Ford Falcon XD - We’d Like to Thank….

Here is the next episode in the Falcon series. Project Blackwood - the Falcon XD. The car that gave Ford ultimate market leadership. While the XD chassis was largely carryover, the model showcased the use of a totally new body design, increased glass, extensive use of plastics, including the fuel tank as well as advances in electronics. While. Much bigger car than arch rival Commodore, the Falcon provided equal or better fuel efficiency. The public and companies voted with their wallets. Please be sure to SUBSCRIBE and also please give the episode a Like 👍. It really makes a big difference to the channel and makes all the work worthwhile. Thanks for watching and look out for more Australian, US and other automotive history. Please note. The Rock incident occured in 1980 and DJ won Bathurst in 1981. There was a mash up in my editing so sorry for a y confusion. Brock won in 1980.

[@johnevans6748]

The rock incident involving Dick Johnson occured in 1980 & put him out of the race. The major accident on top of the mountain occured in 1981, in which Dick was able to make it through the carnage & take victory when the race was declared early.

[@markbehr88]

Yes. You are correct. He won in 1981 and the Rock was in 1980. 👍

[@ryanmurphy2711]

I was just about to say the same thing lol .

[@markbehr88]

@@ryanmurphy2711 yes, I said the correct year of the race but mixed in the rock incident from the year before. 👍

[@CamboFord]

Just watching now and noticed the mix up.

[@markbehr88]

@@CamboFord Yes. A mix up in my editing as there is so much info to pull together. It’s in the ep description re the correction. 👍

[@danielrobert3796]

These were a great first car in the 1990s and early 2000’s for apprentices just starting out in life, cheap to buy, cheap to fix and bulletproof mechanicals. Expensive to buy now though they were just about giving them away 15 years ago

[@markbehr88]

Yes. Agreed. I would like to add an XD to the collection. 👍

[@Xchardtop]

After the despair of 1979 to be able to watch Dick not only win but kick HDT's arse in 1981 was brilliant. long live the Cleveland 351 !

[@markbehr88]

Yes, agree. Shame about the rock though!

[@patrickaussieMilartry]

Damm fine motor I’m Glad Australia stuck with the Cleveland even the Windsor the 289 that was in the XR ? But in the ZA ,ZB, ZC fairlanes. I’m not sure if the ZD fairlane used the 289. But they were good motors. But the 351 Cleveland was such a Beautiful well built V8 and the proof is in the pudding as there are thousands of 351 Cs especially with the 4 v heads. They were a perfect small block engine. Not a bad word I can say about that engine. But it was one thirsty old girl. Lol. When I die i want to be buried in a 351 Cleavland . My ashes poured down the 4 barrel holes. Or sprinkle them around in a fresh 351 with 500 hp and blow my ashes out of the exhaust system on a drag meet. That I’m sure would be something different but cool to see. Lol

[@markbehr88]

@@patrickaussieMilartry Yes. A great engine. The 289 was just in the XR and ZA, then 302 Windsor in the XT and ZB, 351 Windsor in XW and ZC early and 351 Cleveland after that. 👍

[@commandertopgun]

Totally enjoyed. OMG. I ❤ these cars forever. I worked at Charles McInerney Ford Trinidad & Tobago W. I. in 1981,fresh out of school, got my driver's license & a trainee on Fire Tractor, & the company imported 300 XD Falcon GL & Fairmont Ghia, some Esp. Magnificent, I was in love. 4.1 litter in line six, leather interior, gorgeous fabric in the Fairmont. I can't even see one on the roads here. Shameful. I saw the LTD Cartier v8 only in brochure. I am coming to Australia🇦🇺 this year 2024 ( the XD Falcons/Fairmont Ghia are the love of my life) dream cars of mine forever, but, I can afford them now, I will buy them & bring them back to the Caribbean I I can find them there. Every version of the XD cars, vans, wagons, v8 too. Thanks for a most beautiful comprehensive video on my favorite Australian Ford's Car.

[@markbehr88]

Very cool. Thank you 🙏👍

[@cameronbrown7925]

I love the XD Falcon! When I was 12 (1992), My parents upgraded from the HT Holden Kingswood to a 1979 XD Falcon GL with 4.1L 6 and column auto, with the middle seat/armrest, with very light grey vinyl interior. What a leap forward it was! How much more refined and relaxing to travel around in! Unfortunately, it met its end at the intersection right outside the Geelong Engine Plant. How ironic! Someone turned right against the light and our pride and joy rammed into his side, and that was that. The tow truck driver bought it from the insurance company and used the engine and transmission for a project, so not a complete waste. Thanks for the series and XD episode!

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. A shame your family car met a sad ending. Glad you like the series. I have made a playlist now. 👍

[@markbehr88]

Here is my latest video in the Falcon series - the XD. Please ensure you Subscribe and please give the video a Like 👍 as it really helps the channel and makes all the effort worthwhile. What are your thoughts on the XD? It is one of my favourite Falcons but I remember being torn between it and the previous (more American) styling - which I really like too.

[@aussieausdeutschland4245]

My dad started working for Ford at Eagle Farm when the XD/ZK/FD models was being built, and when the Queensland Police, Australian Defence Force, AVIS and Hertz rentals did their vehicle orders, they requested the Falcon's to be built in Brisbane as they were better assembled than at Broadmeadows. The Brisbane assembly plant was at the time the largest hand made luxury car factory in the world.

[@markbehr88]

I think they did the F series there too didn’t they, incl the Bronco and also the utes and vans at some point? 👍

[@jimbojon2]

@@markbehr88 I believe you're right, they also did the XY 4WD ute as well. Eagle Farm usually did the smaller volume selling models / special orders /niche production runs such as F series, trucks and tractors? so as not to disrupt Broadmeadows having to make changes on the line and could just focus on high volume production, as Aussieausdeutschland4245 mentioned being a smaller volume factory usually meant that anything made at Eagle Farm was built better than Broadmeadows where it was usually a case of churn them out and get them out the door.

[@markbehr88]

@@jimbojon2 Yes. I cover the 4WD ute in my XY episode. 👍👍

[@jimbojon2]

@@markbehr88 Good stuff, I haven't watched that one yet, you've given me a reason to get on to it. Cheers.

[@aussieausdeutschland4245]

@@markbehr88 yes the F series, Bronco's, Louisville, Fordson Tractor's and Cargo's

[@tonymontana897]

Another great episode Mark. Thank you for taking the time to put it all together. I have a huge soft spot for the XD. It was my first car which I purchased way back in 1991 and I still have it to this day. It was a street machine of its time, with a 351 Cleveland, stage 2 shift kitted C4, wheel arch flares, deep dish centrelines, air dam front spoiler, Goss rear wing and a minty interior with scheel seat originally from a Cobra XC. I took it off the road some time ago and am currently in the process of restoring it completely. I'll never sell it. I also have another XD GL with matching numbers 4.1 alloy head. Nice car which needs some work and I'm considering turning it into a replica Phase V. I concur with you that the XD is the nicest Falcon made. It truly is.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. Glad you liked it. Your cars sound cool. Great to have two of them! 👍👍

[@alexdalrymple]

My Dad had a white XD Fairmont Ghia with the 4.9 V8 when I was growing up. Absolutely loved that car. I remember it was stolen a couple of times and fortunately recovered. I still remember the sound engine - it was quite distinctive.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, especially if you flipped the air cleaner lid. 😀👍

[@maxrockatanksyOG]

Owned an Northern NSW highway patrol XD 351ci with Single Rail 4 speed; spent most of its time from Tawmorth up to Uralla. Had the Sports (ESP) interior, 4 wheel discs, Hurricane headers, modified Carter carby, GT40 coil (replaced with a HEI system), 14" steel wheels (replaced with EF 15" Interceptors). Only had the foglights, with no ESP exterior stuff (bar the foglights). That thing punched out a lazy 230rwkw in the early 2000's; she would hold her own back then with the JDM's coming in at the time. Only thing i really did was get hold of a Bond Rollbars 120lt fuel tank (loved the drop tanks)

[@markbehr88]

That would have been a terrific car. 👍👍

[@joefattal7592]

Great Vids. I didn’t realise how much I like these XDs.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much 👍

[@waynemottram4395]

Great video Mark, brought back some memories, back in the day i left school when i was 16 to work in the family printing business. Saved everything i earned so i could buy a brand new XD Falcon. Rode up to the Ford dealership on my 3 speed dragster push bike with a deposit for a 4.1 ltr 4 speed Monza Red S Pack Falcon, salesman had to ring my mother to check if i was serious, car was delivered not long after i got my license and i was in heaven, what a car. Have had a Falcon in the garage in one form or another ever since and now have a BA Falcon that I've owned for about 20 years, love going for drives in my Falcon...👍 P.s. the XD cost me $8,800...😉 .

