1969 Ford XW Fairmont GS Sedan

In mid-1969 Ford released a new range of Falcons and Fairmonts, codenamed the XW in Blue Oval parlance with new front and rear sheet metal on what was otherwise a largely unchanged body from the XR/XT model. The basic Falcon and Falcon 500 models were joined by a newcomer known as the Futura, which sat between the Falcons and the top of the range Fairmont. Ford continued with the smaller sixes but buyers seeking more go opted for the 302-cid V8 and the GT package continued as the 'hero' car with the potent 351-cid Windsor V8 for those looking for near race-car performance. The XW range brought with it a host of improvements across the board, including a new dashboard with collapsible steering column and the luxurious Fairmont was equipped with Kelsey-Hayes ?Turbo-Cooled? front disc brakes. The Fairmont equipped with the Grand Sport Rally Sport package, as offered here, could be ordered with an extensive range of options that allowed owners to personalise their new purchase to unprecedented levels. The GS came with unique hubcaps, stripes, GT dash (with comprehensive instrumentation) and steering wheel and could be specified with extra features like a vinyl roof. A GS could be ordered with anything from a six through the various V8s and critics raved about the 302-cid Windsor lifted from the Mustang with near GT performance levels and - according to some quarters - was a better all round package for daily driving.