76-432: Tickford Vehicle Engineering ( TVE ) was a company responsible for numerous automotive projects and upgrades for Ford Australia between 1991 and 2002. In 1999, TVE setup Ford Tickford Experience (FTE) as a competitor to Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). In 2002, the operations changed to Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV), coinciding with Tickford 's global operations being bought out by Prodrive . In 1990, 12 years since
152-822: A Momo steering wheel being standard on the S-XR6 and optional on the S-XR8. With this series, TVE dropped the 'S' from its range and introduced the Falcon XR's signature four-headlamp treatment, inspired by the European Ford Escort RS Cosworth. The model range comprised the XR6 , the XR8 – and from September 1993 – the XR8 Sprint . The latter featured a more powerful 195 kW (261 hp) version of
228-405: A limit of 4 per dealers) for Australia, 20 exported to New Zealand (build allocation NZ01 to NZ20) and 2 exported to South Africa (build allocation 240 and 241). The EL GT was quite well known for its outlandish looks, penned by then Ford Australia's design chief, Steve Park (also responsible for the ill-fated AU series Falcon). His original sketch had a silhouette akin to that of a Batmobile with
304-532: A month later, in October 1998. The controversial looks of the donor car were lessened courtesy of better designed bumper bars and larger wheels, as well as more luxurious interiors, at least on the TS50 and TL50 models. Each model featured a styling kit that consisted of unique front and rear bumper bars and side skirts. A key distinguishing feature was the large chrome-mesh grille and "T" badges throughout. To identify
380-618: A new model – the LTD – joined the second generation of Fairlanes the LTD. It was in effect a Fairlane with more features such as retractable headlights, a vinyl roof and an even longer wheelbase. From the third generation of Fairlane onwards, the LTD shared the same wheelbase and body as the Fairlane, being marketed as a more luxurious version of the Fairlane rather than being a completely different car. The Fairlane topped Australian luxury car sales for two decades before its gradual downfall started in
456-462: A new small car to its Falcon production line. On 23 May 2013, Ford Australia announced that it would leave the Australian market after 88 years due to uncompetitive manufacturing costs and lacklustre sales. The carmaker's annual financial report, for the previous year, showed a loss of A$ 141 million (£90m/US$ 136m) after tax for the 2012 financial year. This followed a loss of A$ 290m in 2011 and
532-598: A protest from Firth resulted in a recount of laps and the win being awarded to Firth and Gibson. With the Falcon powered by a 289-cubic-inch Ford V8 engine , it was the first ever Bathurst 500/1000 won by a V8-powered car. Prior to 1967, the Mount Panorama Circuit had been regarded as too tough on the larger V8 cars (primarily the Studebaker Lark ), and had been the domain of smaller cars such as
608-458: A significantly re-calibrated ECU, bigger SVO GT40 cylinder heads and new 42mm headers. As a result, it produced 200 kW (270 hp) and 470 N⋅m (350 lb⋅ft). TVE had considered using the 351ci version of the "Windsor" found in the EA series GT prototype, and a higher displacement version. Both projects were shelved due to the associated high costs. One of the unique features of this GT model
684-508: A solid rear axle suspension setup unlike the independent rear suspension of the 172 kW (231 hp) XR6 VCT, which also featured variable cam timing . The VCT engine was an Australian-production first. In 2001, TVE also built 125 units of the XR8 Rebel , which were characterised by a Ford Racing bodykit (instead of the standard Tickford version) and, more importantly, the 220 kW (300 hp) "Synergy 5000" 5.0-Litre V8 version of
760-464: A top speed of 232 km/h (144 mph). The car featured a front end setup unique to the model, consisting of re-shaped cast uprights to allow the use of larger discs (328mm instead of 287mm on regular falcons). Twin pot calipers were also used in place of the standard single pot. 5-speed manual transmission (claimed) 4-speed adaptive automatic transmission (claimed) Trim option: Mako Grey (G3) This V8 sedan-only range consisted of three levels:
