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Ford Falcon Facts
The ZB was a minor facelift, with the grille and tail lights receiving minor changes. Mechanical changes were the main difference, with the Fairlane Custom (the new name for the base model) gaining the XT Falcon’s new 3.6L 6 cylinder; the Fairlane 500 got the new 302 5L V8.
ZB Fairlane(1968 - 1969)
There was no locally built car that could equal the Fairlane for interior room and boot space, and it was advertised as “Unique in the World of Luxury Motoring.”
The Custom had a large options list, however the 500 had generous standard appointments. Automatic, power front disc brakes, bucket seats and power steering were standard, while both models had full carpeting, an electric clock, reversing lights, a heater/demister and a “SelectAir” fresh air ventilation system (air conditioning was not available yet).
ZB Fairlane Photos (photos are cropped, click to enlarge)
   
Ford ZB Fairlane
On Sale: March 1968 - July 1969
How do I know it's a ZB? Mostly unchanged from ZA. Badge on right side of grille, Fairlane badge in script font on rear guard. Fairlane 500 has side stripes below the doors and along the wheel arches.
Models available:
Fairlane Custom:
Fairlane 500:		 sedan
sedan
What’s new? Base model named Custom, new engines from the XT Falcon
Firsts:
Prices at introduction: Custom sedan - $3695, 500 sedan - $4090
Total ZBs built: 10708
Transmission: 3 speed manual, 3 speed Cruisomatic
Engines:
3.6 221 cubic inches (3.6L) 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 3.68 x 3.46 inches
Power: 135bhp (101kW) at 4400rpm
Torque: 208lb-ft (282Nm) at 2400rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Single throat carburettor
Compression ratio: 9.3:1		 Mustang 302 cubic inches (5L) V8
Bore and stroke: 4 x 3 inches
Power: 210bhp (157kW) at 4600rpm
Torque: 300lb-ft (407Nm) at 2600rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Two barrel carburettor
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Fuel consumption: 20 mpg (Fairlane 500, Wheels magazine)
Performance (Fairlane Custom 3.6L sedan, 3 spd manual):
Top speeds in gears
1st: 32mph (52km/h)
2nd: 58mph (94km/h)
3rd: 96mph (155km/h)
0-60mph (0-97km/h): 12.8 seconds
Standing quarter mile (402m): 18.8 seconds
Suspension:
Front
Independent with coil springs and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers, stabiliser bar		 Rear
Live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs with telescopic shock absorbers
Brakes:
Front
Hydraulic operation, 10 inch cast drums, bonded linings, 10.75 inch power assisted discs on Fairlane 500
Rear
Hydraulic operation, 10 inch composite drums, bonded linings
Steering: Recirculating ball, power steering standard on Fairlane 500
Wheels: 14 inch wheels with safety rims
Tyres: 6.95 x 14 tubeless crossply tyres, radial optional
Dimensions:
Length: 196.1 inches (4981mm)
Width: 74.7 inches (1897mm)
Height: 55 inches (1397mm)
Wheelbase: 116 inches (2946mm)
Front track: 58 inches (1473mm)
Rear track: 58 inches (1473mm)
Kerb weight: 3058lb (1390kg)
Turning circle: 41.1ft (12.5 m)
Fuel tank: 16.4 gallons (74.6 litres)
Boot space: 30 cubic feet (850 litres)		 Interior dimensions:
Front headroom: 38.3 inches (973mm)
Rear headroom: 37.6 inches (955mm)
Front shoulder room: 58 inches (1473mm)
Rear shoulder room: 58 inches (1473mm)
Front hip room: 59.6 inches (1514mm)
Rear hip room: 59.5 inches (1511mm)
Front legroom: 42.1 inches (1069mm)
Rear legroom: 38.6 inches (980mm)
Features: Legend

Automatic
Air conditioning
Power steering
Heater
Radio
Carpet
Bench seat
Bucket seats
Seats
Seat belts
Clock
Courtesy lights
Vinyl roof

Fairlane Custom
opt
X
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opt
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X
vinyl
front
opt
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opt

 Fairlane 500
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X
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opt
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X
•
vinyl
front
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opt		  
Awards:
Rivals: Holden HK Brougham, Chrysler VE/VF VIP
 
ZB Fairlane Links (new window) Related pages
Bryan's Aussie ZB Fairlane Page
Australian Ford LTD Central (has Fairlanes too)
FoMoCo ZB Fairlane sales brochure		 Falcon Facts: XT Falcon
Falcon Facts: ZA Fairlane
Falcon Facts: ZC Fairlane
 
Where to now?     Back to Fairlane/LTD main     On to ZC Fairlane»
 

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