Ozzy Ford Fairmont AU - Hubnut's Betty- Goes for a Drive

[@fnp865]

I suspect a lot of Aussies from both the Ford and Holden sides of the fence will be watching this with a proud smile.

[@ut2k4wikichici]

Oh we are I love the folden falcadores of this era I own 4

[@mclouj]

Yep, absolutely :)

[@P38world]

He's right

[@cAiNoOp]

The only thing I disagree with old mate is the high end Variant of them were unreal the Ford XR8 was a mean looking and sounding performance vehicle

[@cAiNoOp]

@Aussie Pom how could I forget, absolute classic

[@linseyyoung1772]

I lived in Australia when these were released. Personally I loved the styling although most Aussies didn't. It thought it was as radical a change as the change from MK2 to MK3 Transit.

[@jamesfrench7299]

People used to criticise the drone sound of the Falcon six and BTR gearbox combination in this generation and the previous, but that was exactly what I loved about them. The character of the sound was the drawcard of these, as Ian understands. There was a period in the 2000s when these were ubiquitous as cabs in the Australian capital cities until 2008 when they started disappearing rapidly due to six ½ year age limit. Taxi operators didn't get as good an experience with the BA model. These sound really good being driven hard with the first to second gear upshift gliding in seamlessly despite heavy throttle. The button near the gear selector toggles between economy mode (the word "econ" appears in the odometer display) and power mode which just delays the shift points and revs out the motor longer in each gear. That can be a fun mode to use, but econ mode is the default position. Power mode works brilliantly in these for racing off at the lights holding first gear for much longer, letting the engine reach its power band without having to put the foot down much.

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@edanalytics9336 but pay at the bowser due to it's different approach to accelerating.

[@mastercylinder1939]

It’s a similar story with the Ford Taurus, the first iteration was a radical departure from the way cars were designed at the time, and was used in the Robcop movie as the car of the police force because of its futuristic looks. It sold well, it was well received, but as sales started to decline, Ford released the MK-II Taurus, the design was reigned in a bit making it easier to live with, it still had the Ford design aesthetic of the day, flush rectangle headlights and door pillars that recessed into the roof line, being compared to the Ford Sierra in England. So again, as sales of the MK-II started to wain, Ford released the MK-III, and tried to recreate some of the excitement of the MK-1, with a new striking design, based they say, on the Ford logo itself, the oval blue Ford name, all curves with no straight line in sight. Sales were boosted again for a short time, but some felt the design was a step too far, and it was a love it or hate it look. Like a jelly mould turned upside down. So as they’ed done with the MK -11, they released the MK-IIII, in 2000, similar in styling of the MK-III in the shape of the car, an oval cabin, hood and trunk, but the front headlight and rear tail lights took on the look of other ford products around the world and it resembled the Australian Ford Fairmont we see here. I personally have just bought a 1999 Ford Taurus, 23 years old with 115,000 miles on the odometer. With a 3 litre V-6. 140bhp, no rocket ship, but a step up in power from the 2004 Ford Focus I owned previously, it’s a nice ride. It looks nothing like all the generic cars seen today, so I’ll take joy out of the driving experience, knowing it’s almost unique. You won’t lose it in a parking lot, that’s for sure, and anyone under 15 years of age has probably never even seen one before. It doesn’t hook up to my phone or have a screen, it doesn’t even have a CD player, just a radio and cassette player, a CD player was optional, but mines doesn’t have it, but that’s ok with me, I have loads of cassettes to listen too. Lol.

[@kruleworld]

9:04 the ECON button changes the transmission shift points. it's for towing heavy trailers/caravans.

[@BrooksterMax]

I love the fact that despite being a big manufacturer, there was room for localisation. It’s a shame that this kind of possibility is diminishing. This is a good example of that as much as they could within the framework of the time.

[@TassieLorenzo]

TBH, the localisation was the exact reason Ford and Holden were economic disasters, at least in the latter years of their production after import tariffs were lifted. It made no sense for Ford to design one SOHC/DOHC straight-six engine for Australia and then a completely different DOHC V6 for North America and Europe. It made no sense for Ford's Taurus, Scorpio, Falcon/Fairlane, Crown Victoria, Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type to be completely different, mostly unrelated cars, when they all did about the same job. [Same goes for the Carlton/Omega, Commodore and Impala on the GM side, albeit the Commodore did share some parts and pressings with the Opel, and Holden did export some of their GM V6 engines to SAAB and Alfa Romeo.] There are a huge number of economies of scale which both Ford and Holden missed, which partly explain why their products were often underdeveloped and underfunded. Ideally, Detriot would have given the go-ahead for Ford Australia and GM Holden to have the budget to go ahead and design world large cars that would also be manufactured in North America, but you hardly imagine then letting the Australian divisions steer the ship instead of HQ in Detroit! By comparison, Toyota in Australia built the same Camry, Kluger (Highlander) and previously Corolla that they built everywhere else. The designs were well-resolved with Toyota's full global resources behind them, so you didn't get the ongoing defects or quality issues that you got with a Falcon or Commodore. The Toyota Australia factory was still profitable right up to the end of Australian manufacture, unlike the American brands. :) [I guess it helped too, that Toyota Australia were realistic that they couldn't build a RWD Crown properly and sell it for the price of a FWD Camry -- the Crown is much more expensive for a reason. Yet that was always what Holden and Ford were trying to do, and hence they always cut quality corners to be able to sell a RWD car for only a little higher price than the FWD competitors and about half the price of a German or Japanese (Lexus GS version of the Crown) equivalent.]

[@MartinJones123]

@@TassieLorenzo Your right, they should've had less completely different platforms doing the same thing but I don't think their American divisions would've done anything for quality... Mismanagement also killed these brands as well (Ford is only hanging on with the Ranger) and our RWD platforms could've been the host of many different cars...

