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2014 Shannons Melbourne Summer Classic Auction
Lot
35

1962 Ford XL Falcon Panel Van

$21,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine In-line 6-cylinder, 170-cid
Gearbox 3-speed manual
Body Work Panel Van
Colour Mint Green
Interior Black/Grey
Trim Vinyl/Cloth
Wheels Steel disc
Brakes Drum

Description

This lot is no longer available

With Holden winning the sales race in Australia in the 1950s thanks to its locally produced models, Ford's Australian arm desperately needed to come up with a car of their own to compete on a level playing field and the compact new Falcon, about to be launched in the States, provided the perfect solution. Although of similar dimensions to the contemporary Holden FC, the new Falcon was far more modern looking, being lower, wider and instantly made its rival look distinctly old fashioned. Ford built a new plant at Broadmeadows in Melbourne to assemble the new Falcon, dubbed the XK series when launched in September 1960, and offered the car in two series, the basic version and better equipped Deluxe. Although essentially a right-hand drive version of the American model, the Aussie Falcon did have heavier duty rear suspension and larger tyres to cope with local conditions. The range was extended to include both utility and panel van versions in May 1961 and the initial 144-cid six-cylinder supplemented by the option of a more power 170-cid Pursuit motor. Transmission choices included a three-speed column shift or two-speed Fordomatic automatic. Although initially well received, the first Australian-made Falcons did come in for some criticism over concerns due to a perceived weakness of certain suspension components. In launching the revised XL range in early 1962, Ford not only improved the styling but beefed-up the suspension using Fairlane parts. Using the slogan 'Trim, Taut, Terrific', the XL was given a new Thunderbird-inspired look with a squared-off roofline and convex grille. Other changes saw a new starter motor, a stronger clutch and revised gear ratios to improve low down acceleration, along with a new carburettor. Both commercials were sold in either standard Deluxe versions, with the panel van officially known as the Sedan Delivery. The XL remained in production until February 1964, with a total production of 75,765 units and remarkably few remain on the road today.