Overview
The Ford Falcon XK through XP (1960-1966) were the first Australian-built Fords, assembled at the Broadmeadows plant in Melbourne's northern suburbs. Based on the US Ford Falcon platform and progressively Australianised across four model series, the XK-XP range used Ford's overhead-valve inline-six in two displacements: 144 cubic inches (2.4L) and 170 cubic inches (2.8L). What follows are the detailed specifications across all four models.
Key Dimensions
| Spec |
XK (1960-62) |
XL (1962-64) |
XM (1964-65) |
XP (1965-66) |
| Production Years |
1960-1962 |
1962-1964 |
1964-1965 |
1965-1966 |
| Manufacturer |
Ford Motor Company of Australia |
Ford Motor Company of Australia |
Ford Motor Company of Australia |
Ford Motor Company of Australia |
| Assembly |
Broadmeadows, Victoria |
Broadmeadows, Victoria |
Broadmeadows, Victoria |
Broadmeadows, Victoria |
| Body Styles |
Sedan, Wagon |
Sedan, Wagon, Ute |
Sedan, Wagon, Ute, Hardtop |
Sedan, Wagon, Ute, Hardtop, Van |
| Layout |
Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Construction |
Steel unibody (monocoque) |
Steel unibody (monocoque) |
Steel unibody (monocoque) |
Steel unibody (monocoque) |
| Wheelbase |
2,743 mm (108.0 in) |
2,743 mm (108.0 in) |
2,743 mm (108.0 in) |
2,743 mm (108.0 in) |
| Overall Length |
4,623 mm (182.0 in) |
4,623 mm (182.0 in) |
4,648 mm (183.0 in) |
4,648 mm (183.0 in) |
| Overall Width |
1,778 mm (70.0 in) |
1,778 mm (70.0 in) |
1,778 mm (70.0 in) |
1,778 mm (70.0 in) |
| Overall Height |
1,397 mm (55.0 in) |
1,397 mm (55.0 in) |
1,397 mm (55.0 in) |
1,397 mm (55.0 in) |
| Kerb Weight (sedan) |
1,066 kg (2,350 lb) |
1,080 kg (2,381 lb) |
1,089 kg (2,400 lb) |
1,098 kg (2,420 lb) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity |
54 L (12 imp gal) |
54 L (12 imp gal) |
54 L (12 imp gal) |
54 L (12 imp gal) |
| Boot Capacity (sedan) |
~400 L |
~400 L |
~400 L |
~400 L |
| Seating Capacity |
6 (bench) / 5 (Futura bucket) |
6 (bench) / 5 (Futura bucket) |
6 (bench) / 5 (Futura bucket) |
6 (bench) / 5 (Futura bucket) |
Engine Specifications
144ci Inline-Six (2,365 cc)
| Spec |
Value |
| Configuration |
Inline 6, OHV, 12-valve |
| Displacement |
2,365 cc (144.3 ci) |
| Bore x Stroke |
88.9 mm x 63.5 mm (3.50 in x 2.50 in) |
| Compression Ratio |
8.7:1 |
| Power |
85 bhp (63 kW) @ 4,200 rpm |
| Torque |
190 Nm (140 lb-ft) @ 2,200 rpm |
| Fuel System |
Autolite single-barrel downdraft carburettor |
| Ignition |
Coil and distributor, points and condenser |
| Block Material |
Cast iron |
| Head Material |
Cast iron |
| Valve Train |
OHV, pushrod-operated, adjustable rocker arms |
| Camshaft |
Block-mounted, gear-driven |
| Oil Capacity |
3.8 L (4 US qt) with filter |
| Recommended Oil |
SAE 20W-50 mineral |
| Availability |
Standard on XK, XL; option on XM |
170ci Inline-Six (2,786 cc)
| Spec |
Value |