[@markbehr88]

What a great story Wayne. Good on you! 👍👍👍👍

[@jamesrebbechi5247]

Mark, thanks you’ve just motivated me to bring back a very straight XF 4.1 Falcon sedan I inherited. Pity its been sitting in a tree line for 23 years although fortuitously somewhat protected by a shed wall. I threw a cover over it 3 years back. Beige on grey cloth interior. Mild surface rust mixed with a touch of lichen. Plenums look ok actually. Thanks for another great listen.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks James. Glad you are saving the XF. They are worth saving as they aren’t making any more Aussie cars. 😢

[@TheTralfaz]

I drove XD and XE Falcon taxis in the 1980's and I loved them....I would love to own one, but they're as rare as hens teeth and VERY expensive....great looking car

[@markbehr88]

Well, that’s a great endorsement from someone who drove them many miles for a living 👍

[@calaiscruiser]

@markbehr88 Mark, You got the 1980 and 1981 races totally mixed up. 1980 Johnson hit the rock and retired on lap 17, Brock went on to win that year. It was 1981 when Morris and Christine Gibson collided at McPhillamy Park causing a big crash and blocking the track. Johnson was declared the winner.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, that’s correct. 👍

[@lundsweden]

I'm old enough to remember these when they were new (as a kid). The XD just looked so fresh at the time, very clean and modern. It was a hint of what cars would look like in the 80s. Unfortunately the quality wasn't so good, people complained they rusted too easily, but this was a common issue back then regardless of make.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, I remember them being released too. Rust was an issue on many cars back then. A shame as more would have survived otherwise. 👍

[@rodneymcgiveron7494]

Great vid again Mark....Love the XD , never owned one but had the XE...Gold GL 4 speed manual with cloth seats ..just lovely to drive .. Looking forward to the AU when you get to it ...I absolutely love my old girl faded paint and all...Futura Series ll with all black factory interior...Still say it's right there as the most reliable and well built Falcon of them all.. Also got my FG XR6 too...beautiful .Cheers

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Rodney. I had a 3.3 manual wagon which I bought for $500 as a cheap run around. I loved it. A mate had an ex NSW Highway Patrol 5.8 manual. That was fantastic! He was a Holden man but had to admit how good it was. Glad you are enjoying the series. 👍👍

[@barrymartin3813]

My aunty, was a high ranking Tupperware lady. I remember, coming back from school one afternoon, to see a UFO In our front yard, ,,,, no a brand new XD wagon, in white.

[@markbehr88]

How cool. They were ultramodern then weren’t they? I remember the smell of the plastics (in a good way). 👍😀

[@tonymontana897]

@@markbehr88 Yes Mark, the new car smell of the early 80s was unforgettable. My Dad bought a brand new TF Cortina Ghia station wagon in early 1981 and I still remember waiting outside our house for his arrival home after the tip off from Mum that Dad was coming home in a brand new car. I wasn't sure if it would be the Cortina or a Datsun 200B he was also eyeing off. Luckily enough, it was a Ford. I can still see it turning the corner of our street as we lived on the high side of our street about 6 houses up, so it was clearly visible. He rolled into the driveway and got out and I immediately jumped into the driver's seat and all I remember was how amazing it looked inside and that new car smell. It was silver metallic with the grey velour interior and I also remember seeing the tinted blue band on the windscreen for the first time and thinking wow, that's really cool. I'd never seen that before till then. I really thought it was a very special car and fell in love with it. I was 10 years old. What a beautiful memory.

[@jamiebeverley9705]

Wow Mark, great video on the XD and it brings back so many memories, as I remember my dad picking up the new Monza Red XD 5.8 Tbar auto S Pack sedan in Sydney and traveling home sitting in the front passenger seat thinking how good is this, well that car and my dad's XEs were handed down and I still have those cars today, along with some other examples I have bought myself over the years, but boy oh boy what memories, and your video Mark is an excellent educational peice for people of today that are interested in these Falcon's that are still such an intoxicating interest all these years later, well done Mark I really look forward to the XE video, that model was also excellent. Cheers from Newcastle 🤝🇭🇲

[@markbehr88]

That’s tremendous Jamie. I love how you remember those times and still have your Dad’s cars. Well done. Just like I have my Dad’s 72 Galaxie LTD. They mean a lot don’t they. Thanks for the support of the channel. 👍👍👍

[@couttsy222]

Nice episode, Mark! I very much agree with being conflicted at the time with the change from (my favourite) XC to the brave new world of the XD. I remember quite well waiting for the school bus on my 18th birthday and seeing the XD for the first time -- it was a trainload of XDs on the railway line next to the bus stop heading north to their new owners. Little did I know that 18 months later, whilst studying engineering at uni, I'd do a 6 month stint at Broadmeadows working on the production line, helping to assemble the alloy headed XD (as well as Cortinas). At the time it was a huge eye-opener for me regarding many things including the ugly, bullying side of unions. I now count it as an honour to have worked in that industy, albeit for a short period of time. I also remember going to the 1979 Melbourne International Car Show (remember them??) in, I think, March. There was an XD on display but in was in a wooden crate and echoing the melting ice theme of the later TV commercial, there were peep holes that only showed hints of the car -- such as mirror, taillight, headlight etc. Additionally, I believe that Peter Arcardipane had a fair bit of input into the ute, such as the side 3/4 windows and wrap around tail lights. That the ute carried on substantially unmodified into the mid nineties speaks volumes for the integrity of its original design. A thoroughly enjoyable episode, Mark!! (PS: it's actually "without any further ado", not adieu. Ado meaning fuss, whereas adieu is French for farewell . 😉 )

[@markbehr88]

Glad you enjoyed it. Great memories and experiences. I’ll try to improve on my pronunciation and not let the French creep in there! 😀👍

[@couttsy222]

😁😁 Nothing wrong with a taste of French -- but that's coming from someone who had owned Peugeots for the best part of 25 years!! (Until they became boring....)

[@markbehr88]

@@couttsy222 And I have Citroen GS’s and a Renault 10 👍

[@couttsy222]

Ahhh... c'est bon!! Magnifique!!

[@XDESP393]

@markbehr88 one other thing I forgot to mention, not all the Phase 5 XD’s were dealer specials, there were some that were ordered directly from Phase Autos by the customer.

[@markbehr88]

Interesting 👍👍

[@bradaitken2175]

My dad picked up a 4.1 Fairmont Ghia in the first couple of weeks of the release of the XD. I remember riding around as a passenger feeling like an absolute star as people gave themselves whiplash as we drove by. Embarrassingly, it suffered a ‘failure to proceed’ exiting a pay park station in the first couple of weeks of ownership. We had to be pushed out the way to the quips of ‘shoulda bought a Holden mate’.

