The XY Ford Falcon was released in 1970. The XY Falcon is one of, if not the most popular Ford Falcon ever built. 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 XY was first released and it is interesting to see where things were back then vs how they are today. Where were you when the XY Falcon was first released?
Cost of a new Ford XY Falcon
- Base sedan models started at approximately $3,700–$4,000
- Deluxe and GT models ranged from $4,200–$5,000 depending on options
Cost of a Ford ZD Fairlane
- Base ZD Fairlane sedan started at around $6,500–$7,000
- Higher-spec models could exceed $8,000, offering luxury features such as air conditioning, power windows, and superior trim.
- The Fairlane remained Ford’s premium luxury offering, targeting executive and family buyers wanting top-tier comfort.
Average wage
- Average weekly wage: about $70–$75 per week
- Average annual wage: about $3,600–$3,900
Average house price
- Around $14,000–$15,000
Price of petrol
- Around 12 cents per litre
Prime Minister
- John Gorton (Liberal Party)
Population of Australia
- About 12.8 million people
Top-grossing movie
- Airport (1970) and MAS*H were major hits worldwide and in Australia.
- Other popular films included Patton and Love Story.
Top song
- Let It Be by The Beatles was a major hit globally and in Australia.
Significant world event
- The Vietnam War was ongoing, with growing anti-war sentiment in Australia.
- Apollo 13 mission (1970) captured global attention.
Popular TV / radio in Australia
- Homicide, Division 4, and Bellbird remained popular.
- Countdown, which launched in 1974, was a few years away, so Bandstand and AM Top‑40 stations dominated music culture.
Significant Australian news story
- Domestic debates over Vietnam conscription and foreign policy continued.
- Australia experienced rising car ownership and suburban growth.
Interesting comparisons
- The XY Falcon cost roughly one year’s average wage, while the ZD Fairlane cost around 1.8–2 years’ average wage
- The average house cost about 4 times annual income
- Filling the ~55L tank in a Falcon cost about $6–$7, while the Fairlane’s larger V8 could push it to $8
- A week’s wages could buy roughly 550–600 litres of petrol