Random # 289: EA Falcon S

At first glance, this EA Falcon - photographed recently in Melbourne's CBD - isn't that special. However, I'd argue that the EA / EB line represented a quantum leap forward for the Falcon range with its sleek styling that's not a million miles from that of some later model Jaguars. What's more, it took Aussie Fords into new territory with its fuel injection - throttle body to start with, followed by the more efficient multi-point system - all round coil suspension and four wheel discs. Its design was so far ahead of the car that preceded it, the boxy 1979 XD-based XF of 1984-88, that it might as well have borne a different name plate altogether.

This particular example is also quite special just because it's in such great nick. Being an S, it features a slightly more pronounced front apron, a tasteful boot spoiler and a few sports-orientated tweaks here and there. It appears to depart from stock only by virtue of tinted windows and some very stylish after-market alloy wheels. The Victorian club-rego suggests that it's an enthusiast's car, too.

It's a pity that there seem to be so few Falcons from this era still on our roads. This is likely to be because examples from the XF onwards seem to have lost the cachet their XR to XE siblings had, which I often suspect is down to the brief XF - EA hiatus during which V8s were dropped from the line-up. Although Ford did remedy this egregious oversight from the EB onwards, it seems that the damage was done and, despite some excellent V8 and turbo-six offerings, the Falcon never quite regained the popularity it held during its halcyon days in the 1960s and 70s.

U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

All iPhone images.

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EJ or EH Holden? (Up-dated December, 2022)

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Random # 301: Nanna-Spec KE36 Corolla

Once upon a time - six or seven years ago, actually - there was a lovely pale yellow GC Galant station wagon getting around Hobart. It was totally nanna-spec; its paint was umarked, the chrome work and hubcaps were immaculate, and its very original interior was pristine. Then someone stuck feathers in its dashboard. Next, the windows were adorned with Tibetan prayer flags. And a hubcap went missing. And the the rear bumper was pushed in, mangling the bodywork behind it. And a mudguard got dented. And rust set in. I fear for this sweet, innocent KE36 Corolla. Somebody please save it before it's too late. Nanna needs you to do it. U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) Photos by GlamRock.

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