The XA Ford Falcon was released in 1972. 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 XA was first released and it is interesting to see where things were back then vs how they are today. Where were you when the XA Falcon was first released?
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