10 Facts you may not have known about the XE
XE Falcon and ZK Fairlane trim codes
The XE Falcon, introduced in March 1982, replaced the XD Falcon.
The XD Falcon was a brand new model and featured some of the most radical changes seen in the Ford Falcons history. The XE Falcon featured fewer styling changes and focused more on improving the overall performance and durability of the Falcon. The XE featured a much smoother and much more refined ride when compared to any previous model. The subtle cosmetic changes gave it an elegant, modern look.
The XE, sadly, remembered by many Ford fanatics as the Ford that dropped the V8 engine. Discontinued during the XE production run in 1982. The V8 engine, cut due to rising petrol prices and falling demand. This would mark the official end of the performance era for Ford. It would take 8 years for the V8 to return, with the EB Falcon, in 1991.
With the XE, Ford produced the only completely Australian designed and built car. The Holden Commodore, essentially a European General motors car adapted to suit Australian conditions while the Chrysler Valiant ceased production in 1981 as a Mitsubishi.
The XE was basically the only large car available for Australian families. With Holden bowing out of the large car market and Chrysler bowing out of Australia, Ford began to make a serious push to be the number one Australian car manufacturer In 1982, Ford annual sales would surpass those of Holden and Ford would become the best selling car in Australia for all of the XE production run. Ford would be the best selling Australian car for most of the 1980’s, from 1982 up until 1988.
The XE would also become the first car ever to receive the prestigious Australian design award.
The XE was the first Falcon to offer a fuel injected engine, 4.1L 111kW inline 6. It also offered 2 carburetted inline 6 engines ( 3.3L 90kW, 4.1L 105kW) as well as 2 carburetted V8’s which were discontinued in 1982 (4.9L 140kW, 5.8L 149kW). A 5 speed manual transmission was also offered for the first time on the XE.
XE Falcon production totaled Just under 195 000 units. Prices started at $9 758. The XE would eventually be replaced in October 1984 by the XF.
10 Facts you may not have known about the XE
XE Falcon and ZK Fairlane trim codes