| Configuration |
Inline 6, OHV, 12-valve |
| Displacement |
2,786 cc (170.0 ci) |
| Bore x Stroke |
88.9 mm x 74.7 mm (3.50 in x 2.94 in) |
| Compression Ratio |
8.7:1 |
| Power |
101 bhp (75 kW) @ 4,400 rpm |
| Torque |
217 Nm (160 lb-ft) @ 2,400 rpm |
| Fuel System |
Autolite single-barrel downdraft carburettor |
| Ignition |
Coil and distributor, points and condenser |
| Block Material |
Cast iron |
| Head Material |
Cast iron |
| Valve Train |
OHV, pushrod-operated, adjustable rocker arms |
| Camshaft |
Block-mounted, gear-driven |
| Oil Capacity |
3.8 L (4 US qt) with filter |
| Recommended Oil |
SAE 20W-50 mineral |
| Availability |
Option on XL; standard on XM, XP |
170ci Sprint (2,786 cc), XP Only
| Spec |
Value |
| Configuration |
Inline 6, OHV, 12-valve |
| Displacement |
2,786 cc (170.0 ci) |
| Bore x Stroke |
88.9 mm x 74.7 mm (3.50 in x 2.94 in) |
| Compression Ratio |
9.0:1 |
| Power |
~115 bhp (86 kW) @ 4,600 rpm |
| Torque |
~230 Nm (170 lb-ft) @ 2,600 rpm |
| Fuel System |
Autolite two-barrel downdraft carburettor |
| Notes |
Higher-compression head, revised camshaft, two-barrel intake manifold |
| Availability |
XP Sprint only (~800-1,000 built) |
Transmission
3-Speed Manual (Column Shift)
| Spec |
Value |
| Type |
Manual, synchromesh on 2nd and 3rd |
| Gears |
3 forward, 1 reverse |
| Shift Pattern |
Column-mounted lever |
| Gear Ratios, 1st |
2.95:1 |
| Gear Ratios, 2nd |
1.75:1 |
| Gear Ratios, 3rd |
1.00:1 |
| Reverse |
3.32:1 |
| Clutch |
Single dry plate, 8.5 in (216 mm) for 144ci; 9.0 in (229 mm) for 170ci |
| Availability |
Standard on all models |
3-Speed Manual (Floor Shift), XP Sprint
| Spec |
Value |
| Type |
Manual, synchromesh on 2nd and 3rd |
| Gears |
3 forward, 1 reverse |
| Shift Pattern |
Floor-mounted lever |
| Gear Ratios |
As above |
| Clutch |
Single dry plate, 9.0 in (229 mm) |
| Availability |
XP Sprint, optional on XP Futura |
2-Speed Fordomatic Automatic
| Spec |
Value |
| Type |
Automatic, torque converter |
| Gears |
2 forward, 1 reverse |
| Make |
Ford Fordomatic |
| Gear Ratios, Low |
1.48:1 |
| Gear Ratios, High |
1.00:1 |
| Reverse |
1.48:1 |
| Torque Converter Ratio |
2.0:1 (stall) |
| Availability |
Option on XK, XL, XM |
3-Speed Borg Warner Automatic (XP)
| Spec |
Value |
| Type |
Automatic, torque converter |
| Gears |
3 forward, 1 reverse |
| Make |
Borg Warner Type 35 |
| Gear Ratios, 1st |
2.40:1 |
| Gear Ratios, 2nd |
1.47:1 |
| Gear Ratios, 3rd |
1.00:1 |
| Reverse |
2.00:1 |
| Availability |
Option on XP (replaced Fordomatic) |
Differential
| Spec |
Value |
| Type |
Semi-floating, live axle |
| Ratio (144ci, manual) |
3.50:1 |
| Ratio (144ci, auto) |
3.22:1 |
| Ratio (170ci, manual) |
3.50:1 |
| Ratio (170ci, auto) |
3.22:1 |
| Ratio (Sprint) |
3.50:1 |
| LSD |
Not factory fitted; aftermarket available |
Suspension
Front
| Spec |
