Falcon (XD-XF)

The Ford Falcon XD through XF generations represent a golden era for Australian automotive manufacturing, when Ford's Broadmeadows plant was turning out some of the most capable and charismatic cars to ever wear an Australian badge. These cars were built for Australian conditions, with proper suspension geometry, decent weight distribution, and engines that could handle both the open road and the racetrack. The XD arrived in 1979 with a fresh, modern wedge-shaped design that held up well through the decade, while the XE and XF progressively refined the formula with better aerodynamics and more refined interiors.

What makes these Falcons genuinely special isn't just their local pedigree but their proven competence in motorsport and everyday driving. They dominated Australian touring car racing in the early 1980s, and that racing DNA filtered back into the road cars through high-performance models like the GT and GTP variants. A well-sorted Falcon from this era is a proper driver's car, rewarding commitment at the wheel while remaining approachable enough for regular use. The inline-six engines are smooth and tuneable, while the V8 options delivered genuine performance without excessive complication.

For the classic car community, XD-XF Falcons hold a special place as the last generation of locally-designed and built Falcons before the blue oval eventually shifted direction. They've become increasingly appreciated by enthusiasts who understand that Australian-made doesn't mean second-rate, it means purposeful engineering built for real-world conditions. These cars reward restoration and modification in equal measure, and they're becoming harder to find in good condition, making now a compelling time for those who appreciate what the Broadmeadows team achieved.