1970 Ford Falcon XW V8 Utility

Ford released a new range of Falcons and Fairmonts in mid-1969, featuring new front and rear sheet metal, a recessed rear window and revised interior.  Codenamed XW, the new model line-up was expanded by the return of the Futura, which sat between the basic Falcon and Falcon 500 models and the top of the range Fairmont.  Ford continued with the smaller sixes but buyers seeking more go opted for the 302-cid V8 and the GT package continued as the ‘hero’ car, powered by the potent 351-cid Windsor V8 for those looking for near race car performance.  The XW range brought with it a host of improvements across the board, including a new dashboard with collapsible steering column and the luxurious Fairmont was equipped with Kelsey-Hayes “Turbo-Cooled” front disc brakes.  Two sixes were available, including the 3.1-litre (188-cid) and larger 3.6-litre (221-cid) units, with a three-speed manual gearbox standard (four-speed manual and automatic transmissions were both optional).  The XW’s interior was a big step forward, with a new jet aircraft inspired dash featuring deeply recessed instruments and bucket seats optional across the range (standard on Fairmont and GT models).  Drawing inspiration from contemporary Mustangs, XW’s squared-off, more aggressive styling is arguably the toughest of the XR-XY series Fords and the model, in all its many guises, remains popular with collectors today.