Falcon Facts: AU Fairlane/LTD

All these formal design features were aimed at an older and more conservative demographic, and were in response to criticism that the previous models shared too much in common with their cheaper Falcon equivalents. This time, the only panels shared with the Falcon (wagon) were the doors and the Fairmont high series bonnet. Falcon’s strong side crease line was present, and at the high, squared-off rear end, large tail lights were linked by a chrome spear.
AU Fairmont’s high series dashboard was used in the Fairlane/LTD’s interior, which was given a large dose of woodgrain and chrome highlights. Redesigned seats, with more thigh and lateral support, were trimmed in leather as standard, and the driver’s seat was electrically adjustable.
Ford’s 4.0L six with variable valve timing was Fairlane’s standard engine, the LTD used the high performance V8 powerplant from the AU Series I XR8. Both engines were much more refined and Ford claimed that the six cylinders were all-new, dubbing them Intech.
Suspension was Ford’s new world class double wishbone independent rear suspension, delivering an excellent combination of ride and handling. Traction control gave greater adhesion on slippery or unsealed roads.
Further refinements helped reduce noise, vibration and harshness, with Ford boasting that it was now so quiet, Smart Start was introduced, making it impossible to engage the starter motor while the engine was running.
A Series II upgrade arrived in July 2000, bringing with it memory for the driver’s now 10-way power adjustable seat, and standard satellite navigation in the LTD.

Ford AU Fairlane/LTD

On Sale: March 1999 - July 2000; LTD: June 1999 - July 2000; AU Series II: July 2000 -

How do I know it's an AU? Bold, American-style sedan, with dual round lights behind single headlight cover, large chrome Fairlane grille (horizontal bars) or LTD grille (vertical bars) with Ford badge in centre, bonnet ornament, AU Falcon side crease line, large square tail lights on either side of chrome "spear" and red strip, chrome alloy wheels (LTD).

Models available:

Fairlane Ghia:
LTD:

sedan
sedan

Option packs/prototypes/limited editions:

Fairlane Ghia Millenium:

Fairlane Ghia 75th Anniversary:

Fairlane Ghia Sportsman:

(Limited Edition) $3800 of extras - 17 inch Tickford alloys with low profile tyres, security alarm system, charcoal headlamp surrounds, Millenium logos. December 1999 - April 2000, 250 built.

(Limited Edition) Two-tone paint (Liquid Silver or Silhouette over Meteorite), 17 inch "Elegance" alloy wheels, "75th" badge on C-pillar, wood/leather Momo steering wheel, power front seats with memory. November 2000 - March 2001, $51115.

(Limited Edition) Two-tone paint, 17 inch "Elegance" alloy wheels, LTD Howe leather seats, wood/leather Momo steering wheel, power front seats with memory, floor mats. April - July 2001, 480 built.

What’s new? New American styling, new interior

Firsts: Independent rear suspension, variable valve timing

Prices at introduction: Fairlane Ghia - $50990, LTD - $64820

Total AUs built: Fairlane Series I: 5129, Fairlane Series II: 5618 (up to Nov 02, car still on sale)
LTD Series I: 438, LTD Series II: 374 (up to Nov 02, car still on sale)

Transmission: 4 speed automatic

Engines:
4.0L Intech VCT 6 cyl (Fairlane Ghia, LTD opt)
Bore and stroke: 92 x 99 mm
Power: 168kW at 4900rpm
Torque: 370Nm at 3000rpm
Overhead camshaft, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: EEC V fuel injection
Compression ratio: 9.6:1

5.0L V8 (Fairlane Ghia opt)
Bore and stroke: 102 x 76 mm
Power: 175kW at 4600rpm
Torque: 395Nm at 3200rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: EEC V fuel injection
Compression ratio: 9.1:1

5.0L V8 (LTD)
Bore and stroke: 102 x 76 mm
Power: 185kW at 5000rpm
Torque: 412Nm at 3500rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: EEC V fuel injection
Compression ratio: 9.1:1

Fuel consumption: AS2877 City/Highway per 100km: 13L/8.5L (Fairlane Ghia 4L VCT)

Performance:
(Fairlane Ghia V8, 4 speed auto):
Top speeds in gears
1st: 84km/h
2nd: 138km/h
3rd: 180km/h (speed limited)
4th: 180km/h (speed limited)
0-100km/h: 8.1 seconds
Standing 400m: 16.2 seconds

Suspension:
Front
Fully independent double wishbone

Rear
Fully independent double wishbone (IRS)

Brakes:
Front
Power assisted ventilated discs with asbestos-free pads, anti-lock braking

Rear
Power assisted discs with asbestos-free pads, anti-lock braking

Steering: Power assisted rack and pinion, 3.2 turns lock to lock

Wheels: 16 x 6.5 inch alloy wheels

Tyres: P215/55 HR16 steel belted radials

Dimensions:

Length:
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase:
Front track:
Rear track:
Kerb weight:
Turning circle:
Fuel tank:
Boot space:

Fairlane/LTD
5140mm
1872mm
1448mm
2919mm
1566mm
1547mm
1676kg
11.3m
68 litres
550 litres

Interior dimensions:

Front headroom:
Rear headroom:
Front shoulder room:
Rear shoulder room:
Front hip room:
Rear hip room:
Front legroom:
Rear legroom:

Fairlane/LTD
991mm
1004mm
1523mm
1509mm
1420mm
-
1081mm
1074mm

Features (at introduction): Legend

Automatic
Air conditioning
Power steering
Power windows
Power mirrors
Immobiliser
Central locking
Radio cassette
(speakers)
CD player
Trip computer
Steering adj.
Seat height adj
Seats
Cruise control
Driver Airbag
Pass. Airbag
ABS brakes
Alloy wheels
Cup holders
Sunroof

Fairlane Ghia
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6 way power
leather
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X

LTD
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• (11)
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6 way power
leather
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chromed
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Awards:

Fairlane Rivals: Holden WH Statesman
LTD Rivals: Holden WH Caprice

AU Fairlane/LTD Links (new window)

Falcon Facts: AU Falcon
Falcon Facts: AUII Falcon
Falcon Facts: AUIII Falcon
Falcon Facts: FTE T-Series
Falcon Facts: NL Fairlane / DL LTD

Where to now? Back to Fairlane/LTD main