836-870: A total loss of A$ 600m over the preceding five years. As a result, 1200 staff would lose their jobs. Ford had two main factories, both in Victoria : located in the Geelong suburb of Norlane and the northern Melbourne suburb of Campbellfield. The Ford Discovery Centre , a museum of the history of the Ford Motor Company in Australia that was also located in Geelong, closed; the site was then occupied by Deakin University . From 1972 to 2016, Ford Falcons were fully Australian designed. The company produced
SECTION 10
#1732800915257912-400: A wilder wing consisting of a circular stop light mounted on a protruding centre post. However, Ford engineers opted for a more balanced approach to form and function. One of the most distinctive and polarising features was grille consisting of a vertical stacks, which lead the automotive media to name this car " Darth Vader ". Again, the bodykit was not just there for looks but was developed at
988-635: Is a major sponsor of the Geelong Football Club . The sponsorship agreement was first signed in 1925, making it one of the longest sporting sponsorships in the world. In August 2023, Ford Australia announced a major partnership with Basketball Australia . As part of the multi-year deal, the Ford logo will feature on the jerseys of the Australia men's national basketball team and the Australia women's national basketball team . Ford Australia
1064-711: Is a partner of Deakin University , funding the Ford Australia Women in STEAM Scholarship. Ford XR Falcon The Ford Falcon (XR) is a full-sized car produced by Ford Australia from 1966 to 1968. It was the first of the second generation of the Falcon and also included the Ford Fairmont (XR) , the luxury-oriented version. The XR series was introduced in September 1966. Styling
1140-555: Is distinguishable from standard models thanks to, a signature quad-headlamp front styling. In addition, all factory LPG systems for the EF and EL Falcon range were installed by and badged "Tickford". In July 1991, just prior to the formation of TVE, Ford Australia itself launched the EB Falcon S-XR8 after its decision to offer again a V8 engine option for the first time since the 1982 XE-series . In 1992, TVE became responsible of
1216-688: Is the Australian subsidiary of United States–based automaker Ford Motor Company . It was founded in 1925 as an Australian outpost of Ford Motor Company of Canada . At that time, Ford Canada was a separate company from Ford in the US. Henry Ford had granted the manufacturing rights of Ford motor vehicles in the British Empire (later the Commonwealth ) to Canadian investors. Ford Australia's first products were Model T cars assembled from complete knock-down (CKD) kits provided by Ford of Canada. Of
1292-607: The Fairlane and the LTD. The first Fairlane, released in 1959, was an Australian-assembled version of the US Fairlane . Assembly of US cars continued until 1967, when Ford Australia designed its own luxury car, the ZA Fairlane. Heavily based on the existing XR Falcon, it had an extended wheelbase, longer boot and modest styling changes. Ford Fairlanes were often preferred vehicles among politicians and businessmen. In 1972
1368-677: The Falcon GT . In addition, TVE was also responsible for other higher-specification Fords such as the Capri Clubsprint, and for the fitment of optional equipment such as LPG systems and sunroofs. In 1999, aside from enhancing the Falcon offering via the sporty XR range, TVE also established Ford Tickford Experience (FTE) comprising a 3-tier sedan-only T series based on the then new AU series . Managing Director, David Flint, made clear this brand's intentions by stating: "Tickford have helped add further refinement, safety and confidence to
1444-531: The Territory SUV , which also ended production in 2016. Production of the Falcon ended with the closure of the Broadmeadows (Campbellfield) and Geelong engine and panel stamping plants. The Geelong factory produced its last Australian-made straight-six and V8 engines on 26 September 2016. Assembly at Broadmeadows concluded on 7 October 2016, ending Ford's 88-year history in Australia. Ford Australia
