The Ford Falcon (XM) is a

mid-size car Mid-size—also known as intermediate—is a vehicle size class which originated in the United States and is used for cars larger than compact cars and smaller than full-size cars. "Large family car" is a UK term and a part of the D-segment in t ...

that was produced by Ford Australia between February 1964 and February 1965. It was the third iteration of the first generation of the

Ford Falcon Ford Falcon is an automobile nameplate applied to several vehicles worldwide. * Ford Falcon (North America), an automobile produced by Ford from 1960 to 1970. * Ford Falcon (Argentina), a car built by Ford Argentina from 1962 until 1991. * For ...

Overview

The XM series Falcon range was introduced in February 1964, as a replacement for the XL series Falcon. The XM featured around 1,500 modifications from the XL, including numerous changes to the suspension which now featured stronger ball joints, new front upper wishbones, coil-over shock units and relocated rear spring-hangers. Also new were bigger axle shafts and tougher engine mounts. The vacuum operated windscreen wipers of the XL series were replaced by a two-speed electric motor unit and the seats were stronger with better quality upholstery. Unlike previous Australian Falcons, the XM represented a significant departure from the contemporary US

models in terms of exterior styling. Both of the engines from the XK and XL Falcons were retained, albeit with a small power increase for both engines; a '' Falcon Six''

inline-six The straight-six engine (also referred to as an inline-six engine; abbreviated I6 or L6) is a piston engine with six cylinders arranged in a straight line along the crankshaft. A straight-six engine has perfect primary and secondary engine balan ...

, which produced and an optional version of the ''Falcon Six'', which produced . For higher specification models, such as the Deluxe trim, a version of the ''Falcon Six'' was available for the first time (often referred to as the ''Super Pursuit'' engine), and produced . The 170 engine was also made the standard engine for the top-spec Futura models. A two-door

hardtop A hardtop is a rigid form of automobile roof, which for modern cars is typically constructed from metal. A hardtop roof can be either fixed (i.e. not removable), Convertible#Detachable hardtop, detachable for separate storing or retractable ha ...

body style was added to the range in July 1964.Tony Davis, Aussie Cars, 1987, page 90 It was offered in Falcon Deluxe Hardtop and Falcon Futura Hardtop trim levels, with the 170 cubic inch "Pursuit 170" engine as standard equipment and the 200 cubic inch "Super Pursuit" available as an option on both models.''All fun and fancy-free'', sales brochure for XM series Ford Falcon Hardtop models, Ford Sales Company of Australia Limited, DM112-5/64/40M

Model range

The Falcon XM passenger car range, released in February 1964,Falcon XM Technical Specifications
Retrieved from www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au on 10 October 2009 comprised three sedan and three station wagon models,''The New Falcon'', sales brochure for XM series Ford Falcon Sedan and Station Wagon models, Ford Sales Company of Australia Limited marketed as follows: * Falcon Sedan * Falcon Deluxe Sedan * Falcon Futura Sedan * Falcon Wagon * Falcon Deluxe Wagon * Falcon Squire Wagon The Falcon XM Hardtop range, released in July 1964, comprised two models, marketed as follows: * Falcon Deluxe Hardtop * Falcon Futura Hardtop The Falcon XM commercial vehicle range comprised four models:''The New Falcon - with Certified Golden Quality'', newspaper insert for XM series Ford Falcon models * Falcon Standard Utility * Falcon Deluxe Utility * Falcon Standard Sedan Delivery''The '64 Falcon Sedan Delivery'', sales brochure for XM series Ford Falcon Sedan Delivery models, Ford Sales Company of Australia Limited, DM86-1/64 * Falcon Deluxe Sedan Delivery File:1966 Ford Falcon (XM) sedan (18794607288).jpg, Ford XM Falcon Sedan File:1966 Ford Falcon (XM) sedan (18795959779).jpg, Ford XM Falcon sedan File:Ford Falcon XM Deluxe (22863968483).jpg, Ford XM Falcon Deluxe Sedan File:Ford Falcon XM Deluxe (23408617351).jpg, Ford XM Falcon Deluxe sedan File:1964 Ford XM Futura Super Pursuit (10323243454).jpg, Ford XM Falcon Futura sedan File:Ford Falcon (35085792853).jpg, Ford XM Falcon Futura sedan File:Ford Falcon XM Wagon.jpg, Ford XM Falcon Deluxe wagon File:1964 Ford XM Falcon Deluxe hardtop (7708063346).jpg, Ford XM Falcon Deluxe hardtop File:1964 Ford XM Falcon Deluxe hardtop (7708066776).jpg, Ford XM Falcon Deluxe hardtop File:Ford Falcon XM Hardtop (15647662717).jpg, Ford XM Falcon Futura hardtop File:1964 Ford Falcon (XM) coupe (21247272008).jpg, Ford XM Falcon Futura hardtop File:Ford XM Falcon Utility.jpg, Ford XM Falcon utility File:1964 Ford XM Falcon utility (23837489185).jpg, Ford XM Falcon utility File:1964 Ford XM Falcon Deluxe Utility (12963652884).jpg, Ford XM Falcon Deluxe utility File:Ford Falcon Ute (39436412464).jpg, Ford XM Falcon Deluxe utility File:1964 Ford Falcon XM Panel Van.jpg, Ford XM Falcon sedan delivery File:1964 Ford XM Falcon sedan delivery (23947846750).jpg, Ford XM Falcon sedan delivery

Production

47,039 examples of the XM series were produced, prior to its replacement by the revised XP Falcon in March 1965.AC Bushby, The Australian Ford Falcon Collection, 1989, page 62

Overview

Model range

Production

References

Further reading