[@markbehr88]

Hopefully it was soon back on the road so you could keep feeling like a star! 👍

[@romemancer7905]

Keep up the great work Mark 👍👍👍

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. 👍👍

[@danozism]

Great work as always, Mark. I wish I'd bought an XD/XE back n the late 90's, They were cheap as chips back then!

[@markbehr88]

Me too. A 5.8 ex police XD and a S pack 5.8 wagon. And a Cartier FC LTD! 👍😀

[@phil4977]

Fantastic video. Those were exciting times having Australian car manufacturers. I was in high school in the early eighties and we were either Ford or Holden followers. Made for great debate amongst school mates. My younger brother bought one of those two tone Fairmont Ghias as his first car. Never knew it was only a 500 car production run.

[@markbehr88]

Yes. I remember those days well. Sounds like your brother had a pretty rare car there. 👍

[@watsisbuttndo829]

My father still daily drives a xd s pac wagon. We have put a T5 gearbox and 3.23 limited slip disc brake diff in it and a few suspension upgrades. Great car to drive.

[@markbehr88]

That is terrific 👍

[@Luke-er6pg]

Excellent video Mark! If I could have had the choice: I’d get myself a Ghia with a 5.8 V8 with all the luxury specs!

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. I accidentally mixed the edit of the rock incident in 1980 with DJ’s win in 1981. That aside, I was happy with it and glad you liked it. I would love any 302 or 351 XD these days incl an S wagon. Cool cars for sure. 👍👍

[@aussietaipan8700]

I was at Ford when the XD came out. Issues that came up early on was the fuel senders packed up frequently, rear suspension bushes warn out at less than 20k km and a major one was excessive crankshaft end float. The end float bearing was a half shell, to fix these I put in a full shell main bearing. Otherwise they were a nice car. The XE had larger rear suspension bushes, Ford must have listen to me. From memory, the first XD's had a steel head and I believe in 1980 Ford moved to the alloy head.

[@markbehr88]

Very interesting. Thanks for that info 👍👍

[@Eric-kn4yn]

​@@markbehr88not 20ks they must have had that nearly when in showroom

[@CamboFord]

The XE had a six link Watts linkage coil spring rear suspension on the sedans.

[@markbehr88]

@@CamboFord That’s right. I’ll cover that in m6 XE episode. 👍

[@ayrproductions]

Yeah the early XDs had a cast iron head - my parents had one of the later versions in S Pack spec that looked exactly like the one used in the brochures. Motor was meant to have been stuffed for ten years before it actually needed to be rebuilt, then thanks to dad only using Mobil Super XHP oil in it, apparently the inside of the head was like brand new. When the four speed got stuck in second (it was a 17 year old car at this point) it got an auto conversion. My brother still has that car now, along with the factory 302 Fairmont he bought with a dirty great Holley on it that caught fire in my backyard while he was tuning it.

[@gregs5247]

Mark you have mentioned a few snippets of your career, how about a video of you talking us through what sounds like a very interesting story of your time at Ford and other manufacturers?

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Greg. I try to amalgamate it into the episodes where it’s relevant. As I cover the newer models in the 1990’s and 2000’s I will be able to add more. One thing I forgot to mention was that, during my time as Product Planning and Brand Marketing Manager for FPV, I suggested to Ford that they do a special edition G6E ESP Turbo six and Boss V8. I reckon that would have sold. 👍

[@reitsmaassociates]

Great memories , the XD was very clean, would love to own an ESP :). Thanks for such a thorough job

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. Glad you liked it. Agree, an ESP would be terrific indeed! 👍👍

[@psynriter]

I remember my dad coming home with his new company car. It was a yellow XD Fairmont with 4.9 on the guard. It had that larger sized digital clock. His second XD Fairmont 2 years later was a 3.3 because of oil crisis or something in the early 80s.

[@markbehr88]

What a cool car (4.9) 👍👍👍

[@GForceVRX]

I agree they’re a great looking car, theyve got that’s 80’s boxy goodness about them

[@markbehr88]

Yep! 👍😀

[@Dylan_Mulvaney_OFFICIAL]

Awesome, thanks mark.❤

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. Glad you liked it 👍👍

[@miketurner4462]

My dad had an XD GL wagon, great car, years later i had an XE sedan two tone blue over silver, known as the eclipse, apparently a limited run of these were made. Funny considerimg we're mostly a Holden family lol

[@markbehr88]

Cool. I remember the Eclipse. Unusual paint combo versus a two tone blue for example. I have the brochure somewhere. 👍

[@graemeburr6463]

The first ever Falcon NZ Police got as patrol cars was the XD ( Holden's before but some dog units had XC Panels). I drove them. They came in built up from Australia but they were not like the Aussie spec'd up Police models. They were bog standard 4.1 GL's with that grey stripy upholstery the Aussie models got and had no power steering ( NZ Police vehicle purchasing officers were known cheap arses). I remember they were heavy to drive and handled like and "old nail" , I was highly disappointed. We had VB Commodores too but they cheaped out on the narrowest of steel wheels and the fat tyres they put on the rims would roll off the bead taking sharp corners at speed. The VL was great because someone had the fortitude at Police National HQ to order them with Brock suspension. We got a few XE with power steer and the new rear suspension, they restored my faith in Falcon. The EF and EL we got in the 90's were my favourite car of all time for Police work and the Police mechanics loved them for the punishment they could take that cops meted out, but the department went back to Holden after issues with AU and never had the Falcon on their books again. I Look forward to more Falcon stuff. This has opened my eyes to the variety of models and spec's you people got across the ditch, that weren't assembled here. My favourite is still XA, had an Aussie built 302 500 as a daily in the 80's, wish I still had it.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks for the comments. I worked in NZ for Holden from 1994 to 1997. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Based out of Trentham and I lived at Oriental Bay. 👍

[@graemeburr6463]

They must have paid well at GMH Trentham as Oriental Bay is some serious salubrious real estate LOL. I also meant it was the VH, NZ Police got with the Brock suspension.@@markbehr88

[@markbehr88]

International Service Personnel so GM paid most of it. 👍

[@stephentaege6255]

My uncle bought a brand new Falcon xpack 1980 XD DARK GREEN WITH 5*8 4speed He owned it only for 4 months and the seat fabfell apart Ford fixed straight away I believe it would be very rare and worth big money today in a good example 👍

[@markbehr88]

Yes that would be a very rare car. 👍

[@tonxbezzina7015]

Fantastic video, thank you!!

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. Please Subscribe if you haven’t already. 👍

[@davidbarnsley8486]

I have to say mark this is my most favourite one yet only because I was 14 wine my parents bought our first ford November 1979 and it was a gl wagon 200 4 speed in magnolia and part of the s pack option We put our own stripe on it because my dad being a cheap Pom wouldn’t pay $220 for the rest of the option we just had the full instrument cluster and we had a guy do the stripes for $50 I had that car for two years and sold it to buy a block of land I also had XE s and then my last new ford for anXF s pack wagon in 1987 My dream build would be an XD phase 5 type car they just are it 👍👍👍

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. So glad you liked it. What cool family memories hey! 👍👍

[@trevaus1121]

About 20-30 years ago XD’s were selling for about $500 - $1000. And they were everywhere.

[@markbehr88]

I know. I remember when HQ’s were everywhere too and dirt cheap. Now look at them and a whole lot of other Aussie cars. Glad I bought a few in the last 5 years or so before they went crazy. 👍

[@clarkstar11]

You got to ride with DJ on a lap around Bathurst Just Awesome! cant imagine how good that would of been! Thnx for the awesome Videos!

