1960 First model of what would become an Australian motoring icon, the Falcon sedan rolled off the Broadmeadows assembly line in June and was followed by a full range of XK Falcon sedans and wagons introduced in September of that year. 1960 also saw a new Engine machine shop installed at the expanded Geelong plant.
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The first Australian Falcon rolling off the Broadmeadows Assembly Line.
In 1961 Ford again heavily invested into its Australian operations with a $31 million expansion plan announced. Capacity almost doubled from 50,000 to 90,000 units per year with the early success of the Falcon. A new Head Office transfering head office to a new modern facilty at Broadmeadows from Geelong was announced and a Utility and Panel van added to Falcon range.
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1960′s Cortina.
1962 saw the 100,000th Falcon produced and an updated model the XL introduced to the market with several new features and new styling. The National Parts Distribution Centre was opened in Broadmeadows at a cost of $3 million while in Fremantle assembly operations ceased and the plant was used for rectifications. Tractor and Implement Division commenced operations with the introduction of the Fordson Super Major tractor.
1963 saw further expansion and a $27 million investment to the Australian Operations. The broadacre farm implement range was introduced and the Ford Sales Company of Australia Limited was established to undertake the vehicle marketing activities of Ford Australia.
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The 1964 XM Falcon
1964 XM Falcon sedans, wagons and new hardtop two-door model were introduced. This The Broadmeadows Assembly plant again expanded and the new Head Office opened. A new Apprentice Training Centre opened in Geelong.
1965 saw Broadmeadows Car Assembly Plant expanded and the new $2 million Head Office also opened on the Broadmeadows site. A $160,000 Apprentice Training Centre at Geelong. Henry Ford II, Chairman of Ford made his first visit to Australia. The proving ground opened with a media event showing the strenghts of the new XP Falcon with a 70,000 mile Durability Run. The XP recieved extensive local engineering to further suit it to the harsh Australian driving conditions of the time.
1966 saw the all new XR Falcon launched with a new body and V8 engine option. $2 million extension to Brisbane Plant. The Industrial tractor range was launched.
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The XR Falcon
1967 Falcon XR GT, the first of the GTs was introduced. Falcon GTs take first and second places in Bathurst 500 mile race. Australian Fairlane based on Falcon floor pan was introduced. When the new Fairlane rolled off the assembly lines at Ford in 1967 it created two major milestones in Australian motoring history.The Fairlane was the first long wheelbase Australian-designed and built luxury car. Falcons were exported to Japan – Ford wins Export Award. 1,000,000th Australian-built Ford produced. Tractor and Equipment Operations moved to Broadmeadows.
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The XT Falcon
1968 the XR Falcon was replaced with the XT Falcon. The Falcon team of three GTs wins the teams’ prize in the London-Sydney Marathon. Falcons were placed 3rd, 5th and 8th.
1969 XW Falcon. GT HO version announced.
