The EA Ford Falcon was released in 1988. Here is a bit of a snapshot of what things were like and what things costs in Australia at that time. The landscape has changed a lot since the EA was first released and it is interesting to see where things were back then vs how they are today. Where were you when the EA Falcon was first released?
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.
Price 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
- 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