I miss the falcon

[PHATAL]

You know what? I really miss the Falcon.

For most of my life myself or my family have had a falcon at home or a derivative there of. They have been a big part of my life with my father drilling into me the love of the blue oval. It feels like a big section of my being is missing now that they are gone. I also really feel for my son. He is 8 years old and has never really even ridden in a Falcon. He wouldn't even know what one was. Being from the middle of nowhere I always enjoyed the once or twice a year trip to the big smoke where I would go Car Dealer visiting and check out the brand new FPVs etc sitting in the show room.

I always envisioned doing that with my son. Granted the Mustang is here now and I could go look at them with him but they just don't interest me like the Falcon did. I find them impractical really.

Currently I own a SZ Territory Titanium - whilst not a Falcon you could argue it was similar. Prior to that I owned an FPV RSPEC F6. We downgraded essentially to the Territory for starting the new family duties in the view that we would always get back into a performance type car afterwards. The Territory is a 2012 model so it isn't getting any younger but I really don't have a vehicle to go to after this. Yeah I could get something from the used market which I browse daily but the price of a second hand F6 or GT just stings when you are paying more now then they were brand new with the youngest ones being born in 2014 so they are already 6 years old at this point. I am just a bit lost in the car world without a clear direction to move to now. I always had the next model FPV to look forward to.

Finding a car with the room, 4 doors, luggage space and that also matches the performance level as the Falcon / FPV range is really difficult now. The 300C is probably about as close as you can get now and I have never really been a fan of those. Euro cars that are close in spec are ridiculously expensive (AMG E63s for example) and I will never buy a holden (can't now anyway). The next vehicle of any real interest to me at the moment is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. I don't mind the looks of them and they sound awesome with an exhaust. I was hoping to get back into a better handling car but I am kind of out of options. The TrackHawk would be epic but I would never have the cash for that. The SRT would probably be the go..... I guess....

Anyway rant / thoughts / emotions over. Thanks for reading....

[baboon]

There's nothing quite like a Falcon. It really sounds like its what we all need in this crazy Covid world we live in now!

[bangm001]

If only Chrysler Australia brought over the Dodge Chargers. Have you guys seen some of their redeye/hellcat etc versions of those. Insane!

https://www.autoblog.com/2019/06/27/...ody-scat-pack/

[gooseneck]

I really miss the Falcon.

Awwwwww

Originally Posted by PHATAL

Jeep Grand Cherokee.

A second hand XC, XF or AU Falcon project car maybe?

I'm not hearing a no?

[PHATAL]

Originally Posted by bangm001

If only Chrysler Australia brought over the Dodge Chargers. Have you guys seen some of their redeye/hellcat etc versions of those. Insane!

https://www.autoblog.com/2019/06/27/...ody-scat-pack/

Yeah hence why I say the Jeep TrackHawk - they have the Hell cat motor in them.

[PHATAL]

Originally Posted by gooseneck

Awwwwww



A second hand XC, XF or AU Falcon project car maybe?
image
I'm not hearing a no?

Technically I have a ZG.... (click the link in my signature) Family drama means that I am kept away from it at the moment though unfortunately.

[Poetic Justice]

Having owned a Jeep SRT I know where I'd go.

Just make sure you get a decent warranty with it as well as a reputable mechanic that knows them well.

[PHATAL]

Originally Posted by Poetic Justice

Having owned a Jeep SRT I know where I'd go.

Just make sure you get a decent warranty with it as well as a reputable mechanic that knows them well.

I have heard that they have dramas. Is your post a good review or bad though?

[whynot]

Yeah, I really miss the Territory. It is a shame that Ford let it wither on the vine. I looked at getting one in late 2017 (getting one of the few that where still 'new' in the car yards). Unfortunately, the gap between the Territory and the CX-5 in terms of kit and safety was too wide for the Ford. An alternative to the Territory would be a CX-9. Reasonable handling, reasonable space, not as much get up and go as a Falcon (but not bad for a 2 tonne vehicle).

