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 |
| 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 |