The Falcon That Made Ford a Serious Contender
By the time the XM Falcon arrived in 1964, Ford Australia had already learned some hard lessons. The earlier XK Falcon had introduced the model to Australia, while the XL Falcon strengthened the car mechanically after early durability concerns. With the XM, Ford’s focus shifted toward refinement, safety, and market competitiveness as the Falcon matured into a genuine rival to Holden’s dominance.
The Ford Falcon (XL) had proven Ford could build a stronger Falcon, but the Ford Falcon (XM) would prove Ford could build a better one.
While the XM may look like a minor update at first glance, it introduced important styling changes, safety improvements, and mechanical refinements that helped the Falcon gain broader acceptance with Australian buyers.
Design and Styling Comparison
Exterior Design
The XL Falcon largely continued the styling introduced with the XK, maintaining a conservative early-1960s American look.
XL design characteristics included:
- Simple, clean body lines
- Modest tailfin influence
- Round headlights
- Conservative chrome trim
- Traditional three-box sedan proportions
The XM Falcon represented the first noticeable visual update to the early Falcon shape.
XM styling updates included:
- New front grille design
- Redesigned tail lights
- Updated side trim
- Revised badging
- Slightly more modern appearance
While still clearly related to the XK and XL, the XM looked more contemporary and slightly more refined. The changes were subtle but important in keeping the Falcon visually competitive.
Ford was careful to modernise the design without alienating existing buyers.
Interior Design
Inside, the differences were again evolutionary.
XL interior highlights:
- Simple dashboard layout
- Basic gauges
- Bench seat configuration
- Functional but basic trim materials
XM improvements included:
- Updated instrument cluster design
- Improved switchgear
- Better interior trim finishes
- Improved seat materials
- Minor ergonomic improvements
Ford was steadily improving perceived quality, something that would become a major Falcon strength later in the decade.
Platform and Engineering Changes
By the time the XL was released, Ford had already fixed many structural weaknesses found in the XK. The XM built on this stronger foundation rather than introducing major structural redesign.
However, that does not mean nothing changed.
XM engineering improvements included:
Safety Improvements (major focus)
The XM Falcon became the first Australian car to undergo full crash testing by Ford Australia. This represented a major step forward in local automotive safety development.
Improvements included:
- Strengthened door locks
- Improved occupant protection considerations
- Safety-focused engineering refinements
- Improved body integrity in impacts
This helped position Ford as a company taking safety more seriously.
Suspension and durability improvements
The XM continued refinement of:
- Suspension tuning
- Steering components
- General durability improvements
- Manufacturing consistency
The goal was not reinvention, but continued improvement of a now proven platform.
This approach showed Ford was entering a product improvement cycle rather than reacting to problems.
Engine and Drivetrain Comparison
The XM Falcon continued with proven six-cylinder engines while focusing on refinement rather than major performance gains.
Engine Options
XL Falcon engines:
The XL offered:
- 144 cubic inch (2.4L) inline six
- 170 cubic inch (2.8L) inline six
These engines were known for smoothness and simplicity rather than outright performance.
XM Falcon engines:
The XM largely continued these engines but with small refinements.
Changes included:
- Minor reliability improvements
- Cooling refinements
- Improved component durability
- Running refinements
Ford understood that reliability improvements were more important than chasing small power gains at this stage.
Transmission Options
Both XL and XM Falcons offered similar transmission choices:
Manual:
- 3-speed column shift manual
Automatic:
- 2-speed Fordomatic automatic
Again, the focus was refinement rather than expansion of options.
Performance Comparison
Performance remained similar on paper between XL and XM Falcons.
However, real-world improvements in the XM included:
- Slightly improved refinement
- Better consistency in engine operation
- Continued improvements in durability
The biggest difference between these two cars is not speed — it is maturity of the overall package.
Model Range Comparison
The XL Falcon established a solid model range which the XM largely carried forward.
Available body styles for both included:
- Sedan
- Wagon
- Utility
- Panel van
Trim levels continued in a similar structure.
Typical variants included:
Standard models
Focused on affordability and fleet use.
