XA Falcon 1972-3

XA was a milestone for Ford, being the first Falcon to be designed (helped by Ford US) and built in Australia. In 1968, the Falcon was axed from the US range, and a whole new design had to be developed. The mildly aggressive XA Falcon was big and bold and looked its size. This styling was appealing but attracted criticism.

The driver’s vision was not good, and drivers had trouble seeing over the high rear seat while reversing. The high waistline only added to the vision problem.As before, the sedan was sold alongside the wagon (with longer wheelbase), ute and panel van and, after seven years, a 2-door. The Falcon Hardtop was brought in to compete with Holden’s Monaro. Designed to be a GT, with its large wheels, the Hardtop was also available in standard trim, with the narrow tyres letting down its looks. The Hardtop shared the same doors as the ute and van, but it suffered the visibility problems of the sedan. Those who found themselves in the rear of a coupe had to cope with an enormously thick rear pillar and tiny rear windscreen. And it was impossible for the driver to tell how much of the car was hanging out the back there.The XA’s handling characteristics were very good and the seating was improved. The interior was a thoroughly modern design, and again, the wrap around fascia was likened to an aircraft cockpit. High-backed bucket seats were optional (standard on the Fairmont), and a heater and rear seat belts were now standard across the range. Front disc brakes were standard on the Futura and Fairmont and front quarter-vent windows were optional. This was a good decision as these were an Australian institution and popular amongst smokers and country drivers. The optional power steering take-up rate was low, even though the XA was a handful to steer.The six cylinder engines remained unchanged, the V8s got small power increases. These engines were superior to their Holden equivalents, although the 3.3 wasn’t really suited to such a heavy car.