10 Facts you may not have known about the XK
The XK Falcon was the first Falcon to be sold in Australia. It was first introduced in September 1960. This would bring about a new direction for the Ford motoring company.
It was based on the American design, despite this, it still contained close to 90% local content. The XK Falcon, introduced to compete in the Australian large car/ family market which, currently being dominated by Holden. With the Falcon, Ford would present Holden their first serious challenger to the top selling spot.
On release the Falcon looked much more visually appealing and modern when compared to the EK Holden which was being produced at the same time.
The Falcon was lower, wider and longer with more rounded and sleek modern styling, making the EK Holden look very outdated. This made the XK quite a head turner when it first hit the road. The XK won much praise from the motoring press for its styling and design which seriously challenged a somewhat content Holden. In turn this would bring about a new era for Australian motoring.
Although it won praise for its looks, it would lose points for its mechanicals, its reliability and its ability to withstand Australian driving conditions. As the first Falcon was originally made in the United States it was literally an American car with a right hand drive conversion.
Driving conditions in American and Australia are vastly different, the differences were even more pronounced in 1960. Roads in America are generally long, straight and flat. Roads in Australia are shorter, not and wide, windy, bumpy and in some cases unsealed. Suspension issues were a major problem with the XK. The underlying concept adopted by Ford USA was that ‘If it works here it will work in Australia’.
The XK was usually fine in and around Australian cities. However, in the suburban and country areas, problems became so frequent they earned the nickname ‘foul-can’.
The XK, available as a sedan, wagon, ute and panelvan. It was available with 2 inline 6 engine options (67kW and 75kW) and two transmission options (2 speed automatic and a 3 speed manual). A more luxury level ‘De Luxe’ was available with the sedan and wagon.
XK Falcon production totaled 69 500 units in 23 months. (September 1960 – August 1962). Prices started from 1 137 pounds (equals about $2 250).
The XK Falcon was the first real challenger to Holdens dominance of the Australian car market. The XK Falcon set in motion the great motoring rivalry (Holden v. Ford) that we have seen over the past few decades.
Unfortunately the XK did not generally receive the praise as the great classic that it perhaps should be. This is probably due to its reliability issues, but they would get ironed out as Ford found its feet in Australia.
10 Facts you may not have known about the XK