Cost of a new Ford EA Falcon
- Base sedan models started at approximately $16,000–$17,000
- GL and S models ranged from $18,000–$20,000 depending on options
- The EA was a major redesign, introducing a more modern, aerodynamic body, better handling, and improved ride comfort.
- The EA marked a shift to more sophisticated engineering and electronics, as well as updated safety features.
Cost of a Ford NA Fairlane
- Base NA Fairlane sedan started at around $25,000–$26,000
- Higher-spec models could exceed $30,000, offering premium interiors, power accessories, air conditioning, and luxury features
Cost of a Ford DA LTD
- Base DA LTD models started at approximately $32,000–$34,000
- The LTD continued as Ford Australia’s flagship luxury sedan, featuring top-tier comfort, advanced trim, and executive-level features
Average wage
- Average weekly wage: about $450–$475 per week
- Average annual wage: about $23,000–$24,000
Average house price
- Around $120,000–$125,000
Price of petrol
- Around 80–85 cents per litre, following price stabilization after the mid-1980s oil fluctuations
Prime Minister
- Bob Hawke (Labor Party)
Population of Australia
- About 16.5 million people
Top-grossing movie
- Rain Man, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and Die Hard were major hits in 1988.
Top song
- Faith by George Michael topped charts in Australia.
Significant world event
- Global focus on economic growth and market deregulation.
- Political changes internationally, such as the rise of Gorbachev in the USSR, began shaping global affairs.
Popular TV / radio in Australia
- Popular shows included Neighbours, Home and Away, and Hey Hey It’s Saturday.
- Radio and emerging FM stations heavily influenced music and youth culture.
Significant Australian news story
- Economic reforms, deregulation, and the lead-up to the 1988 Australian Bicentennial were key domestic stories.
- Car buyers increasingly demanded comfort, technology, and luxury features alongside reliability.
Interesting comparisons
These comparisons help place the EA Falcon, NA Fairlane, and DA LTD into everyday Australian life:
- The EA Falcon cost roughly 0.7–0.75 of a year’s average wage, the NA Fairlane about 1–1.1 years’ average wage, and the DA LTD about 1.4 years’ average wage
- The average house cost about 5 times a yearly wage
- Filling the ~70L tank in an EA Falcon cost about $60, while the larger Fairlane and LTD V8s could push it to $75
- A week’s wages could buy roughly 520–540 litres of petrol