1970 Ford Falcon 500 XW
Ford Australia’s Falcon 500 was positioned between base-level models and the more upscale Futura variants within the mid-size lineup. Raised ridges along the front fenders and a buttressed C-pillar distinguished the XW series from earlier Falcons, giving the car a more substantial and squared-off appearance.
Four-door sedans, station wagons, and utility-based commercial configurations provided broad body style coverage.
Factory-integrated air conditioning became available for the first time, while updated dashboard instrumentation and revised trim treatments improved interior presentation.
Engine choices included 188 and 221 cubic-inch inline sixes, with optional 302 and 351 cubic-inch Windsor V8s providing stronger performance. The Grand Sport rally package added sports instrumentation, distinctive wheel covers, and decorative exterior striping to Falcon 500 variants.
Production at Ford Australia’s Broadmeadows facility ran from June 1969 through October 1970, totaling approximately 105,785 units across all XW variants.
The series helped lift Ford’s Australian market share beyond 21 percent and established the foundation for later high-performance GT and GT-HO models.
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