Cost of a new Ford XR Falcon
- Starting price: approximately $2,900–$3,200
- Regal models were around $3,500–$4,000 depending on options
- The XR introduced the Falcon GT, Australia’s first mass-produced muscle car, starting at about $3,800–$4,200.
The XR was a major redesign, featuring new, more aggressive styling, improved suspension, and the first Australian-built V8 Falcon. It became a milestone in Australian automotive history.
Average wage
- Average weekly wage: about $50–$55 per week
- Average annual wage: about $2,600–$2,900
Average house price
- Around $10,000–$11,000
Price of petrol
- Around 8–9 cents per litre
Prime Minister
- Harold Holt (Liberal Party)
Population of Australia
- About 11.8 million people
Top-grossing movie
- The Sound of Music remained hugely popular in Australia, along with Alfie and A Man for All Seasons.
Top song
- Paperback Writer by The Beatles was one of the biggest hits in Australia.
Significant world event
- Australia increased troop commitment to Vietnam, and the war was a growing social issue domestically.
- Space exploration continued, with early satellite missions capturing public imagination.
Popular TV / radio in Australia
- Homicide and Division 4 remained popular.
- Bandstand continued to influence youth culture.
- Variety shows and imported dramas dominated evening schedules.
Significant Australian news story
- Vietnam War and national service debates were major news stories.
- Post-war suburban growth and rising car ownership continued to define Australian life.
Interesting comparisons
These comparisons help place the XR Falcon into everyday Australian life:
- The XR base model cost roughly one year’s average wage, while the GT represented a high-performance option costing around 1.5 times the yearly wage
- The average house cost about 4 times annual income
- Filling the ~55L tank cost about $5
- A week’s wages could buy roughly 550–600 litres of petrol
- The XR GT kickstarted Australia’s muscle car era, competing directly with Holden Monaro and Chrysler Valiant Charger