[@jamesforge8107]

@@TassieLorenzo I have dismantled a few BA Falcons (same car with a massive facelift, mechanical and safety upgrades. The firewall is symetrical and was obviously desgned with left hand drive in mind. Pity the overlords in Detroit would not let it be built LHD. Same goes for Holden. The Chevrolet SS was only available with all the bells and whistles which made it no bargain in the US.

[@tomryan3527]

As an Aussie who has owned 3 AUs, , 20 years apart , I greatly enjoyed this review. Great to see the interior hood lining loose , as it is a common problem. There are still many on Aussie roads in varying condition and Ford nuts love them.

[@nefflz]

You forgot to mention the FUTURA model which was between the FORTE and the FAIRMONT

[@kevinpraditra]

An AU Falcon and a Crown Vic in ONE video?! Doesn't get much better than this!

[@RichieRouge206]

This was a really good review and the history especially behind the AU was great. Betty is such an appealing car and to my eyes it’s a handsome car, especially as time has moved on. Great video Matt!

[@stevenhoman2253]

I don't know what was outdated about it, the next model certainly had the remarkable Barrra engine, but the one here is damn good (designed upon the base of the 1963 Ford Falcon engine) One important difference with cars built in Australia, was the level of harshness delivered by our secondary roads. (anything not in a city or off a highway/freeway) Those roads will destroy a car in short order.

[@rufusfirefly1345]

Im quite chuffed with this vid. Most of my friends in product engineering had a lot to do with this car. I had the Fairmont wagon of the same year and a donor car from product engineering (ex NVH) which I ran in Autocross. A fun car both on road and on the dirt track.

[@baird55aus]

I still drive a 1999 Fairmont wagon. Just did an oil change and whilst underneath had a good look around. not a spec of rust underneath and just a little around the windscreen. I didn't have anything to do with AU but I did the purchasing of components for the BA instrument cluster and HID (as well as some VY Commodore parts as well. It was a busy time as BA, VY and a new Camry all came out together.

[@darcyw8995]

Being a Holden man through and through, I still have a soft spot for the old AUs, they aren't the prettiest but by god can they take a flogging, I'd love to take the high power VCT version of this engine and put it in my Commodore to stir the pot.

[@ut2k4wikichici]

I actually had 2 aus before I had 2 Holden's and ended up liking the Fords more haha

[@jamesfrench7299]

It used to be fashionable to knock the Fords but that had changed since people finally learned they are a superior car. Problem with the Ford's are little things going wrong and anything reasonably major rendering the car inoperable. The Holdens appealed to the senses a lot more, hence their popularity. Ford's Barra engine and Holden's Alloytec changed all that.

[@BomberFletch31]

Thanks for the video, I really enjoyed your take on the Falcon. It is indeed fairly rudimentary, but they go on forever. I had a 'BF' Fairmont - which was a facelift of the BA, which succeeded the AU. I loved the legendary Barra engine that it came with, but it still had the BTR 4-speed auto as standard. It also featured independent suspension all round, but the traction control is the same unit as the AU, as far as I'm aware - it just cuts power if it detects slippage. I sold it about three years ago and I now drive what you'd know as the Mk 5 Mondeo. I have the top spec Titanium (which is more like the Titanium X in the UK) with every conceivable gadget fitted as standard. The Mondeo is much more refined, quieter, better built, and more comfortable than the Fairmont that I had. It's probably better in every way except aural pleasure, but somehow, I still miss the Falcon. It's got a character that modern cars just don't have. I considered getting the last of the Falcons at the time, but objectively, the Mondeo is a better car in every way that matters. Just a small nitpick, though - between the base model Forte and the Fairmont, there is the Futura. You briefly mentioned the sports models, which are the XR6 and XR8, with the straight six and V8 respectively, but by the time the BA came around, the XR6 became the top selling trim level. And that plastic circular screw cover you pointed out? I've never actually opened it to find out if there's a screw under there, but I assume there is. On the higher models, the cover is a little bit more fancy - metallic look with the stylised 'G' from the Ghia logo.

[@jamesforge8107]

I have two BA Fairmont Ghia's. The BA traction control is a bit different. If it senses one rear wheel spinning it will pulse the brake on that wheel. If it senses both spinning then it cuts the power by backing off the drive by wire throttle.

[@gregburville3368]

The imported RHD USA Ford Taurus was sold in Australia from 1996 - 1998, alongside and competing with the Fairmont. I think at the time it was more expensive than the Fairmont, and with 3L V6 (east-west), and quite small compared to the Fairmont. Needless to say, it ended in tears.

[@michaelkeogh7722]

The Taurus sold so badly, I think there might be new ones still on dealers lots. At the time it was up against the EA and EB Falcons, which were suffering from the worst quality control in Ford Australia’s history.

[@Luke-PlanesTrainsDogsnCars]

Yep ,Third generation Taurus ..That was the one where the Ford designers were given a whole trayful of Ford oval logos...and the brief was '' ok guys ..trace around all the ovals and make a car ''...Awful.

