62-615: The Ford Falcon (XK) is a mid-sized car that was produced by Ford Australia between 1960 and 1962. It was the first of seven generations of the Falcon , produced until 2016 . The first Falcon sold in Australia was the XK series, which was introduced in September 1960. It was initially offered only as a four-door sedan , in both Falcon and Falcon Deluxe trim levels. The XK was essentially
124-541: A halo car for the company. The new fastback design used the Rambler Classic platform. Marketed as a personal luxury car , the Marlin had unique styling and featured an exceptional array of standard equipment. A specially prepared Classic two-door hardtop was campaigned for the 1965 auto show circuit. The exterior was finished in yellow pearlescent paint . It was the interior treatment that differentiated
186-533: A right-hand drive version of the North American model, although local country dealers often included modifications such as heavy-duty rear suspension (five leaves) and larger 6.50 x 13 tyres. Front seat belts were optional. The steering was light and the ride surprisingly good, on well-paved roads. Whereas the North American model used an 'economy' 3.10:1 rear axle ratio, the Australian Falcon
248-587: A " post " sedan in 1963, and starting in 1964, a pillar-less hardtop . A convertible was also available for 1965 and 1966. Motor Trend magazine selected AMC's Classic line for the 1963 Car of the Year award. The Rebel name replaced Classic on AMC's entirely redesigned intermediate-sized cars for the 1967 model year. For 1968, the Rambler Rebel line was renamed the AMC Rebel as AMC began phasing out
310-463: A 1965 Classic as a penny-pinching economy car or a storming performance job." Additional performance options for 1965 included power front disk brakes with four-piston calipers that were supplied by Bendix . The standard 4-wheel drum brakes also continued to feature AMC's "Double-Safety" master cylinder system. The dual master cylinder was available in only one " Big Three " car: Cadillac. The U.S. automobile market included many competing makes in
372-444: A Fairlane with 289 cu in (4.7 L) V8 and automatic or a Malibu with 283 cu in (4.6 L) V8 and automatic. A total of 126,006 Rambler Classics were made for the 1966 model year. However, the name Classic was no longer considered a positive factor in the marketplace, and AMC began reshuffling model designations in 1966 to launch its completely redesigned intermediate-sized line. A top-of-the-line version of
434-740: A cast iron alloy cylinder head and produces the same 127.5 horsepower (95 kW) as the cast iron version. The engine was described as one "wave of the future" in automotive engineering as it points the way to higher production rates and lower costs. The 1961 Classics were promoted as "The All-Purpose Compact Car" even though it was roomier and larger than the Rambler American models. Romney signed advertisements and sales literature as "The New World Standard Of Basic Excellence." The 1961 Rambler Classic models "became popular with many older drivers who enjoyed their performance, fuel economy, and great automatic transmission." American Motors "defied
496-503: A decade or so ago ... best sellers include Ford Torino , Chevrolet Chevelle , AMC Matador , Plymouth Satellite ..." The domestic manufacturers began changing the definition of "medium" as they developed new models for an evolving market place. A turning point occurred in the late 1970s, when rising fuel costs and government fuel economy regulations caused all car classes to shrink, and in many cases to blur. Automakers moved previously "full-size" nameplates to smaller platforms such as
558-452: A design offered by only a few cars at that time. Classics with an automatic transmission continued to use push buttons mounted on the left side of the dashboard with a separate sliding pull tab for the "park" position. The cast-iron block six-cylinder engine was standard on Deluxe and Custom models, with the aluminum version optional. The 400 received the aluminum block, but the cast iron was a no-cost option. Other improvements for 1962 included
620-438: A flush single-plane aluminum grille replacing the previous year's deep concave design, and oval tail lamps replacing the flush-mounted lenses of the 1963's. Classics with bucket seats and a V8 engine could be ordered with a new "Shift-Command" three-speed automatic transmission mounted on the center console . The design provided the driver the ability to control the automatic's gear shifts manually. A new two-door model joined