1520-565: The XR8 but split the 6-cylinder range into the XR6 HP and XR6 VCT depending on engine variant. The XR6 HP was equipped with a 164 kW (220 hp) version of the new Intech engine (as opposed to 157 kW (211 hp) of the standard engine) thanks to: unique cylinder head; reshaped inlet port; redesigned exhaust port; ‘open’ combustion chamber shape to restrict pre-detonation from hot spot areas; unique camshaft; higher fuel pressure; recalibrated EEC V engine management system. It also had
1596-561: The "Windsor" engine from the FTE T series. With this limited edition XR8, Ford also provided a Sony PlayStation 2 console with a copy of Gran Turismo 3: A-spec signed by both Glenn Seton and Steven Richards as part of the package. The AU III series XR8 inherited the same 220 kW (300 hp) V8 engine as standard and the Ford Racing bodykit as an option to the standard Tickford version. A limited edition XR6 VCT Sprint also received
SECTION 20
#17328009152571672-495: The 1982 XE-series " European Sports Pack " Falcon. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, this performance void was filled by third party tuning companies such as AVO, Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) and Dick Johnson Racing (DJR). Both AVO and DJR had experimented with using turbocharged powerplants to boost the output of Falcon's venerable 4.0-Litre 6-cylinder, with DJR creating the Grand Prix Turbo based on
1748-584: The 220 kW (300 hp) engine previously reserved for the TS50. In addition, the latter could now be had with a 5-speed manual transmission. The TE50 was downgraded to Falcon XR8 brakes, with the Premium package becoming optional. TE50 Build Numbers This third and final T series was sold in parallel with the AU III series Falcon of 2001–2002. At this time, with the "Windsor" being replaced by Ford's "Romeo" modular V8 architecture worldwide, FTE received
1824-409: The 5.0-litre "Windsor" V8 engine, courtesy of the performance upgrades fitted to the previous year's Falcon GT "25th Anniversary". The same GT also donated an improved suspension and brake package, whilst featuring unique 16-inch wheels. There was very little body alteration to identify it, other than a black (instead of red) side body strip, a pair of subtle front wheel arch moulds and "Sprint" badges on
1900-886: The Asia Pacific and African regions. Products launched so far include the Ford Ikon and Fiesta in India and the Ford Bantam ute and Ikon (a sedan version of the Fiesta) in South Africa, and has also developed the new Ranger. On 24 January 2019, engineers and designers were among more than 100 workers to lose their jobs at Ford in Victoria. About 40 salaried workers, 75 hourly workers and 90 contractors across Ford bases in Broadmeadows, Lara and Geelong would be affected,
1976-577: The Australian Touring Car Championship and at the annual Bathurst 1000 touring car race, where the Falcon's reputation for engineering excellence was cemented by the early 1970s through the Falcon GT and GTHO "muscle car" variants. Ford manufactured more than four million units between 1960 and 2016, and topped sales charts on many occasions. By 2016 the Falcon line-up was offered only in sedan and utility body styles; in
2052-542: The Australian imported Ford Mustang, Ranger and Everest.This was a result of Ford Australia shutting down local production, ending the Falcon model and discontinuing the Ford Performance Vehicles brand. Ford Performance Racing was renamed Tickford Racing in 2017. This range of models – not to be confused with the 1966–1968 XR series – has been a fixture of the Falcon range since 1991. From its second release in 1993, it has become characterised by, and
2128-715: The Cortina was available with the option of either a 3.3-litre or 4.1-litre six-cylinder engine, and the Escort could be offered across the range with the Cortina's 2.0-litre motor. In 1977, lack of capacity required the Cortina wagon to be assembled in Renault 's (now long since closed) Australian factory in Heidelberg, Victoria . The Cortina's replacement, the Mazda 626 -based Telstar , was initially assembled in Australia. In 1989
2204-579: The ED Falcon. The XR8 has a 5.0-litre OHV (over head valve) V8 delivering 170 kW (230 hp) at 4500 rpm up from the 165 kW (221 hp). LPG was not offered as a factory option on the XR6 and XR8 models New frontal styling arrived with the EL, with the nose cone featuring slightly revised headlights and a slotted grille. The "cat scratch" vents found on the EF were now replaced with simplified versions on
