Random # 325: XK Falcon

As an XK, this car represents the first of a long, long line of Aussie-built Ford Falcons but it is, essentially, a right-hand-drive version a North American vehicle. The second iteration - the XK - was again manufactured in Australia but was still based on a US-design with US-specs, leading to criticism at the time that Falcons' build quality wasn't up to our more gruelling conditions.

This is very likely true, as it mirrors problems that beset the UK-made Ford Cortinas of the early 1960s that also floundered on rougher roads Down Under. In the case of the Cortina, this was remedied by adding extra bracing in the boot, running along the rear quarters.

According to Wikipedia, some Australian dealerships attempted to mitigate the the XK Falcon's weaknesses by offering heavier-duty rear suspension and wider tyres, while Fairlane suspension components were added to the XL, ex-factory, in a further attempt to ruggedise them. However, it wasn't until 1964's XM that the steering and suspension were further upgraded and the cars deemed suitable for our rougher roads (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Falcon_(Australia)#XK).

Having said all that, today's example is in remarkably straight, rust-free condition. Not bad for a 62 year old car, eh?! The duco may or may not have been given its patinated - aka "rat" - look but, either way, it looks great! Another classic doing its bit to make Tasmania an even better place to live!

U M P H

(uppermiddlepetyrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

iPhone images.

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Random # 301: Nanna-Spec KE36 Corolla

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