How Ford Refined Its First Modern Falcon
The XR Falcon marked a major turning point for Ford Australia. Released in 1966, it introduced completely new styling, larger dimensions, and for the first time, V8 power to the Falcon range. It was the car that transformed the Falcon from a durable family sedan into a genuine performance contender.
But Ford didn’t stop there. Just two years later, the XT Falcon arrived as a refinement of the successful XR Falcon formula. Rather than redesigning the car, Ford focused on improving comfort, styling details, safety, and overall maturity.
While the XR was the breakthrough model, the XT was the car that polished the formula and continued building the Falcon’s reputation as one of Australia’s most important cars.
Design and Styling Comparison
Exterior Design
The XR Falcon introduced a completely new body compared to earlier Falcons, featuring styling inspired by American Ford models of the mid-1960s.
XR design highlights included:
- Muscular body lines
- Coke-bottle styling influence
- Stacked vertical headlights
- Wide grille design
- Clean, modern proportions
The XT Falcon kept the same basic body shell but introduced noticeable visual refinements.
XT styling updates included:
- Revised grille design with horizontal emphasis
- Updated tail lights
- New side indicator placement
- Updated wheel covers
- Minor chrome trim changes
The changes were subtle but helped modernise the appearance and keep the Falcon competitive against newer rivals.
Ford’s approach was typical of the era:
Refine the successful design rather than risk changing it too much.
Interior Design
Inside, the XT continued Ford’s steady improvements in comfort and presentation.
XR interior features included:
- Modern dashboard compared to earlier Falcons
- Improved instrumentation
- Bench and bucket seat options
- Vinyl trim
- Basic luxury options
XT improvements included:
- Updated instrument cluster styling
- Improved interior materials
- Better seat trim options
- Minor ergonomic improvements
- Improved fit and finish
The XT didn’t reinvent the interior but improved quality and presentation, helping the Falcon feel slightly more upmarket.
Platform and Engineering Changes
Because the XR platform was already modern, the XT focused on refinement rather than major engineering changes.
Key XT improvements included:
Ride and refinement improvements
Ford made minor suspension tuning improvements aimed at:
- Better ride comfort
- Reduced road harshness
- Improved stability
Safety improvements
The XT continued Ford’s growing focus on safety with improvements such as:
- Improved braking options
- Better occupant protection considerations
- Continued structural refinements
Build quality improvements
Manufacturing improvements helped deliver:
- Better consistency
- Improved reliability
- Reduced early-life issues
The XT represents Ford entering a maturity phase with Falcon development.
Engine and Drivetrain Comparison
The XT continued the expanded engine lineup introduced with the XR while introducing small improvements.
Engine Options
XR Falcon engines:
Six-cylinder:
- 170 cubic inch (2.8L) inline six
- 200 cubic inch (3.3L) inline six
V8:
- 289 cubic inch (4.7L) Windsor V8
These engines helped establish Falcon as both a practical and performance car.
XT Falcon engines:
The XT continued these engines but also introduced a key change.
Engine options included:
Six-cylinder:
- 188 cubic inch (3.1L) inline six (replacing the 170)
- 200 cubic inch (3.3L) inline six
V8:
- 302 cubic inch (4.9L) Windsor V8 (replacing the 289)
The introduction of the 302 V8 was an important upgrade, offering improved performance potential and becoming a favourite among enthusiasts.
Transmission Options
XR transmissions included:
- 3-speed manual
- Optional automatic
XT continued similar options but with minor improvements in refinement and reliability.
Higher performance models also benefited from stronger driveline components.
Performance Comparison
Performance differences were modest between six-cylinder XR and XT models, but V8 XT models gained a slight advantage thanks to the newer 302 engine.
XT advantages included:
- Slightly stronger V8 performance potential
- Continued refinement improvements
- Improved drivability
While not a dramatic jump, the XT represents a small but meaningful performance evolution.
Model Range Comparison
Both XR and XT Falcons offered a wide model range.