2280-715: The EL. The XR6 received the same changes found in the rest of the EL range (coil-pack changed to distributor, a wide, single intake pipe opposed to the flat twin pipe of the EF). The XR6 and XR8 boasted a 164 kW (220 hp) six-cylinder and a 170 kW (230 hp) V8 respectively. In October 1997, the V8 engine fitted to the XR8 sports model was upgraded from 170 kilowatts (228 hp) to 185 (248 hp). Torque figures were also upped from 398 newton metres (294 ft·lbf) to 402 (296 ft·lbf) With this new-generation Falcon, TVE retained
2356-428: The Falcon XR's rear wing as standard, while the TS50 still carried a low-profile model as standard. Wheels sizes did not differ although any model could now be optioned with the new Azzurro 18-inch wheels. The following new colours were introduced: Venom Red, Narooma Blue (which replaced Galaxy Blue midway through the series) while Liquid Silver and Sparkling Burgundy were dropped. All these T-Series models now featured
Tickford Vehicle Engineering - Misplaced Pages Continue
2432-569: The Falcon soon proved unable to cope on harsh Australian roads, sparking a major effort to introduce improvements to its reliability. By the mid-1960s, the car was substantially different from its North American cousin and was offered in sedan, wagon, coupé, utility and panel van styles. Production of the North American Falcon, on which the Falcon was by then loosely based, ended in 1970, obliging Ford Australia to pursue its design independently. The first true all-Australian Ford Falcon
2508-494: The Ford Motorsport bodykit. In 1990, Ford Australia produced an EA Falcon concept that featured a 5.8-Litre (351 cubic inch) "Windsor" V8 and race prepared suspension to give it the handling to match its acceleration. This car, however, never reached production. The fitment of the larger "Windsor" engine required substantial alterations to the engine bay to fit the engine, making the exercise too costly. Nevertheless, with
2584-591: The Monash University (alongside the EL Falcon race car program) wind tunnel to improve aerodynamics. The rear wing was said to greatly reduce aerodynamic lift at speed, and unique bonnet vents were placed in a low pressure area to help engine cooling. Wheel arch extensions were used to cover the wider EL GT 6-spoke alloy wheels. The 5.0-Litre "Windsor" engine was locally developed in TVE's workshop. It featured
2660-721: The Mustang's sporty appeal led to Ford introducing a Falcon GT variant of the XR in 1967, featuring a 225 bhp (168 kW) version of the 289 cubic inch (4.7 L) Windsor V8 engine, sourced from the Ford Mustang . The GT heralded the dawn of the Aussie muscle car. All of the original XR GTs were painted in the colour GT Gold, except for eight that were Gallaher Silver and another five that were Russet Bronze, Sultan Maroon, Polar White, Avis White and Ivy Green. The non-gold GTs, while having
2736-469: The T Series range. It is very easy to build a car that just goes fast, but one that handles, performs and lends itself to outstanding driving dynamics is what we have aimed for'." In so doing, whilst the brand was an obvious attempt to combat the successful HSV products, FTE did not want to get into a "power war", focusing instead in providing a more sophisticated high performance product, making refinement its hallmark. Aside from Falcon-based products, over
2812-559: The TE50's braking system was downgraded to that of the Falcon XR8 (the "Premium" braking system becoming optional but standard again on the T3 series), and the T3 also inherited the Falcon XR8 dashboard but with a leather-trimmed only interior. An upgraded "Premium" braking system was otherwise standard on every TS50 and TL50. The first FTE followed the launch of the brand-new AU series Falcon
2888-427: The TS50 and TL50; with the TE50 having an additional option: Galaxy (metallic dark blue). All T Series models used the familiar Windsor V8 Engine renamed "Synergy 5000", but was hand built to provide more power over the XR8's standard 185 kW (248 hp) and it also feature an engraved plaque with the signature of its builder. The TE50 and TL50 models were equipped with a 200 kW (270 hp) version, whilst
