Falcon Facts: XR Falcon

The new Falcon came with an optional V8 engine, a 289 cubic inch unit that produced 200bhp at 4400rpm. The Pursuit 170 and Super Pursuit 200 six cylinders remained with minor improvements; the 144 was scrapped. The wheelbase was slightly stretched, front disc brakes were offered across the range and the 13 inch wheels were replaced by a 14 inch variety. XR broke new ground in suspension, body frame and chassis design, and was the first model developed at You Yangs. For the second time, a Falcon won the Wheels Car of the Year award.
The XR has a very different appearance to the previous models, due to its long nose and short tail styling with a distinctive kick up at the back of the rear doors, which is known as the "Coke bottle" hip.
Inside, the instrument panel was restyled, and lap seat belts were made standard, but only on the front seats. New additions to the options list included a remote boot release and a stereo tape player.

Ford XR Falcon

On Sale: September 1966 - March 1968

How do I know it's an XR? New body with long nose and short tail, “coke bottle” rear hip. Grille has three horizontal bars across the centre.

Models available:

Falcon:
Falcon 500:
Fairmont:

sedan, wagon, ute, van
sedan, wagon, ute
sedan, wagon

What’s new? 14 inch wheels, standard front seat belts

Falcon Firsts: Tested at You Yangs, first Falcon with a V8

Prices at introduction: Falcon sedan - $2226, Fairmont wagon - $3335

Total XRs built: 90810

Transmission: 3 speed manual, 3 speed auto, 3 speed Cruisomatic

Engines:
Pursuit 170 cubic inches (2.8L) 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 3.5 x 2.94 inches
Power: 111bhp (83kW) at 4400rpm
Torque: 158lb-ft (214Nm) at 2400rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Single throat carburettor
Compression ratio: 9.2:1

Super Pursuit 200 cubic inches (3.3L) 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 3.68 x 3.13 inches
Power: 121bhp (90kW) at 4400rpm
Torque: 190lb-ft (258Nm) at 2400rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Single throat carburettor
Compression ratio: 9.2:1

289 cubic inches (4.7L) V8
Bore and stroke: 4 x 2.87 inches
Power: 200bhp (149kW) at 4400rpm
Torque: 282lb-ft (382Nm) at 2400rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Two barrel carburettor
Compression ratio: 9.3:1

Fuel consumption: 22 mpg (Falcon 500 V8 auto sedan, Wheels magazine)

Performance (Falcon 289 V8 sedan, 3 spd Cruisomatic):
Top speeds in gears
1st: 66mph (106km/h)
2nd: 79mph (127km/h)
3rd: 105mph (169km/h)
0-60mph (0-97km/h): 10.1 seconds
Standing quarter mile (402m): 17 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, 10 inch drums, 10.75 inch power assisted discs on Fairmont six, 11 inch on Fairmont V8

Rear
Hydraulic operation, 10 inch drums

Steering: Recirculating ball

Wheels: Pressed steel disc wheels with safety rims

Tyres: 6 cyl: 6.45 x 14 inch, V8: 6.95 x 14, Wagon, ute and van: 7.35 x 14

Dimensions (sedan):
Length: 184.6 inches (4689mm)
Width: 73.8 inches (1875mm)
Height: 54.7 inches (1389mm)
Wheelbase: 111 inches (2819mm)
Front track: 58 inches (1473mm)
Rear track: 58 inches (1473mm)
Kerb weight: 2938lb (1333kg)
Turning circle: 36.6ft (11.2 m)
Fuel tank: 16.4 gallons (74.6 litres)
Boot space: 25.4 cubic feet (720 litres)

Interior dimensions (sedan):
Front headroom: 38.3 inches (973mm)
Rear headroom: 37.6 inches (955mm)
Front shoulder room: 57.1 inches (1450mm)
Rear shoulder room: 58 inches (1473mm)
Front hip room: 59.6 inches (1514mm)
Rear hip room: 59.5 inches (1511mm)
Front legroom: 40.9 inches (1039mm)
Rear legroom: 35.2 inches (894mm)

Features:

Awards: 1966 Wheels Car of the Year

Rivals: HR/HK Holden, Chrysler VC/VE Valiant

XR Falcon Links (new window)

Falcon Facts: XR Falcon GT
Falcon Facts: ZA Fairlane
Falcon Facts: XP Falcon
Falcon Facts: XT Falcon

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