The XW Ford Falcon was released in 1969. It is arguably one of the most popular models Ford ever released in Australia. 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 XW was first released and it is interesting to see where things were back then vs how they are today. Where were you when the XW Falcon was first released?
Cost of a new Ford XW Falcon
- Base sedan models started at approximately $3,400–$3,700
- Deluxe and GT models ranged from $4,000–$4,800 depending on options
Cost of a Ford ZC Fairlane
- Base ZC Fairlane sedan started at around $6,000–$6,300
- Higher-spec models could exceed $7,500, offering luxury features such as power windows, air conditioning, and more sophisticated interiors.
Average wage
- Average weekly wage: about $65–$70 per week
- Average annual wage: about $3,400–$3,600
Average house price
- Around $13,000–$15,000
Price of petrol
- Around 11 cents per litre
Prime Minister
- John Gorton (Liberal Party)
Population of Australia
- About 12.5 million people
Top-grossing movie
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was one of the most popular films internationally and in Australia.
- Other major releases included Easy Rider and Midnight Cowboy.
Top song
- Suspicious Minds by Elvis Presley topped Australian charts.
Significant world event
- The Apollo 11 Moon landing captivated Australians and the world in July 1969.
- Vietnam War continued as a major international issue.
Popular TV / radio in Australia
- Homicide, Division 4, and Bellbird dominated TV ratings.
- Bandstand and AM Top‑40 radio stations continued to influence youth culture.
Significant Australian news story
- Vietnam War and conscription debates were major domestic issues.
- Continued suburban expansion and increased car ownership were shaping Australian life.
Interesting comparisons
- The XW Falcon cost roughly one year’s average wage, while the ZC Fairlane cost around 1.8–2 years’ average wage
- The average house cost about 4–5 times annual income
- Filling the ~55L tank in a Falcon cost about $6, while the Fairlane’s larger V8 could push fuel costs slightly higher
- A week’s wages could buy roughly 550–600 litres of petrol