10 Facts you may not have known about the XP
The XP Falcon introduced to the market in March 1965 would be the final revision of the first generation of Australian Ford Falcons that started with the XK in 1960.
The previous model XM Falcon had placed a huge emphasis on its reliability and ability to handle to often rough and rugged Australian driving conditions. The XP would continue this trend by strengthening the frame of the car to make it more rigid and give it more structural strength.
By this stage the Ford was beginning to shed its reputation as an unreliable car. Generally speaking you will see more original XP Falcons than any of the first Ford Falcon models.
In the early days the Falcon did have the upside of being a sleek and modern look. This look was beginning to age, especially since main rival Holden had released the EJ/EH series which somewhat took a leaf out of Fords book by releasing a flatter, lower, wider looking car. As well as that, Holden were also about to release the completely new looking HD Holden. Although cosmetically each Falcon has been facelifted to give it a new appearance, there is no denying that the XP and XK Falcons looked somewhat similar. Despite the aging looks, the XP sold well and was a hit among Australian buyers and the Australian motoring press.
The XP Falcon would be the first Falcon to win the prestigious Wheels Car or the Year, which it did in 1965, a huge accomplishment for Ford. It was also the first Falcon to offer the Fairmont variant and the first Falcon to offer a 3 speed automatic transmission. It was also the first Australian car to offer front disc brakes.
The same 3 inline 6 engine options were carried over from the previous model.
A shade under 71 000 XP Falcons were produced with prices starting from 1 075 Pounds ($2 150). The XP would be replaced by the XR in September of 1966.
10 Facts you may not have known about the XP