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Ford Falcon Facts
NL Fairlane / DL LTD(1996 - 1999)
The front seat backs and the front and rear head restraints were reshaped, and they now provided better thigh support.
The already capable 4.0L six was replaced with the Fairmont Ghia’s livelier engine, producing more power and torque, while the 5.0L V8 continued to be offererd.
New speed-sensitive power steering resulted in less effort at parking speeds, without affecting steering feel at higher speeds.
Both cars picked up the latest generation Bosch 5.3 anti-lock braking, and the windscreen and windows were protected by Smart Tint, offering the same protection as SPF15 sunscreen. Smart Tint also resulted in much lower temperatures inside the cabin.
Several limited editions were introduced to keep sales moving along, and in April 1997, leather trim became standard in the Fairlane Ghia.
NL Fairlane / DL LTD Photos (photos are cropped, click to enlarge)
Ford NL Fairlane / DL LTD
On Sale: September 1996 - February 1999
How do I know it's an NL? Fine grille with Ford badge in centre, bonnet ornament, new alloy wheels, chrome strips.
How do I know it's a DL? Flatter alloy wheels, bonnet ornament, chrome strips, C-pillar window louvres.
Models available:
Fairlane Ghia:
LTD:		 sedan
sedan
Option packs/prototypes/limited editions:
Fairlane Ghia Concorde:


Fairlane Ghia
Special Edition:

Fairlane Tickford:
(Limited Edition) Same price as Fairlane Ghia, with touring suspension, gold- tinted 16 inch alloys, Michelin tyres, Momo steering wheel, gold badging. August - September 1997, 500 built; May 1998 - February 1999, 680 built.

(Limited Edition) 250 watt audio with 6 stack CD, power adjustable driver's seat, 16 inch alloys (from NF Sportsman). October 1998 - February 1999.
(Limited Edition) Red or dark blue in colour, 195kW V8, adaptive shift auto, tuned suspension, bigger brakes, Michelin tyres, six-blade 17 inch Speedline alloy wheels, wire mesh grille, wood/leather Momo steering wheel. May - December 1998, $70500, 107 built.
What’s new? Bosch 5.3 anti-lock brakes, Fairmont Ghia engine
Firsts:
Prices at introduction: Fairlane Ghia - $48374, LTD - $61531
Total NLs built: 8580, DLs: 895
Transmission: 4 speed automatic
Engines:
4.0L 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 92 x 99 mm
Power: 162kW at 4900rpm
Torque: 361Nm at 3000rpm
Overhead camshaft, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: EEC V fuel injection
Compression ratio: 9.3:1		  
5.0L V8
Bore and stroke: 102 x 76 mm
Power: 165kW at 4500rpm
Torque: 388Nm at 3000rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: EEC V fuel injection
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Fuel consumption: 13.1L/100km (Fairlane Ghia 4.0L, Wheels magazine)
Performance:
(Fairlane Ghia 4L, 4 speed auto):
Top speeds in gears
1st: 74km/h
2nd: 121km/h
3rd: 175km/h
4th: 210km/h
0-100km/h: 10.0 seconds
Standing 400m: 17.2 seconds		  
Suspension:
Front
Short and long arm, long spindle with single rate coil springs, twin tube telescopic shock absorbers mounted coaxially within the coil spring, stabiliser bar. Optional Tickford suspension
Rear
Sedan - Live axle, four trailing arms with Watts linkage, twin tube telescopic shock absorbers, single rate coil springs and stabiliser bar, automatic self-levelling rear suspension. Optional Tickford suspension
Brakes:
Front
Power assisted 287mm ventilated discs, anti lock brakes
Rear
Power assisted 287mm discs, anti lock brakes
Steering: Power assisted rack and pinion
Wheels: Fairlane Ghia - 15 x 6.5 inch JJ alloys with centre cap, LTD - 15 x 6.5 inch alloys with centre cap and LTD logo, optional on all models - 16 x 7 inch five spoke alloy
Tyres: P205/65 HR15 steel belt radial ply, optional Michelin XGTV Pilot SX 225/50 R16
Dimensions:

Length:
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase:
Front track:
Rear track:
Kerb weight:
Turning circle:
Fuel tank:
Boot space:		 Fairlane/LTD
5122mm
1861mm
1428mm
2919mm
1566mm
1547mm
1642/1686kg
11.3m
68 litres
492 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
974mm
985mm
1514mm
1503mm
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-
1081mm
1084mm
Features (at introduction): Legend

Automatic
Air conditioning
Power steering
Power windows
Power mirrors
Immobiliser
Central locking
Radio cassette
  (speakers)
CD player
Steering adj.
Seat height adj
Seats
Speedometer
Tachometer
Trip computer
Cruise control
Driver Airbag
Pass. Airbag
ABS brakes
Alloy wheels
Cup holders		 Fairlane Ghia
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Awards:
Fairlane Rivals: Holden VS/VT Statesman
LTD Rivals: Holden VS/VT Caprice
 
NL Fairlane / DL LTD Links (new window) Related pages
Bryan's Aussie NL Fairlane Page
Bryan's Aussie DL LTD Page
Ford LTD (Australia)
FPV: 1998 NL Fairlane by Tickford		 Falcon Facts: EL Falcon
Falcon Facts: NF Fairlane / DF LTD
Falcon Facts: AU Fairlane/LTD
 
Where to now?     Back to Fairlane/LTD main     On to AU Fairlane/LTD»
 

After only 18 months, a new Fairlane/LTD was released. Styling changes were minimal and amounted to a slightly different grille for the Fairlane and new alloy wheels. As with the EL Falcon, the interior was given a tidy up with new colour schemes, and buttons and switches were colour-coordinated instead of being black.
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