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. Yes it was terrific. There are a couple of videos on my channel if you want to check it out. It was very cool. 👍

[@chrisF351]

Another great vid Mark👍. Keep them coming 👍 I remember a few yrs ago buying some FC LTD centrecaps & a brake master cylinder off a bloke in Glenroy & he had an FC LTD (which he sold) he also had an XC GXL & i remember he had one of those XD Fairmont ghia Limited edition's. His had the Dark burgundy over aztec like featured in your vid

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. Yes those Ghia Limited editions were nice cars. 👍

[@masteryoda498]

Great video, the XD was a classy looking Ford.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks 👍👍

[@ZIGSVIDS]

I was detailing at City Ford 6th floor at the time, The Fords would come in after having been sitting out in the open at Maroubra for 8 months. They would be covered completely in surface rust , except for the rubber and plastic of course. Vinyl,rubber,plastic and that ming rust proofing over spray everywhere. On the other hand the Couriers and Econovans from Japan only needed a wash , always spot on . Oh , and the rust was removed with a acid wash lol

[@markbehr88]

Interesting. I remember that big City Ford building. Maroubra was certainly not the best place to store cars. Of course, most cars don’t sit for 8 months. That would be extreme. Having managed many dealers for many years the 90 day stock principle applies (new and used) and even that is way too long. Many new cars would be for retail orders and City Ford was a big Fleet and Gov’t dealer, so most cars should have been processed within 30-45 days. Thanks for the story. 👍👍

[@ZIGSVIDS]

8 months from out of the factory to getting to city ford. @@markbehr88

[@Louie2309]

You got a few facts wrong there Mark, but the most important being where you state the shortened 1980 “ rock race” was awarded to DJ. Peter Brock was in fact the winner of the 1980 race and the race ran the full distance. DJ was awarded the 1981 race shortened race.

[@markbehr88]

Yes. I mixed up my comments in the edit and made a correction in the description. Rock in 1980 Brock wins. Shortened race 81 DJ wins. 👍👍

[@suziq4394]

In 1979 I was working in Western Queensland when I visited the Ford Garage In St George. I enquired if they had a brochure on the new XD Ute ? I can do better than that said the salesman.. he took me out the back ... and there sat a New XD Ute.. absolutely basic pack 4.1 with 3 on the tree. I can still smell the newness of the interior as I sat in it. I got my brochure but could never afford the real thing. 40 odd years later I still love the XD.

[@markbehr88]

Cool story. I remember that smell too. 👍

[@jamesfrench7299]

My dad drove an XD cab in RSL Cabs red and blue livery in 1984 and part of 85. I remember seeing it in it's original beige before being painted up in it's cab livery. It had beige cloth seats with stripes down their centre. I think they were the best looking Falcon and was amazing to hear the Ford six emanating from that smart euro looking body. Certainly unique. PS I have a photo of my dad and I sitting on it's boot in my nan's driveway in Epping, displayed in the hallway!

[@markbehr88]

I liked the old RSL livery and also St George too. 👍

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@markbehr88 Legion and combined didn't look shabby either. St George somehow got away with using it until a decade ago :).

[@BadApe351]

Lovely feature on (my car) the XD - especially the Wayne Draper story. What a champion for the model he was - as well as Murray Carter and Dick of course. Must have been a late night of editing for you by the time you got to the Bathurst section😀. All good mate keep 'em coming!

[@markbehr88]

Yes, I corrected it in the description. I mixed the 1980 rock incident and 1981 victory. 👍

[@michaelbyrnes7944]

ZH Fairlane omg 😳 now that’s a beautiful car always wanted one ZH in my opinion is the sexiest one made

[@markbehr88]

The ZH is probably my favourite Fairlane. They were very cheap for a long time years ago, but now have increased quite a bit. 👍

[@Redpepper7376]

My dad purchased a yellow Xd wagon in 79, went everywhere in it. Ended up giving it away to a friend who did a postal round after doing 550,000ks. Engine unopened, on its second gearbox, great cars.

[@markbehr88]

Great story. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@erich3273]

Honda for making the king of alloy heads

[@markbehr88]

Yes. For sure. 👍

[@nbenn8216]

Nothing looked or sounded tougher on the street than a 351 xd with lowered springs and wide rubber. Very bogan and very australian.

[@markbehr88]

I love the police video at the end with the induction. The best sound. 👍👍

[@area51isreal71]

Another great video Mark. The XD's were great, excellent cabs but boy you sure knew about all that extra glass in a Queensland summer. I always wondered why they didn't put more stretch into the LTD to build on the success of the previous two models though.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. Yes. A lot of glass for hot weather. The LTD had the longer wheelbase (now shared with Fairlane as opposed to being longer before). I think the new packaging enabled them to deliver plenty of rear space without having to go with separate wheelbases. It was generous back there. 👍

[@Roo0ooD]

thanks for the video man

[@markbehr88]

Pleasure 👍👍

[@peterherriott237]

You’ve really got your story mashed up here if you listen to it again. The rock incident occurred in 1980 with the ex police car. As a result of the ‘public telethon’ and the dollar for dollar matching from FoMoCo, Dick got a new chassis and a budget to run in 1981 where he subsequently won the ATCC and Bathurst as well as the ‘82 ATCC.

[@markbehr88]

Yes, that is correct. I corrected it in the comments too. 👍

[@romemancer7905]

When i worked at the car yard detailing i was offered a red Sundowner XD van with 351 and 4 speed in the lot at 4000 dollars...Just like the one in your recent short...rare cars now !!! i had a brand new alloy head 2 s pack wagon in 1982...great engine ...Why GM dragged the old six well into the 80s is beyond me ! also remember low flying from Windsor in NSW back to Melbourne in the V8 XM Coupe and got followed for miles by a blue XD cop car !

[@markbehr88]

Wow. That Sundowner would be an incredible car to own today. So rare. 😳👍

[@romemancer7905]

And i remember it had the gold globe mags...the year was about 1986@@markbehr88

[@louiskats5116]

G’day Mark, Another great video thoroughly enjoyed it. That little episode regarding NSW Police you need to watch the whole episode it was a 60 minute special & you can find it on KZbin. Especially when the police pull over some drunk driver & because he mentions he is friends of some high ranking Police Officer or commissioner the Highway Patrol Officer lets him go to save his job. I would love to know who that drunk driver was. Yes the XD’s were certainly something different back in the day. My co worker traded in his XD Falcon 5.8 litre, 4 speed for a Mazda RX-7 back in the mid 80’s. Now he wishes he held onto his XD, he got it low mileage second hand early 80’s. Look forward to the XE episode have a great story regarding a XE unmarked interceptor back in the days. Cheers Louis Kats 👍

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Louis. Glad you liked it. I have seen that full 60 Min episode. I didn’t want to put the whole thing up but will re-watch it. 👍

[@louiskats5116]

@@markbehr88 👍

[@denveralvis9378]

Hi Mark, really enjoying this series of Ford video's. Are you going to do the same for the GM & Chrysler ranges? Hope you do, fingers crossed from me and many other car nuffies. Cheers D

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. Yes, definitely will cover GM and Chrysler too, so please Subscribe👍

[@royferntorp]

The first time I got to drive an XD was when I worked for a fleet company as a ferry driver. That thing went up the old road really well. Body roll and understeer almost perfect. Brakes never faded. On the way back I drove a Chrysler Sigma 2.6 thing. Hmmmm

[@markbehr88]

I liked the way the XD’s drove. Nice and flat. The only Sigmas I drove were when I was at Mitsubishi. GJ, GK, GN. They were ok but no Falcon. 👍

[@royferntorp]

@@markbehr88 I didn't really appreciate the Sigma at the time. I just noticed how the 5 spd had a nice shift and it would almost steer itself out of a corner under power. I eventually got my hands on the LTD variant with a 351. Great car but somehow it felt slower than it should have been.