682-418: A heavy-duty suspension, power-disk brakes, "Twin-Grip" limited-slip rear differential, and axle ratios that ranged from the standard 3.15 to the optional at no-cost economy-oriented 2.87 with automatic transmission or the performance 3.54 version when equipped with the floor-shift four-speed manual. For additional economy, an overdrive unit was available with the column-shift three-speed transmission on cars with
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#1732781118566744-525: A left-side hinged rear fifth door. Following the marketing message of "the sensible spectaculars" for the 1965 models, AMC was attempting to change its "sensible-car" reputation toward the more "youthful-oriented" 1960s marketplace. The Rambler Classic's degree of "spectacular" depended on the engine under the hood and performance-oriented equipment. Available was a high-compression four-barrel 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 engine and heavy-duty clutch. Options included
806-406: A new large plaid custom fabric upholstery - along with two matching throw pillows - as an option for the 1966 Classic Rebel hardtop model. The 1966 model year Rambler Classics received minor trim changes and additional standard safety features, including a padded dash and visors, left outside mirror, as well as seat belts for the front and rear passengers. The 660 mid-trim level was dropped, leaving
868-458: A one-piece, rectangular extruded aluminum grille, and new fenders, hood, sculptured door panels, and side trim, as well as redesigned one-piece bumpers. Trim and equipment levels started from the basic, called the Deluxe , to the mid-level Super , and the top-of-the-line Custom , which featured bucket seats in a four-door sedan. The suggested retail price for the basic Deluxe four-door sedan
930-420: A price cut of $ 176 on the popular Custom Classic sedan. 1962 added a 5 door wagon with rear facing third seat. All other wagons of the time had a horizontal hinged tailgate instead of a vertical hinged door in the back. The popularity of the compact-sized Classic continued in the face of a dozen new competitors. Sales of the 1962 model year Classics increased by over 56,000 in the first six months compared to
992-596: A rectangular rear window and a more formal and angular "crisp-line" roofline that could be covered with vinyl trim. Black was the only color available for the vinyl cover until white was added in March 1966. Sedans had an optional trim-outlined "halo" roof accent paint color. The station wagon's roof area over the cargo compartment was at the same level as the rest of the roof and no longer dipped down as in prior years. The wagons carried Cross Country insignia and featured 83 cubic feet (2,400 L) of cargo space, as well as
1054-427: A standard roof rack . The load-floor was lengthened by 3 inches (76 mm). The tailgate made wider and easier to operate. Two wagon seating capacities were available: a standard six-passenger version with two rows of seats with a drop-down bottom-hinged tailgate incorporating a fully retracting rear window for accessing cargo or an optional eight-passenger version with three rows of seats (the third rear-facing) and
1116-488: A suitable size for international markets, this Rambler was assembled in several countries. In Europe, Renault built this car in their Haren, Belgium plant and marketed it as a luxury car, filling the gap above the tiny Renault Dauphine . The 1963 Classics were also the first all-new cars developed by AMC since 1956. Keeping the philosophy of the company, they were more compact – shorter and narrower by one inch (25 mm), as well as over two inches (56 mm) lower – than
1178-618: A three-speed column shift manual transmission , or a two-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission . Although the engines were superior to the Holden FB 's 138 cu in (2,261 cc) inline-six, which produced 56 kW (75 hp; 76 PS), and the Holden did not offer an automatic gearbox, the Falcon quickly gained a reputation for weak gearboxes and suspension components, and struggled to take much of Holden's marketshare. This
1240-491: Is an intermediate-sized automobile built and marketed by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from the 1961 through 1966 model years . The Classic replaced the Rambler Six and Rambler Rebel V8 names, which were retired at the end of the 1960 model year. Initially available as a six-passenger four-door sedan and six- or eight-passenger station wagon versions, AMC added body styles. Two-door models became available as