[@Andyc351]

@@michaelkeogh7722 Taurus was sold in Aus 1996 to 1998 so it was sold against EF-EL

[@ut2k4wikichici]

I see taurus still it's very weird to see multiple variations of the falcoon competitor's

[@alexander1485]

You could have just said transverse v6

[@davidhynd4435]

We had an EB II Falcon wagon some years ago (Several models before the AU) and loved it, although I'm not sure how much I'd want to be feeding a 4.0 litre six at current fuel prices. An absolute workhorse. Ford Australia did a good job with that engine. I believe that it was not uncommon for Falcons being used as taxis to see around a million kilometres from that engine. Not bad, and in city driving too. These cars became so entrenched (along with equivalent Holdens and Chryslers) that everybody knew what you meant if you said "I drive a Falcon." Similarly, "Kingswood" and "Valiant" automatically said "Holden" or "Chrysler" with no further clarification needed. Ford initially sold, effectively, a right-hand drive conversion of the US "compact" (!) Falcon but they rapidly broke on our roads, with front suspension collapsing and other significant failures. The only reason that the Falcon survived long enough to become so popular is that Ford Australia re-worked it. They did a good enough job that by the XD Falcon ('79-'82) they had taken market leadership. Not a bad feat given that throughout the 1950s Holden had almost 50% of the market.

[@jamesfrench7299]

And didn't the S series Valiant show up the competition! The 225 slant very likely lead to Holden and Ford playing catch up by the late 60s with improving theirs. I got a lift in an AP5 or AP6 Valiant in the late 80s and judging by its appearance, didn't expect it to sound so smooth and modern. I was pleasantly surprised at it's engine note. The Ford and and Holdens at the time sounded archaic white this thing sounded as good as Falcons and Holdens in the following decade.

[@stevenhoman2253]

The more basic 'Forte' AU was too sad for words, by comparison that is a beautifully styled car externally. The inside is where it all falls apart, and the true horror cannot be concealed.

[@LukeLappage95]

There is a great video on youtube by MotoringBox that goes into great detail showcasing the au falcon and its history if anyone wanted to learn more of the Au platform.

[@gentlepersuader]

By 2001 the styling had been somewhat toned down. I remember seeing them in car yards in '98 with the base Forte' model ones utilising the "Waterfall grill" and oddly high suspension setup making the car look kind of extra gorky. They went through three revisions (series I, II and III). I think Ian's is either a late II or early III. The XR6 and 8 models with the quad lamps were better but I still preferred the look of the EL models. They did make an effort somewhat trying to differentiate the models both inside and out so points for effort there. The edge styling did manage to make the car look smaller than it actually was. There was an additional model between the Forte and Fairmont called the Futura. Great review by the way and 10/10 for effort for both of you bringing these cars into the UK.

[@linseyyoung1772]

I kinda liked the waterfall grill on the Forte models. I can't remember if the Futura had it as well?

[@arkhsm]

@@linseyyoung1772 I preferred the Forte waterfall grill to the small squinty Futura one !!

[@garygriffiths2911]

Like many others watching this I suspect this car is already a very familiar vehicle. While there is definitely something about it that reminds me of my old Mk3 Mondeo I can't honesty say that the AU Fairmont"s styling is anything like as well resolved as the European Ford. So she will always be 'Ugly Betty" to me. However 'looks aren't everything' they say - a adage I comfort myself with everytime I look in the mirror! If I had to choose between these two big Ford's honestly compels me to admit that I find the Crown Vic far more appealing - I like the colour and old school styling of the US car more, and let's face it there is little in motoring life cooler than driving a big American V8 with 'Police Intercepter' badge emblazoned across your bootlid.

[@michaeltutty1540]

If you ever decide to do that, go for a 91 or older from one of the Provincial Police forces or the RCMP on Canada. Most came with the 351W. The Sargeant at the Parry Sound Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police flat out refused to surrender his 91 with the 5.8 litre (351 Cid) V8. It had the same horsepower, at lower revs, as the 4.6, but it had over 140 extra lb/ft of torque with the peak arriving at a measly 2,200 RPM. On P71 cars, the torque peak was 385 ft/lbs. He kept that car perfectly, and bought it when he retired. I had an 89 Grand Marquis, and it had the tow package and the 351. 39-40 mpg is not had for a 2 ton tank and a 5.8 litre. Blasted thing flew. It died a painful death protecting me in a rear end collision at a mere 187,000 miles. My brother managed 550,000 miles out of his 86 wagon.

[@jamesfrench7299]

I thick you'd change your mind if you drove them. Interior fit and finish is miles ahead in Betty and the body is tight as a drum after 20 years. The Crown Vic has a horribly plasticky interior for such a masculine and tough car on the outside and under the hood.

[@TassieLorenzo]

The styling seeming unresolved might be because the AU Falcon originally came with three completely different front-end treatments: the Forte with vertical metal slats (called the "waterfall" apparently), the conventional-looking Fairmont grille like Ian's car, and the XR models with quad round headlamps and horizontal slats. The Forte version was so unpopular, that eventually all non-XR Falcons got the Fairmont grille! :)

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@TassieLorenzo except the grill had horizontal slats instead of honeycomb and it looked much better than the whale mouth grill it replaced. I have to respect Ford for being daring but they went too far for market acceptance so they toned it down using the Fairmont raised centre bonnet, altered Fairmont grill to denote it's tier, slightly larger wheels and deeper rear bumper and lower ride height making it quite a good looking car. The BA brought sales back even though while powerful, it wasn't as smooth running and was more problematic than the AU. They have aged pretty badly too and look quite bland now. Aussie tastes are very bland overall.

[@terrificspokesman7416]

Lower spec Falcons had manual windows in the back.

[@taxus750]

10:53 the blanking plug is because it's essentially a Falcon (most of which were used as taxis) and had keep-fit rear windows.

[@turquoisecat761]

* wind-up windows; not "keep fit"

[@jamest6850]

The blanking plug is actually where little ghia badges go on the doors in the ghia version. The window winders where further down.

[@eddiecleaver5376]

Another great video thanks, good camera work and commentary. Enjoyed seeing the on-car shots showing the suspension travel! Thanks Matt.

[@NSW2040]

13:44 38% of Australian road-stock is an AU Falcon (?!) …. more like as of 2020, there are 44,816 AU Falcon's registered in Australia. 17,192 of which are within Victoria, or equating to around 38% of the national fleet.(Wikipedia). Still quite a lot for a 20+ year-old car.