[bangm001]

My bro in law had a white SRT few years back. With the issues he had i wouldnt touch them but i guess what we put up with our falcons probably not that bad. Issues were interior bit and pieces, misaligned body panels which they never got right, as well as transmission issues. When it needed 4x tyres and front rotors he got rid of it.

[kcodezd]

Not that I ever bought a brand spanker, I miss all spy shots and pre-reviews of a new model Falcon as they got closer and closer to release, the unveiling, and then plastered near on every car magazine cover at the newsagents.

Once released into the public, would count the ones I would see in my head until the daily total became too much to remember.

[PHATAL]

Originally Posted by kcodezd

Not that I ever bought a brand spanker, I miss all spy shots and pre-reviews of a new model Falcon as they got closer and closer to release, the unveiling, and then plastered near on every car magazine cover at the newsagents.

Once released into the public, would count the ones I would see in my head until the daily total became too much to remember.

I got a look at the camo FGs before they came out FPVs etc etc. I was very very excited:

http://fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11201736

[DJR-351]

I've been missing the Falcon since 1979.......

[Sprintey]

Hey PHATAL, I really miss the Falcon too. And the Territory.

There's a bit of a bright side currently, there are still low km FGX, FG2 and SZII in yards, maybe put one away for your son, when he gets to driving age?

We were lucky enough to be able to buy (cash lol) one new Territory, in 2007. It was AWD SR, first of the black trim, and since we did a special factory order (extras like 6 airbags, premium sound, power pedals etc) we had the excitement of waiting for our special factory order Aussie Ford to arrive. For a petrol inline 6 AWD SUV that handles, to replace it, for mine it's a Jag F-Pace at twice the price. We still have the Territory, and I'd keep it for when the Euro is in getting repairs ha. If ONLY Ford did an AWD petrol I6 right through to 2016...

As for driving with your son, just wait. Our son started with a manual ED XR8 Sprint - he wanted to learn manual and that was the only manual we had, so be it, 5L V8 and a cracker of a Windsor at that. His mates were very jealous, as were rellies from the UK car culture that drove it. On one occasion, he turned into a gravel side road off a winding, sloping country road a little too late and fast, the Sprint's tail slid out, and he absolutely naturally corrected the slide as if by instinct. The car came to a halt, in control. He was a bit rattled, but he'd saved us. Most of his learning was far less dramatic and a mix of country, town, gravel, sealed, day, night etc. Learning the gears, watching him get more coordination and quicker changes was satisfying. Once we came to a stop on a sweeping corner at midnight, completely surrounded by a mob of roos. That was pretty special.

When time for his own car came, he bought a 2011 Limited Edition FG XR6 auto. The premium interior, the ride on 18's, the ZF, the comfort was even better than the Terry! What's more, a number of his mates have swapped their first cars for FGs. The XR6 is a really, really nice car.

Good luck with the ZG. We got to save an XW, which for a long time was stored away from us, but was shipped over just before all this stuff started.

Yep they made good cars that everyday Australians could afford. I miss them.

[wodahs]

Originally Posted by PHATAL

I really miss the Falcon.

I really miss the Fairlane

Originally Posted by PHATAL

Currently I own a SZ Territory Titanium - whilst not a Falcon you could argue it was similar.

Did i say I really miss the Fairlane

[au2000]

Since its demise... nothing in the automotive landscape in australia excites me..
As much as i no longer need a 4 door sedan, i still cant and wont part with em

[mondeomatureguy]

Hi Guys,
Yea I miss the Falcon also it was built for Australian roads. It was strong, had plenty of power and plenty of room.

It won a lot of Bathurst's races and most Police Stations had a few Falcons as Police cars. I also miss the V8 Utes when they race.

[fnp]

I'll miss my car if it ever got written off. Don't know what I'd get to replace it.


I want something cheapish, reliable, reasonably quick, can do some towing, can do some track work, and be a roomy comfy daily that can cover big distance with ease. Can't think of many cars on the market now that tick all those boxes.