XK |
XL/XM/XP |
| Type |
Independent, double wishbone |
Independent, double wishbone |
| Springs |
Coil |
Coil (stiffer than XK) |
| Dampers |
Telescopic hydraulic |
Telescopic hydraulic |
| Anti-roll Bar |
Optional |
Optional (standard on Sprint/Pursuit) |
| Steering Type |
Recirculating ball |
Recirculating ball |
| Power Steering |
Not available |
Not available |
| Steering Ratio |
21.0:1 |
21.0:1 |
| Turning Circle |
11.6 m (38 ft) |
11.6 m (38 ft) |
Rear
| Spec |
XK |
XL/XM/XP |
| Type |
Live axle |
Live axle |
| Springs |
Semi-elliptic leaf (5-leaf) |
Semi-elliptic leaf (5-leaf, stiffer on XL onwards) |
| Dampers |
Telescopic hydraulic |
Telescopic hydraulic |
| Anti-roll Bar |
Not fitted |
Not fitted |
Brakes
| Spec |
XK/XL/XM |
XP Standard/Deluxe |
XP Futura/Sprint |
| Front |
Drum, 229 mm (9 in) |
Drum, 229 mm (9 in) |
Drum, 229 mm (9 in); disc optional |
| Rear |
Drum, 229 mm (9 in) |
Drum, 229 mm (9 in) |
Drum, 229 mm (9 in) |
| Actuation |
Hydraulic, single circuit |
Hydraulic, single circuit |
Hydraulic, single circuit |
| Power Assistance |
None |
None |
Optional (with disc fronts) |
| Handbrake |
Mechanical, rear drums |
Mechanical, rear drums |
Mechanical, rear drums |
Electrical
| Spec |
XK |
XL |
XM |
XP |
| System Voltage |
6V positive earth |
6V positive earth |
12V negative earth |
12V negative earth |
| Charging |
Generator |
Generator |
Alternator |
Alternator |
| Battery |
6V, 80 Ah |
6V, 80 Ah |
12V, 40 Ah |
12V, 40 Ah |
| Starter |
Pre-engaged |
Pre-engaged |
Pre-engaged |
Pre-engaged |
| Headlamps |
Sealed beam, 7 in (2x) |
Sealed beam, 7 in (2x) |
Sealed beam, 5.75 in (4x) |
Sealed beam, 5.75 in (4x) |
Model Variants
XK (1960-1962)
| Variant |
Engine |
Key Features |
| Standard |
144ci (85 bhp) |
Vinyl bench seats, rubber floor, column-shift 3-speed |
| Deluxe |
144ci (85 bhp) |
Carpet, improved trim, chrome window surrounds |
XL (1962-1964)
| Variant |
Engine |
Key Features |
| Standard |
144ci (85 bhp) |
Vinyl bench seats, basic instrumentation |
| Deluxe |
144ci or 170ci |
Carpet, chrome, upgraded trim |
| Futura |
144ci or 170ci |
Bucket seats, console, full instruments, two-tone paint |
XM (1964-1965)
| Variant |
Engine |
Key Features |
| Standard |
170ci (101 bhp) |
Vinyl bench seats, basic instrumentation |
| Deluxe |
170ci (101 bhp) |
Carpet, chrome, upgraded trim |
| Futura |
170ci (101 bhp) |
Bucket seats, console, full instruments |
| Pursuit |
170ci (101 bhp) |
Heavy-duty suspension, uprated cooling, fleet/police spec |
| Hardtop |
170ci (101 bhp) |
Two-door pillarless coupe body |
XP (1965-1966)
| Variant |
Engine |
Key Features |
| Standard |
170ci (101 bhp) |
Vinyl bench seats, basic instrumentation |
| Deluxe |
170ci (101 bhp) |
Carpet, chrome, upgraded trim |
| Futura |
170ci (101 bhp) |
Bucket seats, console, full instruments, optional disc brakes |