[@markbehr88]

@@royferntorp yes we didn’t really appreciate them as we thought they’d always be around. 👍

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Mark hope your well, A car that looks familiar to me but not, looks similar to the UK Granada , you can see a lot of Granada in the Falcon XD. The Estate or Wagon do not look a like at the rear , The Granada was made from 1977 till 1985 with a face lift for 1982 and fitted with a 5 speed gear box the engine's were a 2.0 4 cylinder out of the Cortina a 2.3 V6 also in the Cortina and a 2.8 V6 injection same engine as the Capri 2.8 injection that came out in 1982 replacing the 3.0 V6. The South African Granada did come out with a 5.0 V8 which was the Granada Parana. A very modern looking car the XD as we were heading in to the 1980's all the rounded curves and coke bottle shape was left behind in the 70's this was the shape of cars to come sharp lines and more plastic trim. I'am enjoying this Falcon series Mark, as always a great video Take care🚗👍

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Shaun. Some people think they are the same but they are not. Glad you liked the episode. 👍👍

[@mrdoiii]

Nice review once again. Would love a review on the ZH/P6. My personal favourites.

[@markbehr88]

I added them in there as a taster and because I remember them sharing the catalog. Will definitely do them incl the canned P7 Landau. 👍

[@pablostark1665]

@@markbehr88Be sure to show the P6 LTD grille, on the reverse side. It has 'Landau' cast into it.

[@markbehr88]

@@pablostark1665Really? I never knew that. I have two Navy Blue P6 LTD front ends. I’ll have to check that out. 👍

[@pablostark1665]

@@markbehr88 Mark, sent you an email with pics showing this. Look forward to the ZH/P6 edition, plus the XE too.

[@markbehr88]

@@pablostark1665 Thanks. Received 👍👍

[@MrFister84]

The last sentence of this video sums up policing in Australia in the 21st century.

[@markbehr88]

Interesting observation 👍

[@gregs5247]

another great video Mark , really enjoyed it. At the Melbourne Motor Show, maybe 1978? The XD was cloaked in a special teaser display, mostly covered in a kind of box with peep holes showing headlights, and other details. Does anyone else remember that?

[@markbehr88]

Thanks very much. I think I vaguely remember that. Was it like a cargo box?

[@gregs5247]

yes maybe a large crate @@markbehr88

[@markbehr88]

@@gregs5247 I think I do remember it?

[@jamesfrench7299]

I wonder when a fully styled mockup first appeared? I've seen one of an EA dated 1984.

[@markbehr88]

@@jamesfrench7299 good question. I would guess around 1976?

[@patrickaussieMilartry]

Agreed the XD was a real change in my opinion. They looked away ahead of their time in 1979 I think the first XD came out. I had a factory 351 4 speed top loader. It was amazing. One day I’d like to build a gun metal grey XD ghia with the 351 but 400hp not out of control but definitely a huge power upgrade with a bigger cam and so on.

[@markbehr88]

Would be a nice machine. 👍

[@patrickaussieMilartry]

Sorry Mark you are probably thinking shut the fk up Patrick. Lol I just love talking about the evolution of Ford Australia.❤️❤️👍🇦🇺

[@markbehr88]

@@patrickaussieMilartry Not at all 👍👍👍

[@AussiePom]

Also they had to go "cap in hand" to Ford US to get permission to make the XD and they had many folders containing pages of information for Project Blackwood. The US Ford board just took the top folder and read through it as it was just before lunch and approved the XD Falcon. Just as well they didn't ask to see the other folders as they only contained pages from old phone directories.

[@markbehr88]

Classic! 👍👍

[@robertmorris6529]

Just the way of ' The Golden Rule ' for a Subsidiary Company .

[@AussiePom]

@@markbehr88 Well Mark I remember in the British Sitcom To The Manor Born the episode where they were trying to save their local railway station. They had public servants from the railways at their local public meeting and and the main public servant asked his assistant what he had on the railway station. The assistant produced a very thin folder and his senior said That's no good you need stacks of stuff even if it's only pages from old telephone directories as it gives you authority. This woman Audrey produced the charter over who controlled the land that the railway ran through and they won and the station was saved. Audrey's friend Marjorie where did you get that charter from and Audrey said Oh this isn't the charter this is just some pages from old telephone directories.

[@markbehr88]

@@AussiePom Excellent. Maybe the Ford execs saw the same episode? 😀👍

[@AussiePom]

@@markbehr88 Maybe.

[@aus80srockradio94]

My Dad got a bit carried away with XD's. Began with an early 1980 light blue Fairmont 6 cyl sedan (which was prior to the Alloy Head update) - had issues with this car, so then bought a later 1980 XD Fairmont Ghia with the Alloy Head update). Then in late 1981, bought a ZJ Fairlane Sportsman in the light/dark blue combo & 4.9ltr V8.

[@markbehr88]

Very cool. Love the ZJ. I have a 302 ZK. 👍

[@aus80srockradio94]

​Thanks for the reply! Nice than you have a ZK, even better looking than the ZJ. Also, personally I love XE's more than XD's - not just bc you can fit an Esky in the boot either! In early 1983, Dad sold the ZJ & bought a white S Pack wagon, 4sp with the new EFI engine. Everyone, including 9 y.o. me were at odds about what EFI (prouncing it as a word) meant 🤔!! I remember too "Uniroyal" tyres. Later in the 80's, we had a couple of ZL's, Skyline Silhouette manual (which I learned to drive in - nice👌), then a boring Maxima, then (as mentioned on the EB feature, an XR6 & XR8 Sprint, after that another manual EF XR8, etc. etc.) Loving ALL these detailed and accurate videos on the Aussie Falcons, sensational. I began selling Ford's in 1996 & still working at a Ford dealership to this day, but selling Honda.

[@markbehr88]

Sounds like you had some cool family cars. Glad you like the videos. 👍

[@aus80srockradio94]

@@markbehr88 Yes we did, (prior to the first XD, we had an XC Fairmont 302 4 speed, which was our first Ford, but I was too young to remember that. Now he just drives a boring Lexus, which is just a re-badged Rav4 🫣🥱.

[@markbehr88]

@@aus80srockradio94 Like a lot of people these days I guess? 🤔

[@user-kv1gu4ow7i]

Great video Mark. Can you do a series on the Australian Bronco & F series production. Love to know the story.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. Gee. I hadn’t thought of that. Once I do Falcon I’ll do Fairlane and LTD, then some Holdens and Chryslers. I’ll certainly give that some consideration as I have some F trucks (episodes on the channel). 👍

[@michaelbyrnes7944]

I was born in 1980 14 January I always liked the xd In my teens I remember looking inside them in mates cars and really wanting to get in let’s go hooning but my father was a holden man brought me a commodore Vb thing was like Gemini compared with cooler xd xf falcon

[@markbehr88]

Yes, back then I would definitely have preferred the XD too. 👍

[@mikldude9376]

I was working in a ford dealer when the XDs came out , they where a pretty good car overall other than the door handles which where a bit notorious for breaking off , i always wanted an ex highway car with the yellow paint and 351 vinyl floor mats , t bar auto , they where very airy in the cabin , lots of room and a cool car . Years later i bought a spare 2nd car , a red XD wagon as a work car , it had a lot of miles on it and was pretty rough in the body the paint was worn through to the undercoat in places , , it was probably the last ford in oz that came out with a manual choke on the 6 cylinders , sometimes i wouldnt use it for three weeks( i had too many cars ) , id come out to car , pull the choke out and away shed go first pop. reliable old bugger . $ 6900 bucks for a brand new family car , the good old days 😆. The plastic fuel tanks , they tested them by dropping them from a height of 36 feet , and they did not fail .

[@markbehr88]

Good stuff hey? I think the door handle issue was more XF’s as they cheapened them? Others may add something there. Great days. 👍

[@Eric-kn4yn]

Plastic fuel tanks 36 feet impact and full of water/ fuel why plastic ?