1302-662: The Ford LTD II and the Plymouth Fury . A comparison test by Popular Science of four intermediate sedans (the 1976 AMC Matador, Chevrolet Malibu , Ford Torino, and Dodge Coronet ) predicted that these will be the "big cars of the future." By 1978, General Motors made its intermediate models smaller. New "official" size designations in the U.S. were introduced by the EPA , which defined market segments by passenger and cargo space. Formerly mid-sized cars that were built on
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#17327811185661364-560: The Typhoon in April 1964. This mid-1964 model year introduction was a sporty variant of the Classic 770 two-door hardtop . This unique model was introduced to highlight AMC's completely new short-stroke, seven main bearing , 145 hp (108 kW; 147 PS) 8.5:1 compression ratio 232 cu in (3.8 L) "Typhoon" modern era inline-6 . Production of this commemorative model
1426-542: The United States was the Rambler Six that was introduced in 1956, although it was called a "compact" car at that time. Much smaller than any standard contemporary full-size cars, it was called a compact to distinguish it from the small imported cars that were being introduced into the marketplace. By the early 1960s, the car was renamed the Rambler Classic and while it retained its basic dimensions, it
1488-556: The concept car with its yellow and green "Hialeah Plaid" trim. The door panels and bucket seat bolsters were genuine leather while the seats featured yellow and green plaid silk cloth inserts that were woven in Thailand . The same material was also used for the dresses worn by the models that stood by the cars during auto show days. Public reaction to the tartan interior design was favorable. This market study resulted in AMC offering
1550-461: The 1963 model year, the Rambler Classic line was completely redesigned with subtle body sculpturing. Outgoing design director, Edmund E. Anderson , shaped the Classic that was named Motor Trend magazine's 1963 "Car of the Year." These were also the first AMC models that were influenced by Dick Teague , the company's new principal designer. He "turned these economical cars into smooth, streamlined beauties with tons of options and V-8 pep." Being of
1612-421: The 1963–1964 design with a rectilinear reskin similar to that of concurrent Ambassadors. Fresh sheet metal design was applied to the original 112 in (2,800 mm) wheelbase and 195 in (5,000 mm) long integral body-frame with only the roof, doors, and windshield as carryovers. Unchanged was the suspension system including a torque tube with coil springs with a Panhard rod . The Rambler Classic
1674-554: The 232 cu in (3.8 L) I6 and 287 cu in (4.7 L) V8 engines. Facing the "Big Three" domestic automakers, American Motors promoted itself as "the "Friendly Giant Killer" advertising campaign emphasizing its cars with "quality built-in, not added on". The Rambler Classic was priced in line with the competition with the 770 two-door hardtop equipped with the 287 cu in (4.7 L) V8 and automatic transmission listing for $ 2,656, while Ford and Chevrolet two-door hardtops were priced identically at $ 2,668 for
1736-425: The 550 and 770 models for 1966. The standard I6 engine became the 232 cu in (3.8 L) with a one-barrel carburetor or optional two-barrel W-series Carter version. Available for the first time with V8 engines was a floor-mounted four-speed manual transmission and a dash-mounted tachometer . Classics received particular attention to the styling of the roofs for 1966. The two-door hardtop models received
1798-607: The Chicago Show that included the Rambler Tarpon fastback and the compact Rambler American Carrousel convertible. Still, the Cheyenne was likely most significant because AMC "did lots of specially trimmed, production-based show cars in its day" given the large number of station wagon models it sold. The 1965 model year Classics underwent a major redesign of the new platform that was introduced in 1963; essentially
1860-664: The Classic model line. In mid-1963, a new 287 cu in (4.7 L) V8 option was announced for the Classic models. The 198 hp (148 kW; 201 PS) V8 equipped Rambler Classics combined good performance with good mileage; even with the optional "Flash-O-Matic" automatic transmission from Borg-Warner , they reached 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in about 10 seconds and returned fuel economy from 16 miles per US gallon (14.7 L/100 km; 19.2 mpg ‑imp ) to 20 miles per US gallon (11.8 L/100 km; 24.0 mpg ‑imp ). The new AMC cars incorporated numerous engineering solutions. Among these
