Ford Falcon

The Ford Falcon debuted in 1960 and was manufactured in Australia to compete with Holden’s dominance. The Falcon became an instant success but there were durability issues on the rough outback roads. Ford quickly countered with a heavier suspension system and some new body changes but the damage was done. It took several years for the sales to gradually increase. When the Falcon XP hit the market in 1965, Ford was playing its last card. In a huge marketing gamble to prove the car’s reliability a fleet of XP Falcons were driven ruthlessly at 70mph for 70,000 miles and it paid off by winning the esteemed Wheels Magazine Car of the Year award. This changed the tide for the Ford Falcon and helped cement its long-term future.