| Sprint |
170ci (~115 bhp) |
High-compression engine, two-barrel carb, floor shift, sport suspension, tachometer |
| Pursuit |
170ci (101 bhp) |
Heavy-duty suspension, uprated cooling, fleet/police spec |
| Hardtop |
170ci (101 bhp) |
Two-door pillarless coupe body; available in Futura and Sprint |
Performance (Approximate, Period Road Tests)
| Model |
0-100 km/h |
Top Speed |
Standing Quarter Mile |
| XK 144ci (manual) |
~19 s |
137 km/h (85 mph) |
~21 s |
| XL 144ci (manual) |
~18 s |
137 km/h (85 mph) |
~20.5 s |
| XL 170ci (manual) |
~15 s |
148 km/h (92 mph) |
~19 s |
| XM 170ci (manual) |
~15 s |
150 km/h (93 mph) |
~18.5 s |
| XP 170ci (manual) |
~14.5 s |
152 km/h (94 mph) |
~18.5 s |
| XP Sprint (manual) |
~12 s |
161 km/h (100 mph) |
~17.5 s |
| XP 170ci (Borg Warner auto) |
~16 s |
145 km/h (90 mph) |
~19.5 s |
Fuel Economy (Approximate, Mixed Driving)
| Model |
L/100 km |
MPG (imperial) |
| 144ci (manual) |
11-14 |
20-26 |
| 144ci (auto) |
12-15 |
19-24 |
| 170ci (manual) |
12-15 |
19-24 |
| 170ci (auto) |
13-16 |
18-22 |
| 170ci Sprint |
13-16 |
18-22 |
Service Intervals
| Service Item |
Interval |
| Engine oil and filter |
3,000-5,000 km or 6 months |
| Valve clearance adjustment |
10,000 km |
| Points and condenser |
8,000-10,000 km |
| Spark plugs |
15,000 km |
| Chassis lubrication (grease nipples) |
3,000-5,000 km |
| Brake adjustment (drums) |
10,000 km |
| Brake fluid |
24 months |
| Gearbox oil |
20,000 km |
| Differential oil |
20,000 km |
| Cooling system flush |
Annually or 40,000 km |
| Fan belt |
Inspect at every service |
Tyre Specifications
| Model |
Original Size |
Common Modern Replacement |
| XK/XL (all) |
6.50-13 crossply |
185/80R13 radial |
| XM/XP (all) |
6.50-13 crossply |
185/80R13 radial |
| XP Sprint |
6.50-13 crossply |
185/70R13 or 195/70R13 radial |
| Rim Size |
13 x 4.5J |
13 x 4.5J or 13 x 5J |
Capacities
| Fluid |
Capacity |
| Engine Oil (with filter) |
3.8 L (4 US qt) |
| Gearbox Oil (3-speed manual) |
0.85 L (SAE 80W-90) |
| Fordomatic ATF |
4.3 L (Type F) |
| Borg Warner ATF (XP) |
3.3 L (Type F) |
| Differential Oil |
1.2 L (SAE 90) |
| Cooling System (144ci) |
8.5 L |
| Cooling System (170ci) |
9.5 L |
| Fuel Tank |
54 L (12 imp gal) |
Dimensions: Utility (Ute)
| Spec |
XL/XM/XP Ute |
| Tray Length |
1,981 mm (78 in) |
| Tray Width |
1,473 mm (58 in) |
| Payload |
508 kg (1,120 lb) |
Dimensions: Station Wagon
| Spec |
Value |
| Overall Length |
4,775 mm (188.0 in) |
| Cargo Length (seats up) |
1,067 mm (42 in) |
| Cargo Length (seats folded) |
1,981 mm (78 in) |
| Cargo Width |
1,372 mm (54 in) |
Production Numbers (Approximate)
| Model |
Approximate Production |
| XK (all variants) |
~28,000 |
| XL (all variants) |
~75,000 |
| XM (all variants) |
~46,000 |
| XP (all variants) |
~88,000 |
| XP Sprint |
~800-1,000 |
| Total XK-XP |
~237,000 |