Ford Falcon (XM)

The XM series Falcon range was introduced in February 1964, as a replacement for the XL series Falcon.[1] The XM featured around 1,500 modifications from the XL, including numerous changes to the suspension which now featured stronger ball joints, new front upper wishbones, coil-over shock units and relocated rear spring-hangers. Also new were bigger axle shafts and tougher engine mounts. The vacuum operated windscreen wipers of the XL series were replaced by a two-speed electric motor unit and the seats were stronger with better quality upholstery.[4] Unlike previous Australian Falcons, the XM represented a significant departure from the contemporary US Ford Falcon models in terms of exterior styling.[4]

Both of the engines from the XK and XL Falcons were retained, albeit with a small power increase for both engines; a 144 cu in (2,360 cc) Falcon Six inline-six, which produced 96 hp (72 kW; 97 PS) and an optional 170 cu in (2,786 cc) version of the Falcon Six, which produced 111 hp (83 kW; 113 PS).[2] For higher specification models, such as the Deluxe trim, a 200 cu in (3,277 cc) version of the Falcon Six was available for the first time (often referred to as the Super Pursuit engine),[5] and produced 121 hp (90 kW; 123 PS).[6] The 170 engine was also made the standard engine for the top-spec Futura models.[3]

A two-door hardtop body style was added to the range in July 1964.[7] It was offered in Falcon Deluxe Hardtop and Falcon Futura Hardtop trim levels, with the 170 cubic inch "Pursuit 170" engine as standard equipment and the 200 cubic inch "Super Pursuit" available as an option on both models.[8]

The Falcon XM passenger car range, released in February 1964,[9] comprised three sedan and three station wagon models,[10] marketed as follows:

• Falcon Sedan[10]
• Falcon Deluxe Sedan[10]
• Falcon Futura Sedan[10]
• Falcon Wagon[10]
• Falcon Deluxe Wagon[10]
• Falcon Squire Wagon[10]

The Falcon XM Hardtop range, released in July 1964,[7] comprised two models,[8] marketed as follows:

• Falcon Deluxe Hardtop[8]
• Falcon Futura Hardtop[8]

The Falcon XM commercial vehicle range comprised four models:[11]

• Falcon Standard Utility[11]
• Falcon Deluxe Utility[11]
• Falcon Standard Sedan Delivery[12]
• Falcon Deluxe Sedan Delivery[12]

• 
  Ford XM Falcon Sedan
• 
  Ford XM Falcon sedan
• 
  Ford XM Falcon Deluxe Sedan
• 
  Ford XM Falcon Deluxe sedan
• 
  Ford XM Falcon Futura sedan
• 
  Ford XM Falcon Futura sedan
• 
  Ford XM Falcon Deluxe wagon
• 
  Ford XM Falcon Deluxe hardtop
• 
  Ford XM Falcon Deluxe hardtop
• 
  Ford XM Falcon Futura hardtop
• 
  Ford XM Falcon Futura hardtop
• 
  Ford XM Falcon utility
• 
  Ford XM Falcon utility
• 
  Ford XM Falcon Deluxe utility
• 
  Ford XM Falcon Deluxe utility
• 
  Ford XM Falcon sedan delivery
• 
  Ford XM Falcon sedan delivery

47,039 examples of the XM series were produced,[13] prior to its replacement by the revised XP Falcon in March 1965.[14]

• Norm Darwin, The History of Ford in Australia, 1986
• XM Falcon