2964-445: The TS50 gained aluminium cylinder heads, a larger throttle body and a revised camshaft to produce 220 kW (300 hp). The TE50 was available with a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. This transmission was the only choice on the TS50 and TL50. Along with being combined with traction control, the 4-speed automatic had ESS (Electronic Sports Shift), which was an Australian-production first by providing buttons on
3040-588: The Telstar sedan was replaced by the locally assembled Ford Corsair which was essentially a rebadged Nissan Pintara . When Nissan shut down its Australian manufacturing operations in 1992 the Telstar nameplate was reintroduced, and as before it was a rebadged and respecced Mazda 626. In 1995 the Telstar was dropped in favour of the Mondeo , imported from Belgium . Ford Australia dropped the Mondeo in 2001, arguing at
3116-505: The XE. DJR had intended his company to be set up as a performance arm not unlike Peter Brock 's Holden Dealer Team (HDT), but Ford was wary of such modifications due to warranty concerns. This meant that sales of both AVO and DJR Falcons remained very limited. SVO had greater success in the creation of a range of cars, starting with the Falcon EA series SVO (a car that formed the template for
Tickford Vehicle Engineering - Misplaced Pages Continue
3192-637: The XR sedans, unlike the 1966 US Falcon wagons which featured a 115-inch (2,900 mm) wheelbase. The Falcon 500 replaced the Falcon Deluxe of the XP series and the two-door hardtop body style available in the XP series was not offered in the XR range. The Falcon XR won the Wheels Car of the Year award in 1966, giving Ford Falcon two straight wins. The marketing focus on the Falcon's relationship with
3268-529: The backing of large-volume exports to overseas markets, the Holden Statesman and Caprice then became the sole full-size extended wheelbase luxury models until their demise in 2017. Between 2004 and 2016, the Ford Territory had been built on the same production line as the Falcon. The Territory (technically a crossover ) had regularly been the most popular SUV in Australia. Ford Australia
3344-401: The boot and a front chin spoiler. The XR6 and XR8 models continued with the heavily re-engineered EF series Falcon, with more improvements to the suspension and drive-line. The XR range now received a 1-piece nose cone including quad headlamp surrounds, bumper and a blanked out grille similar to the base Gli model. "Cats scratch" vents were applied to the bonnet. The XR6 continued to use
3420-705: The company confirmed, as the automaker further consolidated its operations. Ford's engineering work on its Ranger ute and other models "will be led out of the United States", the company said in a statement. Remaining Australian-based engineers would have a "strategic role" in developing a new medium-sized pick-up truck for Ford and the German brand, the automaker said. Ford Australia started by assembling Model Ts. As Ford introduced new models, they were assembled in Australia. During World War II, Ford Australia ceased producing cars to commence military production to support
3496-532: The introduction of the BA series Falcon range in 2002. Nevertheless, Tickford were still involved in the early development stages of some models including the BA Falcon XR6 Turbo, with early parts bearing the "Tickford" badge.The race team Ford Tickford Racing was renamed Ford Performance Racing in 2003. In 2016, The Prodrive Racing Australia division reformed Tickford to offer high performance upgrades to
3572-663: The introduction of the very first GT in 1967 (based on the XR series Falcon) and was also the first the badge was used on a production Falcon since the last GT of 1973 (based on the XB series ). The body was adorned by a full bodykit designed by Paul Gibson, who worked on the Ford Escort RS Cosworth . The bodykit was tested in a wind tunnel in England to ensure that the additions improved aerodynamic performance. The end product
3648-404: The last Falcon Cobra rolled off the line, Ford Australia started a worldwide search to find an engineering firm to establish a new performance arm in the same mold as rival to Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). The aim was to create a line-up of in-house performance cars that had been missing from the Falcon range since the 1970s. Ford Australia's last foray in this space was in fact represented by
