The XM Falcon was released in 1964. 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 XM was first released and it is interesting to see where things were back then vs how they are today. Where were you when the XM Falcon was first released
Cost of a new Ford XM Falcon
- Starting price: approximately $2,400–$2,600
- The XM was a facelift of the XL, featuring improved styling, more chrome, and refinements to the interior.
- Ford continued to compete strongly against Holden’s EK/EJ series and Chrysler Valiant AP5.
Average wage
- Average weekly wage: about $42–$45 per week
- Average annual wage: about $2,200–$2,300
Average house price
- Around $9,000–$10,000
Price of petrol
- Around 8–9 cents per litre
Prime Minister
- Robert Menzies (Liberal Party)
Population of Australia
- About 11 million people
Top-grossing movie
- Mary Poppins was one of the biggest films in Australia.
- Other major releases included Goldfinger and My Fair Lady.
Top song
- I Want to Hold Your Hand by The Beatles became a defining hit in Australia and globally.
Significant world event
- The Beatlemania phenomenon swept across the world, heavily influencing youth culture.
- The Vietnam War was escalating, with increasing Australian troop involvement.
Popular TV / radio in Australia
- Bandstand remained the most influential music variety show.
- Homicide was gaining popularity as Australia’s first major police drama.
- Radio Top‑40 stations dominated youth music tastes.
Significant Australian news story
- Indigenous Australians still faced inequality despite federal voting rights in 1962.
- Australia was experiencing economic growth and suburban expansion, with increasing car ownership across the nation.
Interesting comparisons
- The XM Falcon cost roughly one year’s average wage
- The average house cost about 4 times a yearly wage
- Filling the ~50L tank cost about $4–$5
- A week’s wages could buy roughly 500–600 litres of petrol
- The XM helped solidify Ford’s dominance in compact family cars in Australia