[@markbehr88]

@@Eric-kn4yn weight and durability.

[@Eric-kn4yn]

@@markbehr88 valiants from VH onwards had weak outside door handles because they were diecast cheap weak

[@Eric-kn4yn]

@@markbehr88 cheaper to make plastic fuel tanks ?

[@orderofmagnitude-TPATP]

Looks like our cortina/granada from the uk.... (commented before getting that far in vid.) That holden opel commodore looks very similar to our vauxhall cavalier ....

[@markbehr88]

Yes, heavily influenced but completely different car whereas Holden used the Vauxhall and Opel as a starting point. 👍

[@orderofmagnitude-TPATP]

@@markbehr88 so strange considering how close they look...

[@markbehr88]

@@orderofmagnitude-TPATP Yes but very different size too, especially width. 👍

[@bgreen8853]

Its still one of my favorites pretty plane standard but professionally lowered big motor my colour of choice gun metal gray you get a tough looking car

[@markbehr88]

Yes. Tough looking car. 👍

[@tba3900]

XD started the era of alloy head engines but finished the era of leaf rear spring sedans and manual choke. Other strange items where , one speaker mounted on top of dash, fuel filler behind the number plate on sedan

[@markbehr88]

Yes, interesting. The fuel filler behind the number plate was used by quite a few cars in the 1970’s. Handy to go on either side of the pumps. Wasn’t too low either like some cars. I have a 71 Imperial and 66 Toronado and those fuel fillers are very low - so slow re-fuelling. 👍

[@XDESP393]

@tba3900 the 4.9L & 5.8L engines had auto choke 👍

[@markbehr88]

@@XDESP393 sometimes I wonder if that is actually better or r not? 👍🤔

[@scottyg7284]

Make playlists buddy, makes your page easier to navigate, hello from Scotland btw.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. Yes. I should do that 👍👍👍

[@tcpnetworks]

I had a 1979 XD 351 Fairmont back in 1992. I had that car apart, re-sealed, replaced the suspension, upgraded the trans from a slushmatic to a 5 speed manual from an XF, repaired the electrical system, replaced the interior trim. Spent about 3 months sanding and flatting it before giving it a fresh coat of factory-correct paint. Basically made it new. The car was an utter bastard to drive normally - waay too much power... In the wet it would actively try to kill you. I'd never have so much fun in my life. Drove it for 130,000 trouble-free Kms until I bought an EB-GT. I sold the XD and got not much money for it. Now - that would be worth $40K at least.

[@markbehr88]

Sounds like it would have been a great car. Do you still have the EB GT? 👍

[@tcpnetworks]

@@markbehr88 It got murdered by a Mazda 121 (hit the back at 80Km) in 1998. It was already off the road as a main-driver at the time. It was a week-ender. Such a bastard too. Almost killed me that crash...

[@markbehr88]

@@tcpnetworks No good. Those pesky 121’s! 😡

[@tcpnetworks]

@@markbehr88 Yep. Woman had an 'art attack in the car and died by the impact. I ended up in hospital for a few weeks with broken pelvis and arm.

[@markbehr88]

@@tcpnetworks Geez 🫣.

[@lancecooper4646]

3:55...cough cough...well...yeahh...until the AU was released...ofcourse...😛👍

[@markbehr88]

Ha hah. Of course. And they won’t use that for a “Should have gone to Spec Savers” ad 😉👍

[@mariusvanderlinden732]

In Europe the Ford was made under the name Granada. There where produced from 1972 in the MK1 version and the MK2 came in 1977 till 1985. From my youth I know that this car was very popular mainly in the estate version. A specialy in the 2.8 Ltr 6 cylinder édition. Lot of BOB THE BUILDER bought those cars 🚗

[@markbehr88]

Yes. Nothing shared with the Falcon though. Only the headlights. 👍

[@markbehr88]

Yes. Nothing shared with the Falcon though. Only the headlights. 👍

[@mariusvanderlinden732]

@@markbehr88 The car looks pretty the same. And as far I have been informed the cars are technically aswell the same. The same for the Australian version of the HOLDEN COMMODORE this car is technically the same. Only in Australian the had larger engines. Which I like more. Nice documentary.

[@markbehr88]

@@mariusvanderlinden732 Thanks. They do look the same but are totally different. The chassis of the XD Falcon is based on the previous XC, complete with leaf spring rear suspension. It is a totally Australian design, aside from the headlights. The Commodore is, as you say, effectively an Opel for the VB model with Australian engines, transmissions, grilles etc. 👍

[@nigelcreighton2411]

Vehicle stance, the relationship between height, width and wheel track is so important. The XD had the formula right as did the BA thru FGX, the AU not so much.

[@markbehr88]

Good observations 👍👍

[@jack-nn2km]

good one Mark, i have a galaxy blue over gold limited edition 351 h code 93ks on it in beautiful condition, we love it, seems like there was less than 37 made in our configuration, dont know if you know anymore details on this.

[@markbehr88]

Wow. What a terrific car. Want to sell it? I do have the original, very rare leaflet for when it was new. My brother had a mate who had a 351 version too. He used to own a day care centre. You are one lucky guy! 👍

[@jack-nn2km]

@@markbehr88 haha no, i have the leaflet too, take it to car shows and guys say thats not original, why did you cover the consol with material

[@markbehr88]

@@jack-nn2km They are original all right. Great car you have there 👍

[@tomy8339]

My late father had an XD ute after decades of driving Chrysler utes. He absolutely loved it and said it was his favourite ute because of the combination of performance with good fuel economy. But good grief, the window rattling was atrocious.

[@markbehr88]

Great memories! 👍

[@kimjones5783]

I bought an XD new in Sept. 1979. Had it for 17 years, overall it was a good car. I got sick of replacing fuel sendors so i converted it to a mechanical one. At about 200,000 ks the transmission failed, I took it out and dismantled it myself. A diagram spring in the front clutch han broken, apparently that was a common fault with Borg Warner 35's.

[@markbehr88]

Nice to hear from an original owner. Great that they were so simple to fix too. 👍

[@jadesmith6823]

Love the channel 🇦🇺 Would love to see an XE if you can please ❤️✅

[@markbehr88]

Thanks. That will be the next episode. So please Subscribe👍.

[@jadesmith6823]

@@markbehr88 done ✅

[@phillipm1039]

That was one of the most informative videos yet, I remember these new and had a sneak peak at an orange s pak at the ford dealer in Warrnambool at it was like a space ship. Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't it the first mass produced car in the world with a plastic fuel tank, I remember the press interest in this back then.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Phillip. Yes, I am sure you are correct re the plastic fuel tank. Ford built a whole new plastics plant for XD. Pretty amazing. I’d love an orange XD V8 now of any model. 👍

[@ayrproductions]

I thought Volvo beat them regarding the plastic fuel tank in the 242?

[@markbehr88]

@@ayrproductions Not sure. What year?

[@ayrproductions]

@@markbehr88 I’ll double check, but think it was a year or two before the XD release in 1979.

[@ayrproductions]

@@markbehr88 turns out I was wrong. The 242 had steel tanks like everything else at the time.

[@1966human]

We need Australian car manufacturing again, then we wouldn't have to pay silly prices and there would be individual car designs

[@markbehr88]

Yes, it is sad we no longer have a car industry with such cool models that we used to look forward to seeing at every new release.

