1974 Ford Fairmont XB 6-Cyl Coupe

Description

Launched in September 1973, Ford’s XB Falcon/Fairmont range was restyled with a new split grille, one-piece taillights, and some significant mechanical improvements such as the option of four-wheel disc brakes. The XB was also easily identified by its new bonnet and honeycomb-type grille treatment, new front and rear bumpers and wraparound taillights, and was available in either six-cylinder (200/250ci) or V8 (302/351ci) guise. Sitting above the Falcon and Futura models in terms of equipment levels, the Fairmont was priced at $4044 as a four-door (about 30 per cent more expensive than the base Falcon).  Essentially the same engine powering the Falcon GT, the legendary Cleveland 351ci V8 was Ford’s most powerful option for the XB model range, pumping out 260 bhp at 4600rpm when equipped with the standard two-barrel carburettor. Offered with either a four-speed manual or automatic transmission, 351ci powered Fairmont’s came with 3.00 or 2.75 back axle ratios respectively. Another option was the GS Rally Pack, with side stripes, three-spoke steering wheel, twin bonnet scoops and bonnet-locking pins. An XB Fairmont became the 2,000,000th Ford built in Australia when it rolled off the production line on the 11th of November 1975 – the same day the Whitlam Government was sacked – while the XB GT Coupe competed with Holden’s Torana XU-1 for top honours in the Australian Touring Car Championship during the early 1970s. These were good times for the Blue Oval, with the XB Falcon knocking Holden’s HQ off the top spot for passenger car sales in the first half of 1974.