Body styles included:
- Sedan
- Wagon
- Utility
- Panel van
Trim levels continued to evolve.
Variants included:
Standard models
Fleet and family focused.
Fairmont
Luxury-oriented model with more equipment.
XR models
Sport-oriented variants.
One major highlight of the XR range was the legendary Ford Falcon GT (XR), which helped launch the Falcon GT performance story.
The XT continued the GT tradition with the Ford Falcon GT (XT), further strengthening Ford’s performance image.
The XT GT also gained motorsport credibility through competition success, further strengthening the Falcon’s performance credentials.
Technology and Features
Technology improvements between XR and XT were incremental but important.
XR features included:
- Optional front disc brakes
- Basic ventilation improvements
- Optional radios
- Basic safety improvements
XT improvements included:
- Improved braking options
- Better interior equipment availability
- Continued electrical improvements
- Improved heating and ventilation refinement
These improvements helped the XT feel like a more polished version of the XR.
Driving Experience
XR Falcon Driving Experience
The XR delivered a major step forward compared to earlier Falcons.
Strengths included:
- Modern ride feel
- Strong engine options
- Comfortable cabin
- Good long-distance ability
Weaknesses included:
- Early development refinement compared to later models
- Basic braking feel in lower models
- Some early build quality inconsistencies
XT Falcon Driving Experience
The XT improved on these strengths through refinement.
Improvements included:
- Slightly better ride comfort
- Improved interior quietness
- Better build consistency
- Slightly improved engine drivability
The XT feels like a more polished XR rather than a fundamentally different car.
Reliability and Common Problems
XR Falcon Reliability
XR Falcons are generally considered strong classics today.
Strengths include:
- Proven drivetrains
- Strong structural design
- Good parts support
Typical modern issues include:
- Rust
- Age-related wear
- Electrical issues
XT Falcon Reliability
The XT benefited from continued improvement.
Advantages included:
- Improved production quality
- Continued reliability improvements
- Slightly improved component longevity
Today, reliability differences usually depend on restoration quality rather than model differences.
Ownership Costs Today
Ownership differences are usually determined by engine choice rather than XR vs XT.
Key considerations include:
Purchase price
XR:
- Often slightly cheaper than XT
- XR GT models command strong prices
XT:
- Slightly newer appeal
- XT GT models also highly valued
Parts availability
Both benefit from strong classic Falcon support.
V8 parts may be more expensive, especially for GT variants.
Running costs
Similar overall, though V8 models cost more to run than six-cylinder versions.
Condition remains the biggest factor affecting ownership costs.
Collector and Enthusiast Value
Both XR and XT Falcons are desirable classics.
XR importance:
- First modern Falcon redesign
- First Falcon V8
- Beginning of GT performance story
XT importance:
- Continued Falcon development
- Introduction of the 302 V8
- Strengthening of Falcon GT reputation
Choose XR for:
- Historical importance
- First of the modern Falcons
- Original GT significance
Choose XT for:
- More refined development
- Improved V8 options
- Slightly more mature design
Both are respected by collectors, with GT variants particularly valuable.
Verdict – Which Is Better?
Because the XT is a refinement of the XR, the answer depends on whether you value originality or improvement.
Choose XR Falcon if:
- You want the first of the modern Falcons
- You value historical importance
- You want the original V8 Falcon
- You like first-generation significance
Choose XT Falcon if:
- You want the more refined version
- You want the 302 V8 option
- You want slightly improved build quality
- You prefer the more developed version of the design
Final Verdict
The XR Falcon changed the game. The XT Falcon improved it.
In simple terms:
XR created the modern Falcon formula.
XT refined and strengthened it.
While the XR will always have historical importance as the breakthrough model, the XT represents the more developed version of the same idea.
For enthusiasts today, the decision usually comes down to whether you prefer the significance of the XR or the refinement of the XT. Both remain important chapters in the Falcon’s evolution into one of Australia’s most iconic cars.