3724-440: The last allotment of these engine blocks allowing FTE to produce 248 units of the Falcon XR8 Pursuit 250 Ute, which was sold as a Ford. The TE50 and TS50 also suffered some interior downgrades: the former lost its Fairmont dashboard for that of a Falcon XR8; and the TS50 lost the same luxury seats it shared with the TL50. Ford Australia Ford Motor Company of Australia Limited (known by its trading name Ford Australia )
3800-401: The late 1980s with the rising importation of European models such as BMW and Mercedes Benz. By the turn of the millennium, the Fairlane had been overtaken by the Holden Statesman in sales. In 2007, Ford Australia announced it would be cancelling further production of the Fairlane and LTD beyond the 2007 model year, citing falling sales and an uncertain future in the full-size luxury market. With
3876-433: The launch of the EB series in 1991, and for the first time since 1982 , a V8 returned to the Falcon range thanks to a 5.0-Litre version of the "Windsor" engine. With the return of this powerplant and with TVE on board, Ford deemed it an appropriate time to bring back the legendary Falcon GT model. Thus, TVE produced a 25th Anniversary and 30th Anniversary models based on the luxury-oriented Fairmont Ghia models, rather than
SECTION 50
#17328009152573952-424: The many models that followed, the best known was the Falcon produced from 1972 to 2016, originally a US model introduced in Australia in 1960 and eventually adapted to Australian requirements and road conditions. On 31 March 1925, Ford announced that its Australian headquarters were to be at Geelong , Victoria . The first Australian-built Ford was a Model T launched in June 1925. The improvised production line
4028-543: The only changes being slightly different gear ratios and recalibrated shift points for the automatic transmission. 5-speed manual transmission (source: Wheels, November 1992) Trim option: Ironbark (G3) Launched in 1997, this commemorative model was an evolution of its 1992 predecessor, this time based on the then new EL series . Production of the Falcon GT "30th Anniversary" totalled 272 units (150 manuals; 122 automatics), comprising 11 development cars (build allocation P001 to P011), 239 (build allocation 001 to 239 and with
4104-405: The past, panel vans, station wagons and hardtops had been offered. Falcons had been prominent as taxis in Australia and New Zealand, along with sister car, the Ford Fairlane. Performance variants of the Falcon were used extensively for pursuit work for many years. Ford Australia produced a range of full-size luxury cars alongside the Falcon for most of its production history. These models were named
4180-533: The pigs to the market on Monday". In 1956, the company bought a large tract of land in the northern Melbourne suburb of Campbellfield to build the Broadmeadows Assembly Plant , and in July 1961 announced that the new Melbourne factory would become the company headquarters. In 2009, the parent Ford company, seeking to avoid the Chapter 11 bankruptcy that had already befallen General Motors and Chrysler, began abandoning overseas projects. By about July 2009, Ford Australia had received permission from Detroit to add
4256-474: The previous car's suede-velour interior or a new leather trim with either red or blue inserts and embroidered logos, matched to the Momo steering wheel, gear knob and door trim. In addition, bumper inserts and rear wing were a delete option. For the first time, these models could also be optioned with satellite navigation. The look of the T2 was revised side skirts bearing each model's insignia, and accent grey inserts on front and rear bumpers. The TE50 now featured
4332-475: The same 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder shared with the base models but with Tickford alloy cylinder heads, cam and higher pressure valve springs with unique Tickford EEC programming. A press bent 2.5-inch exhaust was also added, a minor upgrade over the standard 2.25-inch system. The six-cylinder Ghia version also received the motor out of the XR6, with a quieter exhaust system. The XR6 delivers 164 kW (220 hp) at 5000 rpm up from 161 kW (216 hp) in
