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The very popular XB Falcon had an even more pronounced nose due to the reworking of the bonnet. It was fitted with a distinctive honeycomb grille, giving a “cleaner” look. The tail lights were also tidied up, and there were new front and rear bumpers. These changes enhanced the XB’s muscle image.
XB Falcon(1973 - 1976)
For the first time, front disc brakes were standard across the range. The 4.1L 2V was dropped, which meant buyers had to buy a V8 if they wanted a more lively Falcon.
A full synchromesh manual gearbox became standard, as did inertia reel seat belts. The engines remained unchanged.
Amongst the extensive options list was carpet, which was a popular choice, and a rearward facing kids bench seat for the wagon.
The XB Falcon enjoyed a production record, and a very lengthy and successful run, lasting almost three years.
XB Falcon Photos (photos are cropped, click to enlarge)
Ford XB Falcon
On Sale: September 1973 - July 1976
How do I know it's an XB? Honeycomb grille divided in centre, “bulging” bonnet, front indicators in bumper, revised tail lights
Models available:
Falcon:
Falcon 500:
Futura:
Fairmont:		 sedan, wagon, ute, van
sedan, wagon, ute, van, hardtop
sedan
sedan, wagon, hardtop
Option packs/prototypes/limited editions:
Surfsider:
Surferoo:
Overnighter:
Targa:
Sovereign:
John Goss:
GS Pack:		 (Option Pack) Hinged fibreglass elevating roof & nylon sleeve. Available as van.
(Option Pack) Mattress, ice-box and interior lighting. Available as van.
(Option Pack) Slide-on overnight camper. Available as ute.
(Show car) Hardtop with Targa roof
(Limited Edition) Based on 500 sedan
(Limited Edition) Hardtop, green, white & orange paint job, 260 built, Aug 1975
(Option Pack) GT-style rally stripes, 12-slot wheels, GT 3-spoke wood grained steering wheel, full instrumentation, bonnet airscoops and locknuts, GS decals. Available on Falcon 500, Futura or Fairmont; sedan, wagon, ute, van or hardtop
What’s new? Front disc brakes and inertia reel seatbelts standard, rearward facing kids seat
Falcon Firsts:
Prices at introduction: Falcon sedan - $3236, Fairmont sedan - $4044
Total XBs built: 220765
Transmission: 3 speed manual, 4 speed manual, 3 speed automatic
Engines:
3.3 200 cubic inches (3.3L) 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 3.68 x 3.13 inches
Power: 130bhp (97kW) at 4600rpm
Torque: 190lb-ft (258Nm) at 2000rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Single throat carburettor
Compression ratio: 9.1:1		 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 (179kW) at 4600rpm
Torque: 305lb-ft (414Nm) at 2600rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Two barrel 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: Two barrel carburettor
Compression ratio: 9.7:1
Fuel consumption: 17.1 mpg (16.5L/100km) (Falcon 500 4.1 auto, Modern Motor magazine)
Performance (Falcon 4.1 250 sedan, three speed auto):
Top speeds in gears
1st: 48mph (77km/h)
2nd: 78mph (125km/h)
3rd: 101mph (163km/h)
0-60mph (0-97km/h): 12.8 seconds
Standing quarter mile (402m): 19 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, 11.25 inch discs, 11.25 inch power assisted discs on Futura and Fairmont, optional on other models
Rear
Hydraulic operation, 10 inch drums, 11.25 power disc brakes optional with 351 engine
Steering: Recirculating ball, optional variable power steering
Wheels: Pressed 6 inch steel disc wheels with safety rims
Tyres: 6.95 x 14 (200,250), 7.35 x 14 (302, 351)
Dimensions (sedan):
Length: 189.3 inches (4808mm)
Width: 74.8 inches (1900mm)
Height: 53.9 inches (1369mm)
Wheelbase: 111 inches (2819mm)
Front track: 60.5 inches (1537mm)
Rear track: 60 inches (1524mm)
Kerb weight: 3074lb (1394kg)
Turning circle: 39.4ft (12 m)
Fuel tank: 17.5 gallons (79.6 litres)
Boot space: 27.6 cubic feet (780 litres)		 Interior dimensions (sedan):
Front headroom: 38 inches (965mm)
Rear headroom: 36.7 inches (932mm)
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: 36.7 inches (932mm)
Features:
Awards:
Rivals: HQ/HJ Holden, Chrysler VJ/VK Valiant, Leyland P76
 
XB Falcon Links (new window)  Related pages
Falcon Coupes
XA/XB/XC Gallery
FPV: 1969-78 Falcon GS Option Pack
FPV: 1972-79 XA-XB-XC Falcon Utility
FoMoCo XB Falcon information
FoMoCo XB Falcon information (2)		 Falcon Facts: XB Falcon GT
Falcon Facts: ZG Fairlane / P5 LTD/Landau
Falcon Facts: XA Falcon
Falcon Facts: XC Falcon
 

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