1922-539: The Classic's at the same time as the V8 engine was no longer available in the Classic models. This meant the Ambassador models were the only models with V8s in the AMC lineup. The two-door sedan body style Rambler Classic was a unique one-year offering for 1962. The front grille was modified for 1962, but the free-standing Rambler lettering in the lower center remained. The revised rear end received new round tail lamps and
Ford Falcon (XK) - Misplaced Pages Continue
1984-460: The Rambler marque. Throughout its production, the Classic was the high-volume seller for the independent automaker . Built in AMC's factories in the U.S. and Canada, the Classic was assembled under license or joint ventures and exported to over 100 nations. The Rambler line of cars was the focus of AMC's management strategy under the leadership of George W. Romney . Their compact cars (for
2046-526: The Typhoon. The engine became the mainstay six-cylinder engine for AMC and Jeep vehicles. It was produced, albeit in a modified form, up until 2006. The 232 I6 engine's name was soon changed to "Torque Command", with Typhoon to describe AMC's new line of V8s introduced in 1966. American Motors used the 1964 Chicago Auto Show to exhibit the Rambler Cheyenne in a unique rustic viewing area that
2108-627: The United States and is used for cars larger than compact cars and smaller than full-size cars . "Large family car" is a UK term and a part of the D-segment in the European car classification. Mid-size cars are manufactured in a variety of body styles, including sedans , coupes , station wagons , hatchbacks , and convertibles . Compact executive cars can also fall under the mid-size category. The automobile that defined this size in
2170-463: The contemporary FB series Holden being perceived as lacklustre and dated by comparison. Two engines were available; a 144 cu in (2,360 cc) Falcon Six inline-six , which produced 67 kW (90 hp; 91 PS) and an optional 170 cu in (2,786 cc) version of the Falcon Six, which produced 75 kW (101 hp; 102 PS). The Falcon was available with either
2232-477: The detractors" with its emphasis on economical and compact-sized cars achieving a sales total of 370,600 vehicles in 1961, "lifting the Rambler to an unprecedented third place in the charts behind Chevrolet and Ford". For the 1962 model year, the Super models were dropped and replaced by a 400 model. Also, for 1962, AMC's flagship Ambassador models were shortened to the same 108-inch (2,700 mm) wheelbase as
2294-481: The doors. American Motors' imaginative engineering prompted Motor Trend magazine to give the Classic – and the similar Ambassador models – their Car of the Year award for 1963. Motor Trend's "award is based on pure progress in design, we like to make sure the car is also worthy of the title in the critical areas of performance, dependability, value, and potential buyer satisfaction." The 1964 model year Classics, were refined with stainless steel rocker moldings,
2356-498: The era) helped AMC to achieve sales and corporate profit successes. In 1961, the Rambler marque ranked in third place among domestic automobile sales behind Chevrolet and Ford. Ramblers were available in two sizes and built on different automobile platforms . The larger-sized Rambler series was based on a 1956 design and was renamed the Classic for the 1961 model year to help create a stronger individual identity and contrast from
2418-405: The line of cars themselves kept increasing in size. By 1965, these GM "A platform" mid-size models matched the size of 1955 full-size cars. During the 1970s, the intermediate class in the U.S. was generally defined as vehicles with wheelbases between 112 inches (2,845 mm) and 118 inches (2,997 mm). Once again, the cars grew and by 1974 they were "about as large as the full-size cars of
2480-467: The line which only available in the top 770 trim. The pillar-less hardtop offered a large glass area, and "its sales were brisk." The model was featured in AMC's marketing brochure. A sporty 770-H version featured individually adjustable reclining bucket seats , as well as a center console. The new hardtop body style "added flash. Station wagons still accounted for 34 percent of Classic sales." Consumers continued to perceive Ramblers as economy cars and
2542-603: The longer two-door units used by the Ranchero and US sedan delivery. When production of the XK Falcon ended in August 1962, 68,465 units had been sold. The Falcon was also exported in small numbers to the various Empire colonies and Commonwealth nations. Pricing for a base model XK Falcon started at £1,137 ($ 2,274 AUD) Mid-size car Mid-size —also known as intermediate —is a vehicle size class which originated in
Ford Falcon (XK) - Misplaced Pages Continue
