Falcon Facts: XK Falcon

The styling was fresh and new, with cleaner, lower, wider lines proving very popular. Rival FB Holden began to look heavy and out-dated. The Falcon’s engine was a 144 cubic inch 90bhp 6 cylinder, together with a 3 speed column shift manual or 2 speed Fordomatic.
Two months later the station wagon was added. It was hailed as a market leader in design and styling. The ute and panel van completed the range in May 1961.
Despite having 90% Australian content, the XK was an American car, being extensively tested in the US. It was assumed that because the new Falcon had no problems in the US, it would have no problems here. The suspension was designed for smooth, wide freeways across the US, giving city driving Australians a sense of handling never before experienced in an Australian built car. But outside the city, the front suspension balljoints couldn’t cope with the country roads, and the suspension nearly came up through the bottom.
The 6 x 13 inch tyres weren’t big enough and the engine capacity proved too small for an Australian family car. The steering was light and indirect, the clutch had problems and to top it all off, there were poor finish and durability concerns.
Ford Australia was promised a test track. And a year later, a more powerful 170 Pursuit engine was released as an option. Taxi and fleet owners were attracted to the new engine.

Ford XK Falcon

On Sale: September 1960 - August 1962

How do I know it's an XK? Concave grille with parking lights, tapering c-pillar. Falcon Deluxe has chrome side strip

Models available:

Falcon:
Falcon Deluxe:

sedan, wagon, ute, van
sedan, wagon

What’s new? The first Falcon, with fresh, modern styling.

Falcon Firsts: It was the first Falcon!

Prices at introduction: Falcon sedan - £1137

Total XKs built: 68413

Transmission: 3 speed manual, 2 speed auto (£119)

Engines:
144 cubic inches (2.4L) 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 3.5 x 2.5 inches
Power: 90bhp (67kW) at 4200rpm
Torque: 138lb-ft (187Nm) at 2000rpm
Pushrod, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Single throat carburettor
Compression ratio: 8.7:1

Pursuit 170 cubic inches (2.8L) 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 3.5 x 2.94 inches
Power: 101bhp (75kW) at 4400rpm
Torque: 156lb-ft (212Nm) at 2400rpm
Pushrod, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Single throat carburettor
Compression ratio: 8.7:1

Fuel consumption: 23.3 mpg (Falcon 144 manual sedan, Modern Motor magazine)

Performance (Falcon 144 sedan, 3 spd manual):
Top speeds in gears
1st: 30mph (48km/h)
2nd: 56mph (90km/h)
3rd: 84mph (135km/h)
0-60mph (0-97km/h): 16.8 seconds
Standing quarter mile (402m): 20.8 seconds

Suspension:
Front
Independent with coil springs and hydraulic double acting shock absorbers, stabiliser bar

Rear
Live axle, semi-elliptic springs with hydraulic double acting shock absorbers

Brakes:
Front
Hydraulic operation, 9 inch drums

Rear
Hydraulic operation, 9 inch drums

Steering: Recirculating ball

Wheels: Pressed steel disc wheels with safety rims

Tyres: 6.00 x 13 inch

Dimensions (sedan):
Length: 181.2 inches (4602mm)
Width: 70 inches (1778mm)
Height: 54.5 inches (1384mm)
Wheelbase: 109.5 inches (2781mm)
Front track: 55 inches (1397mm)
Rear track: 54.5 inches (1384mm)
Kerb weight: 2431lb (1105kg)
Turning circle: 37.7ft (11.5 m)
Fuel tank: 11.7 gallons (53.2 litres)
Boot space: 23.7 cubic feet (670 litres)

Interior dimensions (sedan):
Front headroom: 38.9 inches (988mm)
Rear headroom: 37.3 inches (947mm)
Front shoulder room: 55.6 inches (1412mm)
Rear shoulder room: 55.4 inches (1407mm)
Front hip room: 57.1 inches (1450mm)
Rear hip room: 56.8 inches (1443mm)
Front legroom: 44.6 inches (1133mm)
Rear legroom: 41.1 inches (1044mm)

Features:

Awards:

Rivals: FB/EK/EJ Holden, Chrysler R Series/S Series Valiant

XK Falcon Links (new window)

Early Falcon Club
Earlyfalcons.com
FPV: 1961-66 XK-XL-XM-XP Falcon Utility
1960 XK Falcon
Brett’s 1962 XK Falcon

Where to now? Back to Falcon main On to XL Falcon»