What is the Ford Falcon?
The Ford Falcon is a name Ford used for two different car programs: a U.S.-built compact car introduced in 1960, and a long-running Australian-made full-size sedan and utility that ran from 1960 until 2016.
Two histories, two markets
The U.S. Falcon began life in 1960 as Ford's compact family car, offered in several body styles and trims. It influenced Ford's small-car strategy and helped pave the way for the Maverick, Ford's affordable compact introduced in 1969. In Australia, the Falcon evolved into Ford Australia's flagship model, a full-size sedan that also spawned a versatile ute and a range of performance variants. It became deeply embedded in Australian automotive culture before production ceased in 2016.
United States Falcon: basics
Key facts about the U.S. Falcon line include its role as a first-generation compact and the way it laid groundwork for later domestic Fords in the small-car segment.
- Launched in 1960 as a compact sedan and wagon with several trim levels
- Was offered in two- and four-door configurations and spawned variants such as the Falcon Futura and Ranch Wagon
- Influenced Ford's move toward affordable, mass-market cars and helped pave the way for the Maverick in 1969
These points illustrate how the U.S. Falcon served as Ford's entry into the compact car market in the 1960s and helped shape Ford's small-car strategy.
Australian Falcon: overview and evolution
In Australia, the Falcon was designed, engineered and built locally, starting in 1960. It grew into Ford Australia's mainstay family car, available as sedans, wagons, and the Falcon Ute for work and recreational use. Over the decades it acquired performance variants and police/interceptor configurations; production ended in 2016 with the FG X, marking the end of the era and a shift in Ford Australia's product strategy.
Key figures and variants in the Australian Falcon lineup include...
- Produced in Australia by Ford Australia from 1960 to 2016 across multiple generations
- Body styles included the sedan, wagon, and the Falcon Ute (a pickup-style utility)
- Notable performance variants included the Falcon GT and GT-HO (late 1960s–early 1970s), plus XR and XR6 variants that spanned the 1990s and 2000s
- The FG X (2014–2016) was the final generation; production ended in 2016
The Australian Falcon's long run and its role in taxis, police fleets, and racing have left a lasting imprint on the country's automotive culture.
Legacy and cultural impact
The Falcon's footprint extends beyond showrooms. In Australia, it became a symbol of local automotive manufacturing and performance culture, with iconic variants and widespread use in fleets and racing. In the U.S., the Falcon helped Ford break into the compact-car segment and set the stage for future small Fords that followed the Maverick and other successors.
Notable variants
Examples of well-known Falcon variants across markets:
- Ford Falcon GT and GT-HO (Australia) – high-performance models that helped define Ford's performance image in the 1960s and 1970s
- Ford Falcon XR6/XT (Australia) – widely popular performance-oriented models from the late 1990s through the 2000s
- Ford Falcon Ute (Australia) – a utility pickup variant used by businesses and enthusiasts
- Ford Falcon (United States) – the original compact that helped spawn the Maverick in 1969
These variants illustrate the Falcon's broad spectrum, from everyday family cars to performance machines.
Summary
The Ford Falcon name spans two distinct Ford programs: a U.S.-market compact car that began in 1960 and a long-running Australian family car program that ran from 1960 to 2016. While the two markets used the same badge, they served different needs and grew along separate development tracks. Today, the Falcon name lives on mainly in historical discussions and in the collector and enthusiast communities that celebrate Ford's diverse engineering legacy.
Is the Ford Falcon legal in the US?
Going with the Aussie theme, the Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo can now be imported. The 'Barra' 4.0L straight six is an absolute monster. It's already seen its way into a few foxbody's, with more to come.
Are Ford Falcons still made?
The Ford Falcon is a full-size car that was manufactured by Ford Australia from 1960 to 2016.
What was the last year of the Ford Falcon?
The last year for the Ford Falcon in North America was 1970. However, the Australian version of the Falcon was produced until 2016.
- North America: The last model year for the Ford Falcon in North America was 1970.
- Australia: The final Ford Falcon was produced in Australia in 2016.
What is a Ford Falcon?
The Ford Falcon is a model line of cars that was produced by Ford from the 1960 to 1970 model years. Though preceded by the Rambler American, the Falcon was the first compact car marketed by the Big Three American manufacturers.