[@jamesfrench7299]

Certainly a better survival rate than the Morris Marina. They dwindled to the hundreds by that time despite a lot more being made.

[@c.d.c9425]

I laughed at that as well. There is no way 38 percent of our national road stock are AU Falcons (or Falcons in general for that matter). You don't need to do a survey to see how inaccurate that stat is. The most common stuff i see on the roads nowadays are Corollas, Hiluxes, RAV-4s, Ford Rangers, Mazdas and a good number of Volkswagens, Kias and Hyundais too.

[@grayfool]

Interesting to see an alternative view on the car. It gives a better understanding and contrast to the different requirements for each market. Nice one Matt.

[@Dino_Dad.]

There was also the xr6 and xr8 and Tickford models which are VERY collectable. Also the Fairlane models which are a extended body version with limousine rear legroom and all the extra trim, 5.0 V8 is now very hard to find. ..

[@tencm738]

There are heaps of AU XR8s for sale I wouldn’t say hard to find, but asking price is a lot atm

[@maxrockatanksyOG]

I always like the AU 2 & 3. And the IRS that Ford Oz shoved in the bum of the AU's was the best ever built here- far, far better than the B/F series "Control Blade" IRS, and miles ahead of even the Holden IRS. The AU IRS had next to no "tram lining", far less flex than the later B/F series IRS and was really well balanced. The AU IRS is so popular, that a few companies here in Australia are doing bolt in IRS systems for earlier Falcons (had one in my XE). The VCT inline 6 can take a lot of abuse, and was proved with both Police & Taxi services just how good the engine was; i have seen taxi's with close to 1 million km's on the block & crank, with a mild freshen up still going strong; the weak point has always been rust around the boot area (which continued into the early B series) and spot welds around the doors would start loosening up as the km's went up (we would re- spot weld around the doors when we built a few AU's). Despite the styling of the original AU, i always found the entire car far better than the VT/X Commodores of the same era, Holden picked their game up with the VZ onwards. By the time my 2014 FG XR6 came along, you could tell Ford Oz basically gave up- outdated interior, poor fit & finish inside and out, and the technology was well outdated engine wise & entertainment wise, which continued with the FG X only having better drivetrain & updated outside a tad; Ford went out with a bang when they released the FG X Sprints! Vale Ford Oz & Holden

[@spacekii]

Your video quality is really improving!! Particularly audio quality, love to see the progress! Getting really professional

[@Neil-Aspinall]

The Holden equivalent with it's V6 is not as pokey as these straight 6's. I was very surprised when I drove one back when.

[@chrisweeks6973]

Having over the past 50 years owned many 6-cylinder Falcons (XP, XA, XC, XF, AUIII and two Territory's) plus a Holden VR Commodore, the Ford has better low-down torque and the V6 Holden has good mid-range. Both run out puff fairly quickly, but neither engine is designed for high revs, nor are they needed in the Aussie driving context. It's about the ability to cruise at the legal limit all day and tow a trailer/boat/caravan easily and in a relaxed manner.

[@pgilb70]

I had a few earlier EF models as work cars. Nothing better on Oz dirt roads. Only disappointment was speed limiter at 180 that caught me out overtaking an outback road train....they were the days!

[@peterriggall8409]

I had them as Cop cars here in Tassie. Done millions of kms. in Falcons and ‘Commomdores’. We usually had updated stiffer suspensions but motors were stock. They were fit for purpose mostly. Falcons always had flatter more predictable handling IMO. Commodores bit flighty.

[@renes9966]

I miss my series one Forté. I will be importing one into the UK one day, and I will be sure to speak to Ian!

[@Mariazellerbahn]

I bought a Verte Tempest AU a few years back. Basically a Falcon AU Ute of 2002 vintage, brought to UK by AC cars and converted to LPG. All were registered with 2004 / 2005 plates even though they were all last of the line 2002 models with various trim levels (although most were basic trim and it showed). Looked great outside but the interiors were horrible ... the upgraded Fairmont trim is a lot better.

[@jamesfrench7299]

You don't care when you're looking outside 95% of the time. At least they were functional.

[@person.X.]

Y. Falcon interiors are dreadful quality.

[@jamesfrench7299]

Trust a British company to come up with that name for a Ford. What on earth??

[@PaulinesPastimes]

Great video. I am glad you enjoyed the experience and you obviously did your research too. It looks lovely to drive. Of course, the styling was pilloried when they were first released, and severely wounded Ford Australia, but by the time they got to this model, enough tweaks had been made to make them slightly more acceptable to the buying public. I do hope Ian's car will survive the onslaught of salty roads, they were never designed to cope with that.

[@phil955i]

A bit anonymous looking but I can respect the fact that along with that 4.0 inline six in a relatively low state of tune that thing being built for toughness will go on for a long time.

[@jamesfrench7299]

Tough engine is nice, but the transmission lets the team down. Not uncommon for them to fail at not much above 150,000km. For such a beefy size transmission (I've seen one on the ground), that's inexcusable. I heard BTR's quality control was pretty crook at their Albury plant.

[@jamesfrench7299]

@Aussie Pom YMMV literally!

[@peterriggall8409]

Impressive research you have done Matt. I didn’t know much of it. Did not know that the Ghia actually had an up rated engine. I thought it was just another trim level. Great video, you did Betty proud. 🤣

[@michaelwright2986]

Although the vast majority of Australians live in cities, driving in the country and beyond is important for the Big Aussie Sixes (RIP). So there's a reason why the engineering is old skool, not to say crude: if you break down 50 miles west of Bugga Bugga, the local mechanic is likely to be able to fix it. Good luck with start of the art stuff. I experienced this way out somewhere when I had a problem with an HR Holden. No problem fixing it. Also, it makes sense to design for a long life, because in most parts of Australia, rust is not a problem. The last time I was in Adelaide, not that long ago, there were still series 1 Honda Civics going around.