4408-417: The same specifications, are the rarest of the early Australian muscle cars. Ford Works Team manager/driver Harry Firth , and a young Fred Gibson won the 1967 Gallaher 500 at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst driving an XR Falcon GT. Firth and Gibson won the race by 11 seconds from their Sydney -based teammates Ian and Leo Geoghegan . The Geoghegan Falcon was initially flagged in first, but
4484-482: The separate Falcon-based models, each had a unique front fascia, with the TS50 gaining driving lights in place of the brake ducts of the TE50. The TE50 had 17-inch wheels whereas the TS50 and TL50 went up to 18-inch. Aiming for a more sophisticated look compared to its rival HSV, FTE fit only low-profile rear wings on the Falcon-derived models and no wing on the more luxury-oriented TL50. Paint options were limited to Silhouette (black), Liquid Silver and Sparkling Burgundy on
4560-448: The short wheelbase TE50 and TS50 and the long wheelbase TL50 . A distinguishing feature of the T series was a "FTE Premium Assist" package to enhance the ownership experience. Broadly speaking, the TL50 was based on the Ford Fairlane and the TS50 on the Fairmont Ghia. They all featured a "Premium" braking system. By contrast, the T1 and T2 series TE50 was based on a Fairmont (down to its velour-trimmed interior), however, in T2 series
4636-410: The sportier XR. The result was a proper Grand Tourer, with considerable driver comfort, instead of the high-powered setup of its predecessors. Based on the EB series, the Falcon GT "25th Anniversary" was launched in 1992, after a month from the release of the S-XR6 and XR8 models. Production of this exclusive model totalled 265 units, 15 of which were sold in New Zealand. It commemorated 25 years since
SECTION 60
#17328009152574712-479: The steering wheels allowing for manual gear shifting. Inside, each car featured Momo steering wheels and shift buttons. An upgraded Premium braking system was standard on all models, and both the TS50 and TL50 benefitted from Koni suspension components. TE50 TS50 Build Numbers This second series was sold in parallel with the AU II series Falcon of 2000–2001, which benefited from structural and interior upgrades. The TE50, for example, could now be had with
4788-410: The subsequent XR6), however, Ford still did not provide factory-backing. Ultimately, Ford Australia joined forces with Tickford , renowned in Europe for its modified Ford models. In 1991, Tickford Vehicle Engineering (TVE) was thus established as a joint venture between Ford Australia . TVE was involved in the creation of the Falcon XR range that emerged in 1992 with the EB series and the return of
4864-431: The time that the segment of the market in which it competed was in decline, but in 2007, it announced that it would introduce the new Mk IV model in Australia. The Ford Falcon was manufactured in Australia to a North American design, with the first model rolling off the production line at Ford's Broadmeadows plant on 28 June 1960. It differed little from the American design apart from conversion to right hand drive , and
4940-466: The war effort. After World War II, Ford recommenced assembly of imported Ford models. Initially, they assembled the UK sourced Pilot , then a range of British cars, including the Prefect , Anglia , Consul , Zephyr and Zodiac . Ford also assembled the Canadian Ford V8. The Ford Laser was produced in Ford's plant at Flemington in Sydney, from 1981 until September 1994 when the plant closed, after which they were fully imported from Japan. The Laser
5016-424: The whole range. The S-XR6 model was identified by a red rocker cover with the "Tickford wings" badge, a revised head and cam saw a power increase from 148 to 161 kW (198 to 216 hp). The S-XR8 was visually similar but was powered by the standard 5.0-Litre "Windsor" V8 engine. With the EBII, TVE launched an enhanced XR8 model. Both the 6 and 8 cylinder models were fitted with ABS , LSD , alloy wheels and
5092-434: The years, FTE was also responsible for a right hand drive (RHD) conversion of the fourth-generation Mustang Cobra and for promoting the European Cougar . In 1999, TVE also bought out Glen Seton Racing to create Ford Tickford Racing – Ford's first factory-backed team in over 30 years. With the purchase of Tickford by Prodrive in 2001, FTE was replaced by the new owner's Ford Performance Vehicles (badges as "FPV") with