2604-481: The lowest 550 (essentially fleet cars), 660 , to the highest 770 trims. These replaced the Deluxe, Custom, and 400 versions) As in 1962, the 1963 Classics were initially available only as 195.6 cu in (3.2 L) six-cylinder powered models. In addition to higher trim and features, the Ambassador's standard V8 power, featuring AMC's 327 cu in (5.4 L) engine, was a distinguishing feature from
2666-463: The mid-size category by the domestic "Big Three" and Studebaker. Similar to "The Common-Sense Car" offered by Studebaker, the design of the Classic did not focus to draw a great deal of attention; however, the models offered sensible features, good trunk space, lots of leg room, and good durability. On March 1, 1965, during the middle of the model year , AMC introduced the Rambler Marlin ,
2728-594: The mid-size market for decades. Mid-size cars were the most popular category of cars sold in the United States, with 27.4 percent during the first half of 2012, ahead of crossovers at 19 percent. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles. Based on the combined passenger and cargo volume, mid-size cars are defined as having an interior volume index of 110–119 cu ft (3.1–3.4 m ). Rambler Classic The Rambler Classic
2790-478: The other "compact" cars on the market, but its interior room is equal to the new and larger "family-sized" Ford Fairlane and Mercury Meteor. American Motors highlighted the Rambler Centaur at the 1962 Chicago Auto Show on a raised platform in the center of the automaker's exhibit area. The car was based on a two-door sedan that did "not look remarkably different from regular production models." For
2852-530: The preceding models, but lost none of their "family-sized" passenger room or luggage capacity featuring a longer 112-inch (2,845 mm) wheelbase. American Motors' "senior" cars (Classic and Ambassador ) shared the same wheelbase and body parts, with only trim differences and standard equipment levels to distinguish the models. Classics came in pillared two- and four-door sedans , as well as four-door wagons. The model designations now became "a Mercedes -like three-number model designation" of that time, going from
2914-410: The previous year's tailfins were "shaved off". Rambler was one of the last cars to incorporate the tail fin design. It also became one of the first to "do away with them, and to build clean, simple, uncluttered cars." The back door upper window points were also rounded off for 1962. Starting in 1962, AMC took a leadership role with safer brake systems in all Ramblers featuring twin-circuit brakes ,
2976-422: The same period in 1961. A Popular Mechanics nationwide survey of owners that had driven a total of 1,227,553 miles (1,975,555 km) revealed that the Rambler is likable, easy handling, providing stability and comfortable, roomy ride with low-cost operation. Flaws included inadequate power and poor workmanship. The magazine editors also highlighted that the Classic has approximately the same length as most of
3038-679: The same platform, like the AMC Matador sedan, had a combined passenger and cargo volume of 130 cubic feet (3.68 m ), and were now considered "full-size" automobiles. Cars that defined the mid-size market in the 1980s and 1990s included the Chrysler K-Cars ( Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant ), the Ford Taurus , and the Toyota Camry , which was upsized into the midsize class in 1991. The Taurus and Camry came to define
3100-523: The six-cylinder models outsold V8-powered versions. Although the Classic had economy-car roots, it offered plenty of space with "clean, unfettered styling that the Sixties brought." American Motors positioned the Classic line to offer near- Chevelle or intermediate-sized proportions with Chevy II small car pricing." Nevertheless, stronger competition from the domestic Big Three automakers meant total Rambler sales dipped in 1964. American Motors unveiled
3162-404: The smaller Rambler American line. American Motors' Edmund E. Anderson designed the new 108-inch (2,743 mm) wheelbase Ramblers "that looked new and fresh but were in fact inexpensive reskinned models." The new 1961 Classic 6 and V8 models went on display in Rambler showrooms on 12 October 1960. They continued the body of the previous Rambler Six and V8 , but featured a new front end with
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#17327811185663224-498: The two-door hardtop Classic was offered under the historic Rambler Rebel name. It replaced the 770-H and featured special badges and standard slim-type bucket seats with optional checked upholstery with two matching pillows. Public reaction to the tartan touch appearing in some of AMC's "Project IV" automobile show tour cars was judged favorable enough to make the unique trim available on the Rebel hardtop. American Motors advertised