[@mattw8332]

16:00. Whoa, trippy wheels! I think the exterior styling is absolutely fine on this. Not contraversial at all.

[@jamesfrench7299]

Shows how bland Australian tastes are/were.

[@crb456]

The Falcon styling was just a bit too large a jump from the previous model for Australian tastes. I had a 2000 Fairmont with IRS and I was quite happy with the styling.

[@jamesfrench7299]

They look good with silvery metallic paints.

[@SkiRacingOz]

@@jamesfrench7299 I don’t know the BA, BF and Fg were fairly different but they looked great

[@chrislloyd4673]

Great review. I have a mint 2000 Fairmont station wagon with just 122000 km on the clock so the motor is just getting started. I replaced my 2010 falcon G6E with it as it drives better

[@danielrussell446]

Well done Matt a brilliant review! Much like most in the UK I only ever came across the AU when Ian bought Betty first time round and liked the styling it’s definitely more European Ford than the crown vic but equally tough as old boots I love them both you are both lucky to have found such great examples keep them both on the road and enjoy them!

[@jackconvex9524]

The au I had was electric windows up front and windy ones up back, great car indifferent aesthetics they’re being drifted into the grave it’s rare to see one in my area that isn’t on steel wheels and cut springs

[@cme2cau]

Put the chasers on on Saturday, secondhand tyre shop on Sunday! (allegedly)

[@Spookieham]

These cars were designed to go very, very long distances in a day on gravel/dirt roads in temperatures above 40 degrees. Unfortunately customer demand moved to SUVs instead. They are lovely smooth and comfy cars to just chew up kms with.

[@kimmohietala5359]

And also most Australians live in the cities these days and do not go on the gravel roads.

[@TheKnobCalledTone.]

The phrase "fit for purpose" springs to mind. The only thing that comes close to a Falcon for road tripping in Australia is the Commodore. Sucks that everybody over here decided that they'd rather take Rangers or Land Cruisers on road trips instead.

[@person.X.]

Yep. I spent a year road-tripping a loop round Australia in a Falcon EL (the one before this) and it was fantastic for that. Very comfortable and robust. It could drive for days on end on outback dirt roads with no problem.

[@AndreiTupolev]

11:25That's a very happy center console!

[@bunning63]

While the styling was questioned at the time, it's iconic now.

[@sean640307]

@Aussie Pom if anything, the overall styling was too bad, but that idiotic whale-tooth grille on the Forte was despicable and I know of at least one Ford dealer that was going to the trouble of painting the "ute" versions of the grilles and fitting them to their sedans in the yard (not for everyone sold, but quite a few of them!)

[@terrificspokesman7416]

Great review. Just saying that you said that the car is very European except for the KPH but actually all European countries except for the UK use KPH.

[@huwdavies6650]

The looks do grow on you every time you see Betty.

[@owensteele1645]

Betty the AU Fairmont is a cool car. She's been through an awful lot, and she's 20 years old, but she's still in very good condition. Here's to at least another 20 years.🎉🥂

[@brianheard4565]

I owned a wagon AU. The best mechanical feature was the steering - it was the Bishop variable ratio rack. Later Falcons (eg the BF, which I own now) did not have this, and so the best feature became the worst feature. The reason I bought it though is on the wagon, AU included, is the long wheelbase which means you can go to Ikea, buy a 2.4m long bench top, and slide it straight in the back. Brilliant!

[@baird55aus]

The best difference between AU2 and 3 over an AU 1 is the brake callipers.

[@darrengray2309]

The Ba Falcon looked so much better and also had the Barra engine in them

[@encinobalboa]

In concept and execution, this Fairmont is the closest to our Crown Vics. Designed tough for police and taxi service. Can go hundreds of thousands of miles because of large and crude engine. Engines have iron blocks, aluminum heads, and 2 valves per cylinder. I wish I could drive 4.0L or a Barra here in the USA.

[@matt_hayward]

Son "how can Santa deliver all those presents to all those kids in one night? Dad "he drives an AU son". Not my joke but laughed my head off

[@AndreiTupolev]

You pronounce the Ford Ka K.A. then, Matt? I've always taken it to be prounced ka, as in a play on words on the word car

[@milksheihk]

I think a taxi-spec AU could still be optioned with colllumn shift & a front bench seat, I remember riding in bench seat cabs in the mid 2000s & by that point Taxis weren't allowed to be more than nine years old.

[@troysanchez776]

I had a 1998 Futura when I lived in Australia. It was a great car.

[@SirOsisofLiver]

Really glad you and Ian put the effort in to do these videos. Very enjoyable to see the compare and contrast between these old girls.

[@frothe42]

Not surprised you like this. Now about driver on the "right" side of the road is subjective, depending on where you reside in the universe! Nice review.

[@alexander1485]

An inline 6 powered rwd aussie Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable

[@bobmmann3917]

Exactly, I thought the same thing. I had a Taurus and loved it until about 90k miles then it became a money pit

[@Strike86]

Such a shame that big saloons like this have almost totally died out in mainstream showrooms. In the '90s every manufacturer offered an executive barge but now if you want one you have to spend a small mortgage on something German.