5168-421: Was Ford engineer Louis (Lewis) Bandt . During the Great Depression , banks would not extend credit to farmers to purchase passenger cars, contending they were unnecessary luxuries. However, they would lend money for the purchase of "working" vehicles. The coupé utility fulfilled the need of farmers to have a workhorse which could also be used, as a well-known saying went: "to take the wife to church on Sunday and
5244-458: Was based on the third-generation 1966 US Ford Falcon , and it was promoted as the "Mustang-bred Falcon". It was the first Australian Falcon to be offered with a V8 engine, the 200 bhp (150 kW), 289 cubic inch (4.7 L) Windsor unit. The XR marked the first time a V8 engine could be optioned in all trim levels of an Australian car, V8s having previously been reserved for the more upmarket variants. The 144 cubic inch (2.4 L) six-cylinder engine
5320-441: Was deleted for the XR series, leaving the 170 cubic inch (2.8 L) six as the base Falcon engine. A 200 cubic inch (3.3 L) six was also available and a 200ci super pursuit motor. The XR series was initially offered in 9 different models: Falcon, Falcon 500, and Fairmont sedans, Falcon, Falcon 500, and Fairmont wagons, Falcon and Falcon 500 utilities, and the Falcon Van. The new wagons shared the 111-inch (2,800 mm) wheelbase with
5396-409: Was in a disused Geelong wool storage warehouse while work was under way on a factory several miles away, in an area later renamed Norlane . In 1928, the factory switched to the Model A , which was followed in 1932 by the Ford V8 . In 1934, the company released a coupé utility based on the US Model A Ford "Closed Cab Pickup Truck" that had been produced for six years from 1928. The local designer
5472-746: Was launched as the XA model in June 1972. The XD and XE generation Falcons (1979-1984) followed the styling trends of Ford Europe 's Granada II model, but were still purely an Australian design from an engineering standpoint and had virtually no parts commonality with the European product. The Falcon had been an Australian "automotive icon" for most of its 56 years in production, playing a prominent part in Australian popular culture and motor racing. Falcons have served as taxis, police cars, family runabouts, and transport for tradespeople. They have been winners many times in
5548-468: Was one of Ford's five product development centres globally. Since the end of factory operations in 2016, it fully imports cars and trucks for the Asia/Pacific region after the closure of its Australian operations. It was expected to retain about 1300 workers in Australia. Ford Australia was also designated as one of five (worldwide) full-service Regional Product Development Centres, specifically for
5624-662: Was reminiscent of the Lotus Carlton , which was based on the Opel Omega that formed the basis of the rival, second-generation Holden Commodore . The GT received the Mustang Cobra version of the 5.0-Litre "Windsor", with Tickford adapting it for local conditions. The 200 kW (270 hp) was the result of changes to the camshaft, intake and cylinder head improvements. The rest of the drivetrain consisted of regular XR components including manual transmission, with
5700-593: Was replaced by the Ford Focus in 2002. It is currently offered in sedan and hatchback variants with a 2.0L engine, which is one of the market leaders in sales. The Fiesta , a global Ford product, has also been offered between 2004 and 2022. Mid-size cars formerly assembled in Australia included the Ford Cortina , Capri and Escort , from the UK. These were adapted for the Australian market: for example, from 1972,
5776-439: Was the special adaptive mode of its 4-speed automatic transmission developed by BTR. A computer monitored a number of inputs to select one of 5 different shift protocols, adapting to the driver's own style. To allow 30th Anniversary GT to be driven in excess of 180 km/h (112 mph), a carbon-wrapped aluminium tailshaft was installed to eliminate the flex commonly found in standard Falcons. In July 1998, Wheels magazine reached
#256743