Interesting Aussie car #6 - Ford XE Falcon ESP: Fords Sleeper
The XD Falcon “European Sports Pack” was released in 1980. Based on the standard trim GL, it had a 351ci Cleveland V8 and the following performance additions over the standard car:
- Sheel sports seats
- Globe 5 spoke alloys
- Uprated suspension
- Rear axle tramp rods
- Fast ratio steering box
The ESP was then updated in 1981 with more luxurious Fairmont underpinnings and the option of a fuel injected 4.1L straight 6.
In 1982 the XE ESP was released, vastly improved, with a LSD and 4 wheel disc brakes as well as a revised rear Watts linkage, Philips audio system and the Gold “Snowflake” rims seen here. The option of a 4.9L V8 was added as well.
Very few XE ESPs were built with the 5.8L V8 as supplies of the engine were running thin. This was the last Falcon with a V8 before it was revived again with the EB. Those which survive in good condition are worth a reasonable amount now.
Comments
Interesting stuff
I think you mean the “cleaveland” V8
The Windsor was
Smaller and the Cleveland was commonly referred to as the 351
Yes you are 100% correct. Thanks for pointing that out, I’ve changed the article. On a side note the engine was built entirely in Melbourne.
Despite leaning on the Holden side, I’d quite like to see these come in a Forza Horizon 3 DLC