[@michaeltutty1540]

Very interesting, Matt. I just learned which V8 was available in the Fairmont. I know which engine I would go for. The Winsor V8, so named because it was built at the Ford engine plant in Windsor, Canada, could have been had in 351 form through 91 in any Crown Victoria or Grand Marquis sedan. The 351 would have used less petrol than either that 4 litre inline 6 or your 4.8 litre V8. Sounds counterintuitive, but is nonetheless true. Ford's biggest mistake was replacing the Windsor with that modular thing. I am a fan of torque WAY down in the revs, and that is what a big car needs to achieve both respectable fuel consumption and the ability to waft along the open road at great speed in great comfort. When it comes to acceleration, it would be close run, determined by axle ratio and tire grip. Both have similar torque numbers as well as horsepower and there is not all that much between them in weight, either. Not much to choose in the fuel consumption, either. One difference is that until about 97, Ford offered a factory tow package that allowed cars with it to tow up to 5,000 pounds, so a bit under 2½ ton with a commiserate increase in combined gross vehicle weight rating. Up until 91, Crown Vic and Grand Marquis could be optioned to tow 6,000 pounds with a 12,000 pound Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

[@overnightpartsfromjapan01]

The Windsor in the Ford AU was a '302' 4.9L (marketed as 5.0L) EFI unit. A stroked 5.6L V8 unit was offered around 2001-02 in the Ford AU Tickford TS50. The last time the 5.8L Windsor was offered in a Falcon was back in 1982.

[@nowukkas2472]

The 6 used a lot less fuel than the 5.0 V8 and wasn’t a lot quicker in auto form…

[@robertsedgwick1629]

"sounds like a straight six- sounds like a granada" what the v6 granada? lol

[@RobinCapper]

Regarding the styling, always thought the C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class owed more than a bit to the AU, especially the rear end

[@PaulinesPastimes]

Yes, agree. I have often wondered if the same stylist was involved.

[@BobM925]

Great video, lovely to hear your perspective on Betty. I saw them parked side by side at the NEC, and after seeing Betty last year, I was surprised how the Crown Vic (sort of) dwarfed it!

[@jamesfrench7299]

Crown Vic is wider I think and that rear overhang!!

[@jamesfrench7299]

@Aussie Pom I have a 1992 NC Ghia sitting unregistered in the driveway due to a stalling engine. It needs a wash badly.

[@DeLorean4]

9:53 The Windsor V8 is made in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

[@michaeltutty1540]

Indeed so. Some day I am going to take a car spec 351 block, preferably an SVT, and build it into a 400 small block. The Chrysler 400 crank gives the stroke and a minor overbore will bring it up to 400.

[@rodneymcgiveron]

You forgot Futura... It was Forte , Futura , Fairmont and then Fairmont Ghia... I own a gorgeous 2001 Futura also with the Classic logo too . Futura have a few extra body and internal extras the Forte don't including the spoiler and the same ally 18 spoke wheels as Ian's Fairmont . . Owned her for almost 19 years ...Love her still ...Also have a 2008 FG XR6...stunning car with the Barra engine which is the updated 24 valve DOHC .On acceleration make sure for quicker power that the Econ button is off . Sounded to me like it was on hence the slower kickdown ...Great video otherwise ...Thanks. Don't forget the Futura .. Second trim level out of four levels . It's absolutely true how many AU's are still on the road ..Best quote I ever heard "AU Falcons will outlast religion " Check out the AU 3's Tickford TS / TE and TL 50's They are absolutely gorgeous and run special V8 engines specially built for this model .. .Cheers

[@jamest6850]

Remember the ones that had that double spoiler ?I remember test driving an S pack back in the day that had the double spoiler and a disc changer under the passenger seat. 😅 Amazing!

[@TheShinyShow]

I quite like the rear, it's just the droopy face that looks a bit odd the way the headlights drop off.

[@ut2k4wikichici]

I always thought mine looked sad hahaha I cheer mine up by doing skids

[@jamesfrench7299]

It all helps with their .29 drag coefficient score. The headlights are part of the body form.

[@crb456]

The rear was the most controversial view in Australia when it was first released. Without Betty’s spoiler of course.

[@jamesfrench7299]

The rear looked good as a taxi to me for some reason. The sad face taillights reminded me of London tube trains!

[@Andys_Vauxhall_Vids]

Talking of needing to be tough for the Oz market, apparently GM was looking to sell the senator B there and when they put it on a test run the chassis snapped it 2! I think the holden commodore was based on the old senator A/carlton platform so the later chassis from the Seantor B couldn't have been up to the job.

[@paulsz6194]

That was the 1978 model.

[@xj358]

Considering that Ford and Holden supposedly designed their Aussie cars specially for the harsh environment of Australia, they obviously decided that was no longer a consideration when they both stopped manufacturing Aussie specific vehicles around 5 years ago and with Holden going completely out of business just over a year ago.

[@nowukkas2472]

Everyone went to dual cab Utes for their Aussie adventuring.

[@sean640307]

@@nowukkas2472 yep, totally agree for the guys, and useless front-wheel-drive SUVs for the Mums so the only ones buying the big sedans were taxi fleets (who bought mostly Falcons, because they were almost indestructible compared to the Holden Commodores) or hire companies and even then, not many of those.

[@paulsz6194]

That’s because Mary Barra decided to pull GM out of all RHD markets. Selling Opel/ Vauxhall to PSA was t(e beginning of the end. If they were willing to pull GM out of the European market, then what were they going to do in smaller markets like India, Thailand & AU /NZ ?

[@lesklower7281]

Great review Matt where else would you get two You Tubers in Great Britain reviewing one if each other's cars both Fords and from different countries

[@jamest6850]

Blanking cap things are where these little ghia badges go on the top spec model.

[@stusoldcars4248]

Good seeing a different view from your perspective 👌

[@baird55aus]

i think you may have had the ECON mode on in your acceleration test. It limits the shift point. I really enjoyed this video (as an owner of an AU1 Fairmont wagon 1 of about 2239 were i6 and 163 wagons were V8)

[@thylacine1004]

Best Falcon ever made.....very reliable and robust.....the inline 6 vct is a very underated,very powerful and good economy in the manual.....