Deluxe models
Added:
- Extra chrome trim
- Better upholstery
- Additional comfort features
The XM Falcon refined equipment packaging and improved overall quality rather than dramatically expanding the range.
This shows Ford’s focus was on strengthening its market position rather than expanding complexity.
Technology and Features
Technology improvements between XL and XM were modest but meaningful.
XL features included:
- Basic heater systems
- Optional radio
- Drum brake systems
- Basic electrical systems
XM improvements included:
- Improved electrical reliability
- Better switch durability
- Refinements to braking systems
- Improved safety considerations
One of the most important developments was Ford’s increased focus on safety engineering.
While modern safety technology was still years away, the XM demonstrated that Ford was beginning to prioritise occupant protection.
Driving Experience
XL Falcon Driving Experience
The XL Falcon represented a major improvement over the XK and delivered a more durable and dependable driving experience.
Strengths included:
- Comfortable ride
- Smooth six-cylinder engine
- Improved structural strength
- Good long-distance comfort
Weaknesses included:
- Basic steering feel
- Limited performance
- Modest braking performance by modern standards
XM Falcon Driving Experience
The XM refined this formula rather than changing it.
Improvements included:
- Slightly improved ride tuning
- Better build consistency
- Incremental refinement improvements
- Continued durability improvements
The XM essentially feels like a slightly more polished XL rather than a completely different vehicle.
Buyers at the time would have noticed improved quality more than improved performance.
Reliability and Common Problems
XL Falcon Reliability
By XL Falcon standards, Ford had already solved many early Falcon issues.
Strengths included:
- Much improved durability over XK
- Stronger suspension components
- Improved steering reliability
Common issues today mostly relate to age:
- Worn suspension components
- Electrical ageing issues
- Rust concerns
XM Falcon Reliability
The XM benefited from continued improvements in production quality.
Advantages included:
- Improved quality control
- Continued durability improvements
- Slightly improved component longevity
Today, reliability differences between XL and XM largely depend on restoration quality rather than original design differences.
Both cars are considered simple classics with straightforward mechanical layouts.
Ownership Costs Today
From a modern ownership perspective, the XL and XM are very similar.
Ownership considerations include:
Purchase price
Prices depend heavily on condition, but:
- XL Falcons often appeal due to their improvement story
- XM Falcons sometimes command slightly more due to being newer and more refined
Parts availability
Parts availability is similar because:
- Many mechanical components interchange
- Strong enthusiast networks exist
- Specialist suppliers support early Falcons
Maintenance
Both cars benefit from:
- Simple carburetted engines
- Easy mechanical access
- Good restoration knowledge
Running costs are broadly similar between the two.
The biggest ownership factor is condition rather than model choice.
Collector and Enthusiast Value
Both models represent important stages in Falcon development.
XL Falcon significance:
- First major improvement Falcon
- Helped repair Falcon reputation
- Important engineering turning point
XM Falcon significance:
- First Falcon to emphasise safety development
- Continued Falcon refinement story
- Represents Ford gaining confidence in the platform
Collectors may choose based on:
Choose XL for:
- Historical engineering importance
- The Falcon turnaround story
- Early Falcon development significance
Choose XM for:
- Improved refinement
- Slightly newer design
- Continued Falcon evolution
Neither is dramatically more valuable than the other, with condition usually determining value.
Verdict – Which Is Better?
Both Falcons represent steady progress rather than dramatic change.
Choose XL Falcon if:
- You want the Falcon that fixed early problems
- You value its engineering importance
- You prefer slightly earlier models
- You like its historical significance
Choose XM Falcon if:
- You want the more refined version
- You value incremental improvements
- You want slightly improved safety development
- You want the more mature early Falcon
Final Verdict
The XL Falcon proved Ford could fix problems. The XM Falcon proved Ford could refine a good product.
In simple terms:
XL made the Falcon tough.
XM made the Falcon better.
The differences may not be dramatic, but they show the steady development process that would eventually turn the Falcon into one of Australia’s most successful cars.
For enthusiasts of early Falcons, both represent important chapters in the story of how Ford Australia developed one of its most iconic nameplates.