[Rallye Sport]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

As for driving with your son, just wait. Our son started with a manual ED XR8 Sprint - he wanted to learn manual and that was the only manual we had, so be it, 5L V8 and a cracker of a Windsor at that. His mates were very jealous, as were rellies from the UK car culture that drove it. On one occasion, he turned into a gravel side road off a winding, sloping country road a little too late and fast, the Sprint's tail slid out, and he absolutely naturally corrected the slide as if by instinct. The car came to a halt, in control. He was a bit rattled, but he'd saved us. Most of his learning was far less dramatic and a mix of country, town, gravel, sealed, day, night etc. Learning the gears, watching him get more coordination and quicker changes was satisfying. Once we came to a stop on a sweeping corner at midnight, completely surrounded by a mob of roos. That was pretty special.

When time for his own car came, he bought a 2011 Limited Edition FG XR6 auto. The premium interior, the ride on 18's, the ZF, the comfort was even better than the Terry! What's more, a number of his mates have swapped their first cars for FGs. The XR6 is a really, really nice car.

Good story... I taught my nephew to drive in a T1 TE50, once again only suitable manual in the family. He's also driving an FG nowadays, nice XR6 that he shows genuine passion for. We do the odd track day together in his and my XR50 and often swap cars when permitted. The Falcons have brought us together like no other car.
In saying that my little niece has her eyes squarely on the Escort. She gets ten points for ambition

[Sprintey]

Here's a really good doco on how we lost the Falcon and Territory - amongst everything else:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3VrlH1Cwh4

There really should be a Royal Commission into how policy can be directed to kick the country in the nuts for 40 consecutive years...

[roKWiz]

I don't, I drive it everyday.

[Venomous1]

I miss the coming and going of new models sure but I never been surrounded by more Falcons now then ever.

Have 4 sitting at my house all running and 1 at my parents and my nephew has gotten onto the AU and has 3 already. lol

[anobserver]

Originally Posted by au2000

Since its demise... nothing in the automotive landscape in australia excites me..
As much as i no longer need a 4 door sedan, i still cant and wont part with em

Yeah, this. When i look at the fwd, suv rubbish that people buy... as well as the two tonne dual cabs ... i have no enthusiasm for anything new.

Even four years on, the design of the fgx still looks contemporary.

[anobserver]

Can't say i'm excited, but there is rwd on the horizon....IF they come in Rhd and to Oz...

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...onfirmed-2022/

Otherwise might have to start saving for a low mileage fgx...

[Franco Cozzo]

My advice for anyone whose buying a second hand car or they're buying their first, I'm always like:

YOU WANT A FALCON OR COMMODORE!

- Cheap to fix
- Everyone can fix em
- Lots of car for the spondoolies
- Bit thirsty on juice though

And they're like but it's only me, I live in Melbourne in an apartment and I just drive 5km a week because I take the tram to work.

And upon hearing this new information, I'm like

........YOU WANT A FALCON OR A COMMODORE!

[arronm]

Lucky I have 1 x BA F6. 1 x BF 1 F6, BF3 wagon. 2010 TTG. VE SS wagon, VF SSVR wagon.

Aussie cars rule.

[Swordie]

I miss both the local large rwd cars. I have both a VY Commodore wagon and G220 Fairlaine.

If you like the Falcon now is a good time to buy one. It could be used as weekender and get something else for the daily.

[yanknbank]

Did Ford Australia ever have a post FG Falcon program in the works? It would be interesting to see where things would’ve went after the FG, as in about now (or perhaps sooner).

[Sprintey]

Originally Posted by au2000

Since its demise... nothing in the automotive landscape in australia excites me..
As much as i no longer need a 4 door sedan, i still cant and wont part with em

Feel similar. I try to like things in the 30 -50K price range, but keep looking for RWD, robust and cheap to fix mechanicals, 500,000km+ inline 6 life, great handling.... Some of the cars have some of the attributes... At least there are 4+yo Falcons. Or older carby powered ones!

Um, maybe that Mazda with an inline 6, or if Jag put their inline 6 in the XE, or BMW inline 6, but these are different price range/ownership propositions - the Mazda probably closest to what the Falcon was.

[MercuryT]

I don't miss the power steering leak, blown coils and door actuators failing constantly.

Otherwise yes miss my Falcon massively!