[@alexander1485]

Um... xa/xb/xc 351 gt coupe says hi

[@wesleyjohnston7884]

"Very European, apart from being in KPH". Right.....

[@geoffmower8729]

I have a 97 NL Fairlane with the same 4lt 6 and she can lift up her skirt and fly when needed The Fairlane has a longer wheel base and a lot more room in the back great comfortable cars for long distance driving. I think the 5lt Fairlane may have been a better match for the vic.

[@WarthogRacer]

Reminds me of a fourth generation Mercury Sable.

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

Nice review 👍I have owned a couple of Cockroaches (AU) But I did prefer the EF for comfort and ride.

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

Aren't most Australians driving in urban areas and if they want to visit other parts of Australia they fly ? The average 8k miles driven by Australians suggest they are mostly not crashing along dirt roads ??

[@jamesfrench7299]

Yep, falling for the common trap of embellishing stereotypes. Most rural roads are sealed and up to date. Have been for decades. It's not some backwater African country. If anything Australia is more modern than Britain and they have been emulating Australia to catch up if anything. Brits are almost as ignorant about Australian reality as Americans. Canadians are better than both.

[@scottwilliam6141]

Yeah. Most drive from the garage to the shopping mall.

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@scottwilliam6141 a more concise description of the reality than my own!

[@sean640307]

@@scottwilliam6141 yep, and mostly in small FWD SUVs, now, where the closest thing to being "off-road" is when Mum parks on the front grass to unload the shopping or kids

[@JS-1983]

Really like these videos, all four from both of you, Mr Furiousdriving and Mr HubNut 👍

[@jo_clarke1960]

To me they both have their quirks and if offered the choice, I'd have to flip a coin. Yeah everyone (or most), will look at the Vic and realize where it's from but Fairmont would really confuse people with it design and RHD. So when stopped at the lights, people would still be looking, which is part of the joy when you've got something like that.

[@weaton25]

This was very interesting to hear your thoughts on both cars I have a 2002 Jeep grand cherokee 4ltr auto in many ways much like Betty but with solid axles front and rear and AT tires you feel the bumps much more I just love these old American cars until it comes time to fill up with petrol but having said that I would not swap my old 4ltr for a new computer controlled if they gave one to me.

[@ut2k4wikichici]

I had a 96 sport sadly it rusted out I loved it dearly beautiful engine and gearbox honestly the most fun I've ever had in a awd

[@paulsz6194]

You forgot about the Futura model that comes after the forté .then there was an SR model then there was the Fairmont, then Fairmont Ghia. The Sports models was XR6 (i6) & XR8( V8).

[@androo4519]

You should do more of these car swaps. Good fun.

[@anakinskywalker4113]

Omg! I have waited forever for this video. As an Australian I absolutely love this. I have a 2001 Fairmont gear best car I have ever had. Apart from my 2001 rover 75.

[@shaydevlin5557]

Didn’t know the Rover 75 was sold in au

[@cme2cau]

@@shaydevlin5557 When Rover pulled out of Australia, the last new ones were sold at a deep discount. I met a bloke who claimed he got an MG ZT for about half price!

[@anakinskywalker4113]

@@shaydevlin5557 rover was never a big seller down under. It was always considered as luxury brand. My car is a loverly metallic burgundy red. In top specification connoisseur luxury trim level. With absolutely everything chucked in; including automatic transmission, leather, climate control, 10 stacker cd changer, sunroof chrome trim etc.

[@peterriggall8409]

@@anakinskywalker4113 They must be the best bargain out there. Lovely car for the price they go for. Expensive cambelts changes aside….

[@anakinskywalker4113]

@@peterriggall8409 they are a definite bargain. As a mechanic myself the cam belts are only expensive because we don’t do a large number of them & need custom tools for the V6. A reputable Land Rover/ rover specialist (such as myself) shouldn’t charge more than £250-£300 or about $700 Australian dollars for the work. They are very reliable engines when taken care of.

[@kevincahill1204]

Drag race …I think everybody wants to see that 😁

[@d33b33]

The Crown Vic can fit a police push bar or bull bar (oddly illegal in a number of US States, but not the UK), from which you could hang an old tire. You can then use it to push other cars up driveways and into garages. Could be handy.

[@monk3yboy69]

I grew up in South Africa and the Traffic police had these big bull bars on the front of their patrol cars for that very reason. They would recuse stranded drivers by pushing their car off the highway out of harms way and await recovery.

[@lunarsnz6915]

There’s something an au does best that I’m a bit sad that wasn’t done 😂

[@Larkful_Dodger]

especially with an LSD.

[@TassieLorenzo]

I see that Ian has replaced the Winrun tyres with rather more grippy Contintentals which may not help the cause! 😂

[@brainwells6634]

As American the Australian Ford Falcon should been the replacement for the North American Crown Victoria

[@TassieLorenzo]

Isn't it closer to Taurus size though? The Fairlane (long wheelbase Falcon) had the length of a Crown Vic, but was still quite a bit narrower than the US car. When GM brought in the Caprice (long wheelbase Commodore) as their US police car, I think plenty of people complained that the car was too narrow compared to a traditional GM B-Body?

[@jamesfrench7299]

You can see the narrower body as a contrast to U.S cars on camera. The main impediment it's NDH syndrome Not Designed Here.

[@paulsz6194]

@@jamesfrench7299Not Built Here as well. Now look at how many of their American Vehicles come out of Mexico?