3286-513: Was US$ 2,098 and was only $ 339 more for a station wagon. In 1961, the Classic was available in either an I6 - 195.6 cu in (3.2 L) - or with a V8 - 250 cu in (4.1 L) - engine. A lighter by 80 pounds (36 kg) aluminum block version of the OHV I6 engine , sometimes referred to as the 196, was offered as an option in the Deluxe and Super models. The die cast block features iron "sleeves" or cylinder liners with
3348-454: Was a de-stroked 232 engine. The 660 and 770 series received the 145 hp (108 kW; 147 PS) 232 cu in (3.8 L) six, while a 155 hp (116 kW; 157 PS) version was optional. Additionally, the 198 hp (148 kW; 201 PS) 287 cu in (4.7 L) or 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 engines were optional. Popular Science magazine reported, "You can have
3410-531: Was built with a 3.56:1 ratio which better complemented the torque characteristics of the engine. It had a 38 ft (12 m) turning circle. The wagon, added to the range in November 1960, was shortened at the rear due to concern that the back of the car might scrape on rough roads and spoon drains. Billed as being "Australian-with a world of difference", Falcon offered the first serious alternative to Holden , and became an instant success. Sales were aided by
3472-440: Was curved side glass, one of the earliest popular-priced cars with this feature. Another engineering breakthrough was combining separate parts in the monocoque (unit construction) body into single stampings. One example was the "uniside" door surround made from a single stamping of steel. Not only did it replace 52 parts and reduce weight and assembly costs, but it also increased structural rigidity and provided for better fitting of
3534-504: Was further compounded by the introduction of the new Holden EJ in July 1962. The XK range was expanded in May 1961 with the addition of utility and panel van body styles, officially designated as Falcon Utility and Falcon Sedan Delivery, respectively. As with the wagons, these lacked the extended rear overhang of their American counterparts, and also used the four-door front doors rather than
3596-475: Was in contrast to the previous "economy car" image even though basic low-cost versions of the Classics were available. American Motors now only offered its modern straight-six engine design, retiring the aging 195.6 cu in (3.2 L) versions. The 1965 Classic base 550 models featured the modern and economical 128 hp (95 kW; 130 PS) 199 cu in (3.3 L) six-cylinder, which
3658-408: Was limited to 2,520 units. It was only available in a two-tone Solar Yellow body with a Classic Black roof and a sports-focused all-vinyl interior with a list price of US$ 2,509. The car also featured a distinctive "Typhoon" script in place of the usual "Classic" name insignia, as well as a unique grille with blackout accents. All other AMC options (except engine choices and colors) were available on
3720-437: Was made from knotty pine planks. The show car was based on the top-of-the-line Classic Cross Country station wagon finished in white, thus highlighting its full-length gold-tone anodized aluminum trim along the upper part of the bodysides (replacing the side spear that was standard on 770 models) as well as matching gold trim on the lower part of the tailgate between the tail-lights. This was one of AMC's concepts displayed at
3782-399: Was now competing with an array of new "intermediate" models from General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. The introduction of the 1962 Ford Fairlane was viewed by consumers as too close to the compact Falcon in size and performance as well as too close to the full-sized Ford models in price. It was the introduction of General Motors " senior compacts " that grew the mid-size market segment as
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#17327811185663844-555: Was now shorter than – as well as visually distinctive from – the Ambassador line, while still sharing the basic body structure from the windshield back. For the first time, a convertible model was available in the 770-trim version. The two-door sedan was dropped from the 770-model lineup. The 1965 Classic models were billed as the "Sensible Spectaculars" with brochures proclaiming the "most sweeping changes made by Rambler to its cars. Marketing emphasized their new styling, powerful engines, and expanded comfort and sports-type options, which
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