1984 Ford XE Falcon 4.1 S-Pack Sedan

Description

Ford’s replacement for the XA-XC range of Falcons was launched in 1979 and unlike Holden, who downsized with the Commodore in response to the fuel crisis, the new XD remained a traditional full-size Australian sedan.  This proved a wise decision, with the XD-XF family of Falcons easily outselling the Commodore for most of the 1980s.  The XD was sold with three different equipment levels, the base GL, the Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia and could be ordered with two different six-cylinder (3.3 and 4.1-litre) and two V8 (4.9 and 5.8-litre) engines under the bonnet.  A new alloy cylinder head was jointly developed for the sixes with Honda and found its way into production in June 1980, resulting in improved fuel economy and better low down torque.  The revamped XE Falcon was unveiled in March 1982 with revised frontal styling and completely redesigned rear suspension featuring a Watts linkage, four trailing arms and progressive-rate coil springs.  Also notable as the final V8-powered Falcon for some years, the XE also saw the introduction of electronic fuel injection in February 1983, helping Ford maintain its grip on the number one sales position, something consolidated by its successor, the XF launched in October 1984.  Looking to inject a little excitement in the range, Ford offered the ‘S’ Pack on the Falcon GL sedans, wagons and commercials and European Sports Pack (ESP) on the Fairmont.  The S-Pack consisted of special body stripes and blackouts, fog lamps, a black front spoiler and slotted steel wheels, while interior features included wool blend cloth seats and full instrumentation.