[@Eric-kn4yn]

​@@markbehr88number 1 port rd holden now great wall chinese made coming in cheaper than chips good while it lasts that is defending taiwan from china if it comes and i say yes wont help trade

[@Eric-kn4yn]

​@@markbehr88organic auto industry would have dropped falcon commodore and SUVs crossovers sports utilities would be the go

[@markbehr88]

@@Eric-kn4yn that’s a whole other ball of wool! 👍

[@OLDS98]

Thank you for this video Mark. I was looking at this generation thinking something looks familiar. It was the European Ford Granada. I liked the images you included and the information from the Ford design studios. I liked hearing about the they considered the American Ford Fairmont and you stated they got the wagon door. It is nice to know there was influence. Thank you for talking about the Holden Commodore as well and the competition. This model looks smaller and more efficient that the earlier models. This car shows how they moved away from the American influenced styling to the European look. Great job Mark.

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Olds98. Glad you enjoyed it. Many people think the Granada is the same, however, per the episode, only the headlights were shared. Re the tail gate. I made that observation many years ago when looking at my US brochures and then had the chance to ask David Ford(Product Planner) who confirmed it. 👍

[@OLDS98]

@@markbehr88 That is great you made that observation and confirmed it. That is saying something Ford Australia thought our Fairmont/Zephyr was small. Ford Australia would have had to make many modifications to make the car work in Australia. I guess it is no different than what was done before and after. I know the American Toyota Avalon was modified for Australia. The name was different too. I think it was Aurion or something like that. Thank you for explaining in the video the Falcon was different from Granada. Our Granada was totally different too. GM and Ford will use parts where they can for economies of scale.

[@markbehr88]

@@OLDS98 Yes, it is certainly interesting regarding all the variations. You can see why they wanted a one car fits all. 👍

[@OLDS98]

@@markbehr88 They all have tried to consolidate the models and lower the variations at all car companies because of economies of scale as you know and costs. It is easier now as the world globalized and converged over time. It was not easy in years past because the markets were so different and segments and needs were so different globally. I just hate American styling got lost and there are no American looking cars anymore. Everything is so international/global now and is geared towards certain buyers. I recall learning there were different versions of the same car like Honda Accord and Toyota Camry and none of them looked alike. We learn about the things through You Tube and other sources. There are different versions of the Ford Ranger truck for example. They have to know the buyers and the markets globally. GM was smart when they brought Holden to the United States, but did it wrong with the marketing. People like Holden Commodore and Holden Caprice here. I still say the Falcon could have been sold here in recent years, but then it would have competed against Taurus and Crown Victoria. I know you have a Ford Everest crossover/suv. They will not sell it here because it would compete against the Explorer here.

[@robertmorris6529]

​@@OLDS98Yes our 1st Avalon here was your cast off ! Next Body - Model named Aurion , a lot of us feared that Toyota would name it after a sunken WW2 Hospital ship . Luckily they didn't .

[@deanstevenson6527]

🥝✔️ The Fox Fairmont and the Opel/Holden Commodore were the exact same size. The XD Falcon was really pretty and sized so well to suit the market. Incidentally, the claimed 10% drag Improvement was later discredited by two Mechanical Engineering Schools which Ford funded. The Wheels March article said the XD and Granada Mark II had the same 0.44 drag factor. The factor for the Granada was using the Daimler Benz wind tunnel. The XD estimated cd was supplied from a 3/8th model at the Lockheed air-craft wind tunnel in Georgia, USA. When full-size testing was eventually done, the XD had a cd of 10% more than the wider XC. Information later damaging to the 3% less drag XE, and 0.48 XF tested drag factor. Lockhead actually tested the Group C Capri style "Phase VI" or whatever kit, which on the scale model, took off 15% off the drag factor, but added 10% to the already huge 2.15 m³ frontal area

[@markbehr88]

Interesting. I was not aware of that. Great looking car the XD. Still looks good today.

[@deanstevenson6527]

​​​@@markbehr88 Wheels Magazine, cf, 1987. Article "As Slick as a Brick", just prior the EA26 Falcon debut. Ford, like Holden, had intense engineering depth and access to the best tools..science and tech from US Aerospace!

[@markbehr88]

@@deanstevenson6527 Also the Audi 100 and Taurus (first model we didn’t get) made aero a new styling theme for the 1980’s. 👍

[@deanstevenson6527]

@@markbehr88 It's likely that had Ford released the Concord Concept nose on a race XC Hardtop, it's aerodynamics would have been a lot better than the XD in any of its forms, race or otherwise. No matter, I love both the XC and XD. Great advances on American and then European theams. Notice how Fiat 130 Coupe the blue XD looks. You can see Wayne Draper's love of Fiats 1970 Coupe. It took 9 years, but Ford nailed the European look without alienating the Australian buyer.

[@markbehr88]

@@deanstevenson6527 I do love the Fiat 130 coupe and the Lancia Gamma too. 👍

[@Ozvideo1959]

I had an XD Falcon, with a 351 V8. It went well but some of the components were rubbish. For example, I must have replaced the drivers side door assembly about 3 times. They were made from cast iron, cheap and nasty. They would break, and as they were not weldable, being cast iron, I had to buy a new one twice. Also the handbrake was cheap hollow plastic which broke as well. Eventually I had to rebuild the engine when the timing belt broke, bending all the valves. About a year later someone ploughed into the back of it while I was stopped at a roundabout, so that was it for the XD.

[@markbehr88]

Shame. Would be worth big $$ today. 👍

[@Ozvideo1959]

@@markbehr88 True enough, tbh after the engine rebuild it was never the same again. The rear-ender was enough for me. Previous to that I had a very clean XA Falcon 4 door, which was still in excellent condition when I traded it in. That was my first car and I spent a fortune on it. I was young and at that time I wanted a V8, the XA was only a 4.1 six. That AX with a V* dropped in it would be worth a few bucks too.

[@markbehr88]

@@Ozvideo1959 I can understand you wanting a V8. 👍

[@xbgtfella]

Just as a side note regarding drivetrain configurations, XDs ran a 5 speed manual in the xd with the 3,3 i6 engine. If my memory serves me right it wasn't considered an option for the 4.1 varient as it wasn't considered strong enough to cope with the 250s torque etc. I drove my dads sedan with this 5 speed in it snd as a teenager in Auckland NZ thought it was a bit gutless until it got over 100 kph and wound its legs out. Just some of my memories.

[@markbehr88]

Mine had a 4 speed. I thought the 5 speed in 3.3 came out in XE? Maybe late XD? 👍

[@xbgtfella]

Musr have been late xd. 5speed manual in anything early 80s was pretty new to the local manufacturers

[@markbehr88]

@@xbgtfella I think so 👍

[@1936Studebaker]

There were a hand full of 1979 XD 6 cylinders that had an Iron head with a points distributor, probably left overs from the XC?

[@markbehr88]

That’s interesting. 👍

[@famousamoss]

I had an early ‘79 Mint Green 4.1 litre XD Fairmont (bought it in 1985). Definitely had an iron head and points…I remember installing electronic ignition myself. A great car!

[@markbehr88]

@@famousamoss That would have been a nice car for sure. 👍

[@markbehr88]

@@johnnycapan6566 I wasn’t aware of that. Maybe trying to improve drivability with emissions etc? 👍

[@davidhayter8516]

Alloy head Ford six…what a PITA. What engineer in their right mind would put two different metals together and expect them to expand and contract at the same rate. A perfect storm for head gasket failure and boy, did they fail. 20 years later Ford were still trying get some reliability of the head gaskets. Even the AUs with the triple metal gaskets were not immune. Give me an all iron head or all alloy but not a mix…and 30MPG…only a person with zero knowledge of cars and driving would believe that marketing nonsense. Not even off a cliff with a tail wind. Ford and GM built down to a price.

[@simonf8902]

Clever redesign. However the XD had a leaf spring live rear axle, recirculating ball steering, rear drums, manual steering, 3 on the tree manual transmission. OHV in line 6. And the chassis went back to the original Falcon.