[@exxusdrugstore300]

​@@paulsz6194it's all about perception lol

[@Leon-uj7pc]

It is interesting that the Australians used the names Fairmont and Falcon for trim levels on this car. In the USA the Falcon and Fairmont were cars that were pretty much entry level family cars. Both were also considered "compact" (which in the USA of the 1960's to 1970's meant a car that had a 111 inch or less wheel base). Both the Falcon and Fairmont were entry level family cars that was comfortable to ride in but were by no means a luxury vehicle. I like the AU but I still think Ford AUS, cribbed some of the design the 3rd gen Taurus which was being designed at the same time

[@TassieLorenzo]

The Australian Falcon, Fairmont and Fairlane all derive from the US models in the 1960's. They were continued into new generations in Australia, long after the North American Falcon and Fairmont were discontinued. IIRC, there were two generations of Falcon in North America (especially an XY(?) coupe in North America which we never got officially in Australia), compared to about eight to thirteen main generations of Falcon in Australia (depending on if you count the facelifts). IIRC (I'm no Falcon expert), the generations of Falcon in Australia were: - original Falcon (similar to North America?) - XY to XW Falcon (similar to North America?) - XA to XC Falcon (may be familiar to folks as the Mad Max Interceptor which was a Falcon coupe!) - XD to XF Falcon - EA to EL Falcon - AU to AUII Falcon - BA to BF Falcon (strictly, the BA was a major facelift of the AU, but it was changed a lot) - FG to FGX Falcon (the final Falcon)

[@mcgreiveyy]

In the USA, the sixties Falcon platform evolved into the seventies Ford Maverick, and then the American Granada and its derivatives.

[@MrButtonpresser]

Nice video. You should try and drive the Barra. 182-195 kW (244-261 hp) (petrol) and 240-325 kW (322-436 hp) (turbocharged petrol)

[@c4az57b]

Right hand indicator... should it not be standard on all rhd drive cars? We change gears with the left hand either centre console or on the column.

[@jamesforge8107]

The grommet on the rear door card covers a screw/bolt to hold the door card to the car. Right hand indicators are how it should be for a RHD car. Gear selector one hand, indicators the other hand. I know the UK has pretty much accepted the cost cutting practice of simply moving a LHD column to the right of the car instead of building proper RHD columns. It would put me off buying a car where the indicator stalk operates the wipers. I'd say the 38% is all Falcons not just the AU.

[@darrylmac6150]

Just looking at it, I want to drive cross country in it. I'll bet its a VERY lazy, subdued experience like sitting in an older relatives living room with a mug of tea in hand watching a touch of Countdown. Just lovely

[@markjones4485]

The top of the line Australian Ford was the Fairlane. It is bigger than the Falcon/Fairmont and looks a lot more like the Crown Vic with its more traditional styling.

[@peterriggall8409]

Don’t forget the LTD. Pollie transport of the era. Now they are using BMW’s. Shock horror.

[@peterbarber7613]

@@peterriggall8409 Police never used the LTD

[@peterriggall8409]

@@peterbarber7613 No agreed. I was saying Pollies, i.e. Politicians. They had heaps of LTDs in the day.

[@paulsheehan8185]

Ford Fairmont, was a compact car that replaced the Maverick in 1978 to 1982.

[@rjbiker66]

If I am not mistake Ford US took the concept of the watts linkage rear end of the falcon and applied it to the later model crown Vics

[@paulscountrygarage9180]

Not quite correct Matt, the AU Falcon, particularly in Forte trim, was not well received on launch. This allowed Holden to claim the lead in the battle for sales. Now, the AU is collectable here in Aus. I should have watched all the video before writing the beginning of my comment as you did talk about how the AU was not liked on release….I should never hade doubted you. 😂

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Great review as always Matt, have really enjoyed these Furious Driving/Hubnut collabs videos.

[@peterriggall8409]

Yeah agreed. Although they live far apart some joint test drives with different opinions would be interesting.

[@AndreiTupolev]

What you say at7:10is something that those who insist that we must all drive electric cars within 10 years might bear in mind. Although I suppose in Australia it might be feasible to have solar panels on the roof

[@d2factotum]

It really isn't. Solar panels are maybe 20% efficient at best and even on the Equator at midday the most power you'd get from a full square metre of them is about 300W...now if you consider just how much spare area you've got to put solar panels on a car and how much power an electric car uses at decent speeds, it becomes obvious quite quickly that the range extension from doing this is nowhere near worth the massive costs involved.

[@michaeltutty1540]

If you think that is bad, check the weather conditions in the Yukon Territory in Canada. It is a 475 kilometer drive for my brother to get to the nearest doctor or dentist. On dirt roads in summer and snow roads in winter. Winter is often down in the -50s. There are two routes he can take to Whitehorse. Just outside of the city there is a bridge on both routes. If the bridge is out, you have no choice but to turn around and go back. There is no settlement of any significance on either route, so best be prepared in case. Not one electric car has close to that range, especially in those conditions. Not like you can carry spare electrons. If your car dies, your only hope of rescue is the ships SOS beacon that notified the Coast Guard of your predicament. The CG calls Canadian Armed Forces who dispatch a helicopter to rescue you. Electric is got a long way to go for safety.

[@laverdafan]

I own a 1999 series one au fairmont, it is my daily driver. Totally agree with your comments. Is a great car for long distances, very comfortable and effortless to drive. Lots of torque from the motor, great for towing, with decent performance and economy. Handles well for such a big heavy car. Untill Toyota took over, all taxi's in Western Australia were Ford. My au has grommets in the b pillars and two around the bootlid closure to accomodate cables for taxi signage, my car was never a taxi. They thought of pretty much everything!

[@wayniexagt]

"builds a car ths does 500,000 miles and still sell for 20k " ...... you gotta be on the Aussie meth to believe that . AU falcons are worth fuck all