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Ford Falcon Facts
Built on the same wheel-base as the ZD, the new generation ZF Fairlane was all new, in-line with the all new XA Falcon. It followed on the styling theme of the XA, with the pronounced rear hipline, and the headlights reverted back to a twin horizontal design.
ZF Fairlane(1972 - 1973)
The distinctive grille had eight vertical rectangles, with the centre part bulging out. ZF’s body was lower, wider and had a larger track.
With this model, the Fairlane was no longer on its own. Chrysler and Holden’s Statesman brought real competition, but the Fairlane managed to hold the top spot.
There was more room in the redesigned interior, which was smoother, quieter and more plush than the ZD, and new high backed seats protected the head and neck in a crash.
The Fairlane 500 featured an electric clock and variable ratio power steering. Optional equipment included a vinyl roof, sliding steel sunroof, stereo tape player, quarter vent windows, and on V8 models only, a dual exhaust system.
The same engines were carried over from the ZD. These were the 250 six, standard on the Custom; the 302 V8 standard on the 500 (optional on the Custom); and the powerful 351 V8, optional on both models. Front wheel disc brakes were standard.
ZF Fairlane Photos (photos are cropped, click to enlarge)
     
Ford ZF Fairlane
On Sale: March 1972 - October 1973
How do I know it's a ZF? All new rounded body based on XA Falcon. Horizontal dual headlights in full width grille (eight rectangles, bulging centre, badge in centre of grille) with wraparound clear indicators. Fairlane Custom has name on front guard, Fairlane 500 has chrome strip below doors and along wheel arches.
Models available:
Fairlane Custom:
Fairlane 500:		 sedan
sedan
What’s new? All new body based on XA Falcon
Firsts: Seat belts all round
Prices at introduction: Custom sedan - $3900, 500 sedan - $4790
Total ZFs built: 17306
Transmission: 3 speed manual, 3 speed automatic
Engines:
4.1 250 cubic inches (4.1L) 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 3.68 x 3.91 inches
Power: 155bhp (116kW) at 4400rpm
Torque: 240lb-ft (325Nm) at 1600rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Single throat carburettor
Compression ratio: 9.3:1
5.0 302 cubic inches (5L) V8
Bore and stroke: 4 x 3 inches
Power: 240bhp (180kW) at 5000rpm
Torque: 305lb-ft (414Nm) at 2600rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Twin throat carburettor
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
5.8 351 cubic inches (5.8L) V8
Bore and stroke: 4 x 3.5 inches
Power: 260bhp (194kW) at 4600rpm
Torque: 355lb-ft (481Nm) at 2600rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Twin throat carburettor
Compression ratio: 9.7:1
Fuel consumption: 16 mpg (Fairlane 500, Wheels magazine)
Performance (Fairlane 500 351 V8, 3 spd auto):
Top speeds in gears
1st: 65mph (105km/h)
2nd: 88mph (142km/h)
3rd: 111mph (179km/h)
0-60mph (0-97km/h): 10.1 seconds
Standing quarter mile (402m): 17.9 seconds
Suspension:
Front
Independent angle poised ball-joint type, heavy duty coil springs with hydraulic shock absorbers, torsion bar ride stabiliser with anti-dive geometry
Rear
Live axle, semi-elliptic, assymetrical, variable rate leaf springs. Diagonally mounted hydraulic shock absorbers, rubber bushed shackles and iso-clamp axle mounting
Brakes:
Front
Floating caliper type power assisted discs, turbo cooled and ventilated 11.25 inch diameter
Rear
10 inch drums with bonded linings
Steering: Recirculating ball, variable ratio power steering standard on Fairlane 500, optional on Custom
Wheels: Pressed steel disc 5JJ wheels with safety rims, optional radial tyres 6JJ rims
Tyres: Custom: Tubeless 6.95 x 14 x 4 ply extra low profile, mandatory minimum with 351 2V - 7.35S x 14 x 4 ply extra low profile
500: Tubeless 7.35 x 14 x 4 ply extra low profile, optional on all models - 185 x 14 radial ply on 6 inch JJ safety rims, ER70HR x 14 radial ply on 6 inch JJ safety rims
Dimensions:
Length: 198.8 inches (5050mm)
Width: 74.6 inches (1895mm)
Height: 53.9 inches (1369mm)
Wheelbase: 116 inches (2946mm)
Front track: 60.5 inches (1537mm)
Rear track: 60 inches (1524mm)
Kerb weight: 3141lb (1425kg)
Turning circle: 41.2ft (12.6 m)
Fuel tank: 17.5 gallons (79.6 litres)
Boot space: 32.4 cubic feet (920 litres)		 Interior dimensions:
Front headroom: 38 inches (965mm)
Rear headroom: 36.5 inches (927mm)
Front shoulder room: 60 inches (1524mm)
Rear shoulder room: 60 inches (1524mm)
Front hip room: 60.2 inches (1529mm)
Rear hip room: 60.2 inches (1529mm)
Front legroom: 41.5 inches (1054mm)
Rear legroom: 38.4 inches (975mm)
Features: Legend

Automatic
Air conditioning
Power steering
Power windows
Heater
Radio
Tape player
Carpet
Bucket seats
Seats
Seat belts
Clock
Courtesy lights
Vinyl roof
Sunroof

Fairlane Custom
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vinyl
front & rear
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 Fairlane 500
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vinyl
front & rear
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Awards:
Rivals: Holden HQ Statesman, CH/CJ Chrysler
 
ZF Fairlane Links (new window) Related pages
Bryan's Aussie ZF Fairlane Page
Australian Ford LTD Central (has Fairlanes too)
FoMoCo ZF Fairlane sales brochure		 Falcon Facts: XA Falcon
Falcon Facts: ZD Fairlane
Falcon Facts: ZG Fairlane / P5 LTD/Landau
 
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