coupe conversion and may even look to awd convert one of them. I say to my friends n family that I will not let them go away before I am gone. "I and my AU sat together untill only my AU remains"

[@markbehr88]

Wow. That is true AU love! 👍

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Mark, see what you mean about the AU Falcon being controversial like you said lost it's wide stance and this being a popular car in Australia it does not have that big look about it don't get me wrong it is a nice looking car it just looks like it lost it bigness about it. The rounded front end makes it look more narrow and like you said about the rear of the car I can see the Mercedies Benz CLS styling. But later models do look better new styling front grills ,clear lens head lights and the front fog lights that give it more of a sporty look. In all it is a nice looking car. Hub nut has a Falcon AU 6 cylinder here in Wales I think he picked it up from New Zealand. I have been enjoying the Ford Falcon series as always a great video, Take care👍

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much Shaun. I agree with your summary. I’ve seen the Hubnut car. Cool to see one in Wales too 👍

[@mickhofman]

i has a series 1 forte in blue, i loved it at the time

[@markbehr88]

They were cool cars and served their owners very well. 👍

[@MitchTube]

So many body kits and versions I’ve never seen. Must have all been sold in Melbourne!

[@markbehr88]

There were quite a few models and versions. Hence the length of the episode. BA will be similar. 👍

[@user-qr8eg3hm1d]

The AU XR6 & XR8 look incredible Did they do a Fairmont Ghia wagon?

[@markbehr88]

Unfortunately the Ghia wagons were not available in AU at all. Just Fairmonts, of which I have a V8. Check out on the channel.

[@jarramckay-collins7668]

The AU Falcon will outlast religion! Look better with age, best steering and most reliable falcon ever (series 2 on). Side note, the series 2 xr8 utility gained the 200kw engine when the update series 2 came out and the sedans got the 220kw engines. They had the Yella Terra roller rockers and a custom cam regrind.

[@markbehr88]

I like that re Religion. 👍

[@user-gr6of1yb1v]

I had a AU series 3 futura E gas in winter white with tinted windows, and now i think back on it was a smart looking car with the alloy wheels & the chrome inserts in the bumpers and door moldings The only problem with the E gas system if it started to play up you needed to get it looked at fast. I did about 100.000 km on that car and the only problem (apart for the gas issues) it needed the welsh plugs changed at after the car had done 120.000 km.

[@markbehr88]

They were and are very durable cars. I can’t talk to the gas experience as you have but I guess all the cabs were on gas and they did 700,000 plus kms. I am sure they knew a few tricks to sort some issues?👍

[@jonathanrabbitt]

The Galaxy Blue XR8 manual that graced the Wikipedia page for the AU Falcon was our family taxi from '03 till '16, when it was written off in a rear-end collision. Unfortunately, it was the low point in the AU Falcon valuations, so I was paid out a pittance for it. It still bugs me to this day that I lost that vehicle.

[@markbehr88]

Yes. What a shame. You could buy the AU’s for next to nothing. There are still some bargains out there though. 👍

[@chuckselvage3157]

Whilst the front was an acquired taste,i did drive an AU XR6 ute which was my girlfriends dads work vehicle. Not a bad car theyre actually quite tough a few mates have picked up AU sedans on the dirt cheap and flogged them hard lol and are still going some with over 300,000 ks on them. Anyway thanks for the video.

[@markbehr88]

Agree. Once you get used to it. That look better now than then. Glad you enjoyed the episode. Thanks. 👍

[@tobysemler]

Mark, it seems to be there's a lot of EA in the AU, and a lot of XC in the EA - firewall-cowl-front door-screen-mirror relationship, seating position, dashboard position. And obviously the straight 6 is related (though very different). Can you provide any input on how much was carried over, how much XC is in FG? Thanks!

[@markbehr88]

Hi. Apart front some basic philosophical packaging elements, I believe EA was a major departure from XE (which still had some XY elements in it in terms of floorpan etc) but EA was a major new platform as was AU. FG was an evolution of BA, which still had plenty of AU in it and therefore FG and FGX still had roots there, but not in EA or XC as far as I am aware. 👍

[@tobysemler]

@@markbehr88 thanks Mark. I always felt the high seat low roof was similar across XD onwards, but nothing solid to base it on. Cool channel BTW 👍

