From Australia 🇦🇺 here, i have a series 1 xr8 trayback ute ,brought it brand new back in 99, 460000 k's on the clock never had a drama with it👍 , I changed it from tub style to trayback in 2006 , and I still have it 👍
I love you passion for Australian manufactured cars Your knowledge of our Ozie cars is credit to you I always have enjoyed your laid back but thoughtful take on cars Cheers from SA The home of Ex GMH Elizabeth plant ..... 🙏
Love this video. The enthusiasm. As an Aussie it is easy to take it all for granted. V8s have ruled the roads here for decades. Big 6s too. Very popular. In England and Europe though things are very different. People who travel get some perspective. Great to hear too about your trip out here and also over to New Zealand as well Ian. I will have to look out now for other videos you have released.
As a Aussie who lived in Europe for several years... when you hear a big 6 or a unmuted V8 its like hearing heavenly music. I even looked at buying and importing a Aussie performance sedan like a AU or E series XR6/8 Falcon. In the end I just moved back home and bought one back here.
The Hubnut playlists make it easier to see most of his NZ and Aus visit. The Aussie oddballs includes most of the Australian made cars : th-cam.com/video/kpBCJJ3TFbc/w-d-xo.html And Hubnut goes global covers more including museums, tourism and some of the Australian cars he missed putting in the Aussie list : th-cam.com/video/9crTEaJ83P4/w-d-xo.html
The best of the AU XR8 Utes is the Pursuit 250. They have a bunch of upgrades over the regular XR8 including a stroker cranks taking the capacity to 5.6L and 335HP. 18" wheels, big brakes, lowered suspension and a great looking body kit. Only 248 of them made though.
As an Aussie it didn't look out of place at all from where I'm sitting :) Still heaps of AU utes on the road out here Nice review and yeah the V8 rumble always turns heads and grins
Im in NZ and own one of these AU1 XR8 utes and i use it to tow a caravan and for general weekend stuff, there is something about a Windsor V8 note, love it to bits
Holden did sell a cab chassis utility, they were not as common as the "style side" that's for sure...produced from 2003-2006; of the VY-VZ model years. The VT Commodore lacked a utility, with a solution provided with the "VX" model. Instead, Holden ran the VS utility for an extended period, making a third series. Commodore models of VT, VX, VY & VZ were all heavily reworked/locally produced Opel Omega Bs, before launch of the Zeta platform took over. Hope you're well, regards. Mike.
Hi all, i'm from Australia and these AU models would have to be of the most underrated model series of Aussie falcon ever made. the engine is a 5 litre, roller cam V8 lifted from the mustang. Windsor V8's are a very sweet engine. an aftermarket exhaust, cold air intake and a mild cam. retune the ECU and they are very quick for the money. would love to see you try out a later model BA series with the turbo inline six. those engines can be built to 600 + Hp on a stock bottom end! anyway, glad to see you appreciating some of the cars that your brothers from down under are making. try the manual version of that ute. different diff ratio, will shock you! these make an awesome drift car!!!!!
I loved your review, Ian. I’m lucky enough to own one of these AU Utes-mines a 5.0 v8 with the T5 manual. My dad bought the car 9 months after it was first sold in immaculate condition, did 160,000km on it but absolutely babied it. He traded it in on a crew cab Isuzu after I had kids, then I bought it 3 years later from the third owner. It was a bit sad and abused at that point, but I’ve cleaned it up, done a couple of performance mods and it’s got pride of place in my garage. I’ve got some other quick Fords and Subarus, including a rare Falcon with factory-fitted supercharged Coyote engine (code named the Miami engine over here), a silly XR6 Turbo and a road-legal, registered WRX STI that I developed which won a few trophies, blah blah blah. Despite some other more expensive, faster and rarer cars in the garage, the old manual AU ute is the one I’ll never part with. It only produced a measly 175 kW (at the flywheel!!!) but the old Windsor is willing and gives great torque from 1400 rpm, all the way to a singing redline at a stratospheric 5000 rpm.💪😆 It’s just as much fun taking the old girl up a mountain pass, rowing between the widely-spaced T5 gears, listening to that glorious, gutless American V8, getting a little loose at the back end, as it is doing it 3x faster in one of my more capable alternatives. I guess faster does not equal more fun, hey?
