1998 Ford Falcon EL GLI Sedan

Description

The EL Falcon bridged the gap between two eras. The final facelift on the EA, which had been launched way back in 1988, this was the last Falcon model ever to top the new car sales charts on a regular basis (and it only managed this from its 1996 debut through until the arrival of the VT Commodore in the late winter of 1997). Historically, this places the EL among the most significantly historic Falcons. Between 1988 and 1998 when the radically styled AU went on sale, Ford Australia’s engineers wrought many changes to the Falcon. The long-awaited four-speed automatic transmission was the big news for 1989. Later, came increased engine power (from 139kW for the Multi-Point 3.9-litre six in the EA to 164 for the tuned 4.0-litre unit in the EL XR6). The engine acquired hydraulic engine mounts and a new crankshaft with 12 counterweights for greater smoothness. There were significant advances in safety and anti-theft measures throughout the 1990s. While there is no question that the EL looked very dated by the time its successor arrived, it will always be remembered as the last of the highly popular Falcons.