[@mihali9655]

Most family cars these days have a leaf sprung live rear axle, recirculating ball steering and rear drums (without even the option for discs). Of course I’m referring to the Thai dual cab utes here. And the old Falcon alloy head crossflow puts the anaemic Thai engines of today to shame. It’s amazing how far backwards we’ve gone since the local cars stopped being made.

[@markbehr88]

Yes. All true (four wheel discs on the 351) but it all worked! 👍

[@markbehr88]

And I would much prefer the styling of a Falcon any day. 👍

[@erroneouscode]

I was a motor mechanic at a large used car yard in the late 1980's and boy did I get sick of replacing broken door handles on the XD-XE-XF. Ford and the after market must have done quite well out of those.

[@markbehr88]

I thought it was more XE and XF? 👍

[@erroneouscode]

@@markbehr88 Far too long ago for me to differentiate what was what. I just know I copped more than my fair share of them in the workshop. Them and fish bowl Commodore headlights.

[@markbehr88]

@@erroneouscode I think the XF in particular was a cheaper handle that broke easily. 👍

[@johnkraft7461]

@@markbehr88 Hi Mark ! Great bit of history on the XD. When I was at trade school one of the senior panel beaters said in the 80's milkbars were even selling spare XD door handles 😂 They all gave me shit coz I had an XD - they hated them ! Cheers 👍

[@markbehr88]

@@johnkraft7461 That’s pretty funny though isn’t it? 😀👍

[@suparoo100]

The only trouble with XD's was that they were veritable rust buckets, I was very lucky in 2009 and bought one with very little rust in it that was taken out by an awesome panel beater for me and has still not reappeared now in 2024, while there is a lot to be said for Clevo's, I personally prefer Windsors, my XD now has in it what I consider one of Ford's best motors, the awesome 289 backed up with a 4 speed auto for cruisin' .....

[@markbehr88]

Yes. Rust was an issue. The 289 is excellent. I have one on my 67 Cougar XR7. 👍

[@barrycuda3769]

I did some head scratching with that Dick Johnson rock incident ,and what year it was ,something didn't seem right for a while ,but no worries. I find it interesting that Ford weren't encouraging racing the XD ,but when Edsel Ford saw Johnsons car taken out by a rock, and helped out with the money for him to continue his career racing Fords , It showed how Ford , in America at least were still keen on racing .I'm not sure, but, didn't Ford donate the XD body for Dicks next race car ?

[@markbehr88]

Hi Barry. Yes. I put a correction in the description. The Rock was 1980. Brock won that year. 1981 DJ won but it was a shortened race after a multi vehicle accident. 👍

[@barrycuda3769]

@@markbehr88 🙂👍

[@seancosgrove9879]

Great video and mostly very informative!! However, I feel more research was needed before posting as there's quite a few mistakes/inaccuracies made. And please don't call it the Falcon XD!!! It is an XD Falcon!!! XD being the model or prefix, as per the compliance plate. But again thank you for the video!!

[@markbehr88]

Glad you liked it. I put the prefix at the end as the videos rank better as “Ford Falcon” first. I mixed up the 1980 and 81 races but added a comment on that in the description. Any other errors? 👍

[@gregs5247]

the listed weight of the XD was around 100kg lighter than the XC, was that down to more glass vs steel? I remember the massive increase of glass being talked about a lot.

[@markbehr88]

Yes. I wonder if the glass added weight? I was surprised at how much lighter the alloy head was too. 👍

[@Eric-kn4yn]

​​@@markbehr88and plastic and alloy not glass

[@jasoncarpp7742]

G'day Mark. Another awesome video. I've heard of the Ford XD Falcon. You've sure covered a lot of Falcons. Which is your favourite Falcon? 🙂

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Jason. I have quite a few favourites. The XM, XA, XC, XD, EF and BA/F would be right up there. 👍👍

[@jasoncarpp7742]

@markbehr88 I like the XT, the XY, the XA and XB Falcon. I look forward to seeing more Falcon models. I also like the Fairlane and the LTD.

[@markbehr88]

@@jasoncarpp7742 All nice models too 👍

[@billeves4627]

Your videos are great but you really must edit this one to correct the Bathurst 80/81 confusion.

[@markbehr88]

It is corrected in the description.

[@Eric-kn4yn]

Glass area grew considerably

[@markbehr88]

Yes. Great visibility unlike today’s cars, especially if your camera malfunctions! 👍😀

[@Eric-kn4yn]

​@@markbehr88older XA style too XD the VB commodore horribly small 6 pot a joke but handle better

[@markbehr88]

@@Eric-kn4yn Yes the Commodore handled well but the Ford generally stayed nice and flat, unless you were going over corrugations etc. Still. Easy to control and the Police loved them. 👍

[@Eric-kn4yn]

@@markbehr88 the BIG ford presence on the road does wonders for intimidation SA had valiants to the bitter end the CM looked the part

[@mathewhyland8925]

Which Falcon had the turbo six cylinder Mark that Dick Johnson wanted in V8 Super cars for Bathurst ?

[@markbehr88]

That was the XE. I didn’t include it in the XE episode (also on the channel) as it was never a factory based car or endorsed by the factory. 👍

[@russelblackwell6041]

351 still sort after the horsepower unbelievable

[@markbehr88]

I would love one for sure or even a 302. 👍

[@ayrproductions]

302 didn’t put out much less horsepower at this point, but the torque difference was where the 351 really shines.

[@markbehr88]

@@ayrproductions Sure. 302 still nice though. 👍

[@JayGuitars1]

Mark, I thought the cross flow cylinder head was co designed by Weber?

[@markbehr88]

I am not sure about that? Maybe? Anyone else know? 👍

[@noelgibson5956]

That photo showing XD No.l is fairly well known. Every time i see it, I'm irritated they didn't display the date it occurred. Some people may want to know that information. I've driven a couple of mates XD's. The first thing you notice is how uncomfortable the driving position is for larger people. The steering wheel is just too close to the driver. The front seat did not have enough rearward travel to move you away from the wheel......an annoying oversight. When i was 10, a school teacher at my country school bought a brand new XD GL in a very bright yellow colour. Despite being the base grade model with steelies, it looked very striking in that colour. I revisited the town in 2019 and drove past his house. After 40 years, he still had the thing parked in his driveway, and his house looked exactly the same! There was no newer car parked behind or in front of it, so it was likely still his main means of transport. Of couse, the paint was faded by this point. He owned that car before anyone else had an XD, and still had it years after everyone else sold theirs! In 1990, i bought a cream XE GL.......but only kept her five years.

[@markbehr88]

I had a XD 3.3 manual wagon. Cheap run around at the time. Apart from not liking to go over 100 kph I found it very comfortable and I am not “small”. Cool story about the yellow car in town. 👍👍

[@noelgibson5956]

​@@markbehr88 A 3•3 wagon? How did you cope with all that performance?? 😉😃

[@markbehr88]

@@noelgibson5956 It wasn’t easy. Especially on hills. 😀😀. Actually it wasn’t that bad if you just cruised along. For $500 how couldI say no. I sold it for $1300. Wish I kept it.

[@noelgibson5956]

​@@markbehr88 Yes, my XE was a 3•3 four speed GL sedan. But it was shorter, so I guess, lighter than the wagon, plus it had the updated motor which I think, helped it a little. The Blue Mountains were ok as long as the correct gear was selected. No power steering or air conditioning reduced it's workload to a degree. Being slowish didn't mean it was nessessarily unpleasant to drive. A couple of times, I had to fit a new clutch cable mid trip, as gear changes were required that often. At the time I had that car, some friends and relatives had XD's and ZJ Fairlanes with 302's and 351's fitted. I recall being incredibly jealous of them. The extra power didn't bother me. I wanted that SOUND! The sixes in the XE's were too quiet, particularly from inside the car.

[@markbehr88]

@@noelgibson5956 I know what you mean re pleasant to drive. My XD was pleasant too. 👍