Ford Falcon XK 1960

[Pete05]

The first Falcon sold in Australia was the XK series, introduced in September 1960. It was initially offered only as a four-door sedan, in both Falcon and Falcon Deluxe trim levels. The XK was essentially a right hand drive version of the North American model, although local country dealers often included modifications such as heavy duty rear suspension (5 leaves) and larger 13"x6.50 tyre. Front seat belts were optional.
The steering was light and the ride surprisingly good, on well-paved roads. Whereas the North American model used an 'economy' 3.10:1 rear axle ratio, the Australian Falcon was built with a 3.56:1 ratio which better complemented the torque characteristics of the engine.
Billed as being "Australian with a world of difference", Falcon offered the first serious alternative to Holden, and became an instant success. Sales were aided by the contemporary FB series Holden being perceived as lacklustre and dated by comparison. A 170 cu in engine was introduced late in the model's life.
However, before long, XK sales suffered from complaints about the durability on rough outback roads (due chiefly to collapsing front ball joints and adjusting shims dropping out of the front suspension, both problems inducing some rather severe front camber); the car earned the unflattering nickname "Foul Can" during this time.

The Falcon of Harry Firth/Bob Jane taking Hell corner during the Bathurst 6 hour before the car was rolled by Firth up the escape road in the background due to brake failure.

http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/car_info_ford_falcon_xk.htm

http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/falcon_the_story.htm

http://carsguide.com.au/news-and-reviews/buyers-guide/ford_falcon_xk_1960_1962_buyers_guide

http://www.uniquecarsmag.com.au/news-and-reviews/article/articleid/67961.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Falcon_(Australia)

http://www.shannons.com.au/club/new...african-safari-to-fords-first-great-race-win/

 

[swynder]

More like this would be awesome! It would spice up the lobbies alot, specially for those... Classic racing enthusiast 👍

 

[GBO Possum]

...
The Falcon of Harry Firth/Bob Jane taking Hell corner during the Bathurst 6 hour before the car was rolled by Firth up the escape road in the background due to brake failure.
...

They had brakes? Are you sure?!

That was back in the days when road tests of family cars used to record the number of times they'd stop from, say, 70 mph before the drums were rendered totally useless by excessive heat. Numbers such as "three" or "five" were common IIRC.

Off topic, this was the corner where I was spectating and a Datsun discarded its inside front wheel with no ill effects. Well, none until it settled down to climb Mountain Straight. Then things started to make grinding noises.

 

[Pete05]

They had brakes? Are you sure?!

That was back in the days when road tests of family cars used to record the number of times they'd stop from, say, 70 mph before the drums were rendered totally useless by excessive heat. Numbers such as "three" or "five" were common IIRC.

Off topic, this was the corner where I was spectating and a Datsun discarded its inside front wheel with no ill effects. Well, none until it settled down to climb Mountain Straight. Then things started to make grinding noises.

I'm betting the driver of the Datsun was thankful on 2 counts.

1. The short stroll to pit lane
2. Better to loose a LF when at Hell corner rather than approaching 'Skyline' at well over 100km/h

 

[Pete05]

OP has been updated with a new link to an article on the Falcon's Motorsport history available through the Shannons Club.
You will have to become a member of the Shannons Club in order to read the full article but, if you like classic cars, then I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed 👍