[@351tgv]

the big evolution changes were rear suspension (sedans only), every Falcon sedan up until XD had the same basic leaf spring live axle set up, then from XE to AU (and ironically now in Ranger Raptor / Everest) switched to coil springs and watts link live axle, the AU did have the very sophisticated double wish bone IRS but that was changed to the less complex but sub frame style IRS called "control blade" which was also used on Territory. in terms of engines, XC to XD had all iron cross flow 6 cyl with 1 barrel (venturi) carby, in 1980 the what was dubbed the XD 1/2 (essentially a Series II) got an Alloy Head (for both 3.3L and 4.1) then in XE through the last of the XF Series Utes (so 1991) they were changed to Alloy Head II with a 2 barrel (twin venturi) Webber carby and had electronic ignition, there was also EFI version which have proven to be near indestructible, with XF the EFI system went from BOSCH to inhouse Ford EECIV type but the carby version lost power/torque due to change from leaded (which was 103RON in Super format) to unleaded (91 RON). The change from XF to EA was huge but sadly those idiots at wheels gave the Opel Omega clone the COTY from what was a VB/VL with Opel body panels and uggo interior. Changes included new rack and pinon steering rack, going from Purhrod OHV carby to OHC TBI (basically 2 fuel injectors feeding the intake plenum chamber) and still making same top end power as the previous MPEFI engine while also offering a more powerful MPEFI option, the downside? the 3speed auto carried over and the T5 manual felt weak with drivers have to gear down due to the engine (n base form) not having the same torque outputs at lower revs. From EA to EB II it was pretty much the same save for the 4-speed then the 4.0L engine appears in EB II and that engine with tweaks (dual intake runners, coil packs then back to distributor then back to coil pack for ignition, electric thermos fans, from batch fire to sequential injection and upgrade from EECIV to EECV for engine management). The AU was a major change to to Falcon platform but again those boofheads at wheels gave the coty to the Opel Omega re: Commodore with the ancient Buick engine and transmissions.

[@markbehr88]

@@351tgv Yes, I said that the AU IRS was superior in my view. More sophisticated, higher cost etc and not the bushing issues you mentioned. 👍

[@maxrockatanksyOG]

Always wanted to build a White or Silver AU3, slammed on 20" Chasers with a asupercharged Intech- just a cool cruiser

[@markbehr88]

Time to get one now. They will only go up in $. 👍

[@maxrockatanksyOG]

​@markbehr88 Yep; sold my GT500 repowered BF2 XR8 for 11k; spent near on 120k on it (buying it new+ performance gear). Now they are going for 30k!

[@markbehr88]

@@maxrockatanksyOG Jeez! 🫢

[@mrdoiii]

For me, it’s a pass on this series, unless it’s the T series. There were some variants that looked decent such as the high series Ghias with a v8 , rebels. Utes are good. There’s just some angles on the AU that aren’t quite right. The interiors on the falcons were too rounded and bubbly, although the high series were much better. Mechanically superior and well engineered however. In saying that, the Fairlanes for me are another story. They’re probably (AU) the best ever built. The series 2 LTD interior was probably one of the best interiors ever made for an Aussie Ford, and arguably the best from Ford globally. But yes I will wait for the full video on the Fairlanes ( can’t wait 😂 )

[@markbehr88]

Sounds like you do like some aspects of the AU’s? That is the funny thing about AU’s - they start to grow on you. Agree. The Long wheelbase AU’s are terrific. I love my AU Ghia V8. Eps on the channel plus my mate’s Millennium. Fairlane series will come once Falcon is done plus I want to start Holden and Chrysler. They will feature details on the competition ie Ford - so something in there for everyone.👍

[@mrdoiii]

@@markbehr88 Hey Mark. Yes I do: - Reliability - VCT motor (and the V8). The standard 6 is great too - Utilitarian vehicle - Introduction of IRS which some say is better than the post AU models - Comfort especially the high series variants - Adaptive auto - T Series I'm not a fan of: - Interior in the low / xr series. - Certain angles - just too rounded - Idiots thrashing these. As much as I'm not a fan of the styling, I don't think they deserved to be used as drift cars or abused I think the Fairmonts and Ghias were dressed up a bit nicer so I dont mind them, but for my personal taste they're not something I would seek. I also think the AU falcon was a victim of negative press (maybe clever marketing from Holden), which can explain why the styling grows on people now. I recall seeing a video on KZbin a few months ago (and also originally when it first came out) on Channel 10 news. They put a Ghia up against a VT executive, but the Ghia didn't look too bad. But the EL for me was the much better styled vehicle, and from your opening in the video I was surprised to learn that the E Series was considered to be extended on. Bit of a segway, but I think the AU XR8 Series III motor should've been in the EL GT. It's all tech that was available from the US way earlier than we had it here.

[@markbehr88]

Fair summary 👍