Cost of a new Ford XA Falcon
- Base sedan models started at approximately $4,000–$4,300
- Deluxe and GT models ranged from $4,500–$5,200 depending on options
Cost of a Ford ZF Fairlane
- Base ZF Fairlane sedan started at around $7,000–$7,500
- Higher-spec models could exceed $8,500, featuring luxury trim, air conditioning, power windows, and premium interiors.
- The Fairlane remained Ford Australia’s executive luxury sedan, positioned above the Falcon range.
Average wage
- Average weekly wage: about $75–$80 per week
- Average annual wage: about $3,900–$4,200
Average house price
- Around $15,000–$16,000
Price of petrol
- Around 13 cents per litre
Prime Minister
- William McMahon (Liberal Party)
- Australia was approaching the Whitlam election in December 1972, which ended 23 years of Liberal–Country Party government.
Population of Australia
- About 13.0 million people
Top-grossing movie
- The Godfather was a global hit, along with Deliverance and Cabaret.
Top song
- American Pie by Don McLean was popular worldwide and in Australia.
Significant world event
- The Watergate scandal began in the United States.
- Global oil and economic concerns continued to simmer, though the 1973 oil crisis had not yet hit.
Popular TV / radio in Australia
- Homicide and Division 4 remained popular police dramas.
- Bandstand remained the dominant music show, appealing to teenagers and young adults.
Significant Australian news story
- The 1972 federal election saw Gough Whitlam’s Labor Party win, ending a long Liberal government.
- Economic and social reforms, including education and healthcare initiatives, were on the horizon.
Interesting comparisons
These comparisons help place the XA Falcon and ZF Fairlane into everyday Australian life:
- The XA Falcon cost roughly one year’s average wage, while the ZF Fairlane cost around 1.8–2 years’ average wage
- The average house cost about 4 times a yearly wage
- Filling the ~55L tank in a Falcon cost about $7, while the Fairlane’s larger V8 could push fuel costs to $8–$9
- A week’s wages could buy roughly 550–600 litres of petrol