Cost of a new Ford EB Falcon
- Base sedan models started at approximately $22,000–$23,000
- GLi and S models ranged from $24,000–$26,000 depending on options
- The EB Falcon featured refined styling, improved safety features, updated electronics, and better ride quality
- It marked the transition to the “modern Falcon” era, with an emphasis on comfort and family usability over raw performance.
Cost of a Ford NC Fairlane
- Base NC Fairlane sedan started at around $35,000–$36,000
- Higher-spec models could exceed $40,000, offering luxury features like climate control, leather trim, premium audio, and advanced comfort options
Cost of a Ford DC LTD
- Base DC LTD models started at approximately $45,000–$46,000
- The LTD continued as Ford Australia’s flagship luxury sedan, targeting executives and affluent families, with high-end finishes and full-size comfort
Average wage
- Average weekly wage: about $600–$625 per week
- Average annual wage: about $31,000–$32,000
Average house price
- Around $160,000–$170,000
Price of petrol
- Around $1.10–$1.15 per litre, reflecting continued moderate inflation and fuel market fluctuations
Prime Minister
- Bob Hawke (Labor Party)
Population of Australia
- About 17.0 million people
Top-grossing movie
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves were major hits internationally and in Australia.
Top song
- (Everything I Do) I Do It for You by Bryan Adams topped Australian charts.
Significant world event
- The Gulf War began in early 1991, impacting global politics and oil markets.
- Advances in technology, particularly computing and communications, were reshaping industry and lifestyle.
Popular TV / radio in Australia
- Neighbours, Home and Away, and Hey Hey It’s Saturday remained cultural staples.
- FM radio stations were increasingly influential for youth and mainstream music.
Significant Australian news story
- Gulf War and economic concerns dominated headlines.
- Local economic management and consumer trends shaped car purchasing decisions, with safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency rising in importance.
Interesting comparisons
These comparisons help place the EB Falcon, NC Fairlane, and DC LTD into everyday Australian life:
- The EB Falcon cost roughly 0.7–0.8 of a year’s average wage, the NC Fairlane about 1.1–1.2 years’ average wage, and the DC LTD about 1.4 years’ average wage
- The average house cost about 5 times a yearly wage
- Filling the ~70L tank in an EB Falcon cost about $80, while the larger Fairlane and LTD V8s could push it to $90–$100
- A week’s wages could buy roughly 550–560 litres of petrol
- The EB Falcon marked the modern family-oriented Falcon era, while Fairlane and LTD models remained symbols of executive luxury and prestige