I picked up a 2001 AUll XR8 in April 2021 with 316,000+ kms here in NZ. I got mine for just $8,400, BUT, low k's mint condition now go for $20,000+. These last of the Windsor's were 220kw and have a plaque on the rocker cover saying ... Hand Built with Pride by ... with the Buiders signature underneath. Mine still whips up to red line nicely, and sounds good doing it. Enjoy seeing your AU's in England !!
Ian, like you did in this video, I giggled the first time I drove a friend’s Mustang GT. I was always used to small four-cylinder engines and driving the Mustang was my first experience having a throaty V8 under my right foot. You really can’t do anything except just giggle in pure automotive delight when you hear that sound!
it's a Series 1 so anywhere from September 1998 to March 2000 due to the interior centre stack (your Fairmont had the premium interior which were on all Series Fairmont/Ghia/Fairlane/LTD), the engine appears to be a Series 2 based on the plenum chamber (intake manifold) also has the larger throttle body which means this either is a Series II (200kW/420NM from factory) or 220kW/435Nm (Series III which were a development of the T-Series FTE cars). Also does have "modes" it's an adaptive transmission which has 3 selectable modes "adaptive (standard), sports and econ", however the way you shift into these modes is convoluted (it's a process that involves lots of reading and learning how to apply it so many owners put them into sports mode and never changed out of it unless they disconnected the battery. While Commodore did sell more in 2024 in terms of VT Commodore (which was based on the GM Opel Omega of that era) vs AU Falcon if you are driving around Sydney or regional areas of NSW the AU Falcon still is on the road today doing what it does where as not many VT Commodore survived, yes there are some out there but as a daily driver not many.
Love your reaction to one of our home grown Aussie V8 Falcon's, the front bumper and lamp styling are carry over Tickford XR hallmark that started with the ED XR Falcon's. That was carried nearly all the way to the end of production...😎
Iv got a falcon BA RTV Ute tray back. Which RTV stands for rugged terrain vehicle so basically they lifted suspension for greater ground clearance widened wheel track under body protection brake lines extra protection mud guards bigger radiator diff locker inline Barra 6 engine it was a great work vehicle. I all so have FGX XR6 Ute. Ford Australia made great cars
My dairy Farmer Brother had a brand new 2002 AU3 XR8 Pursuit UTE 5 Speed Manual. XR8 Pursuit was the more powerful version or the XR8 believe it or not. I lived by the Airport in Auckland NZ at the time and when ever he went overseas he would leave it at my place and it would be mine to use. So tempting to give it the hoof and it was so loud. I would have lost my license if I had it too long. I drive an 07 BF2 XR6 UTE. Nice but totally different. Love the videos as always Ian. Best to you and your family. Oh and I have had Au Fairmonts and Fairlanes in the past too so understand your enjoyment. Regards Tony from Matamata NZ.
For any car lover the sound of a V8 is like a narcotic really. I had similar giggling with a 1978 Mercedes 350 SEL with a four speed manual transmission coupled to the torquey 3.5 V8. Hilarious and a tire burner.
Over here in Oz I had a few au's but my favourite was my Falcon XC ute (look them up) with a 351ci V8 9"diff with LSD, discs all round and 100litre LPG, dirt cheap to run at 20cents/litre and the best workhorse ever! Sadly rusted to death and ended up at the wreckers.
A shortcoming of this Ute was that the fasteners on the body to hold the tonneau cover were actual holes in the body , if you wanted to fit a hard cover or canopy you were stuck with holes down the side which Ford or a dealer fitted with plastic hole covers...it didn't really look like a serious attempt. Ian to my knowledge all of the various models of the AU were released at the same time, there were a multitude of grills & dashes.
You're right that each iteration of AU was released at the same time, but the waterfall grille was exclusive to S1 base models. The S2 and S3 base model grill was replaced by one reminiscent of the fairmont, just with less chrome. Also, the S1 XR6/8 body kit was slightly different from S2/3. The later model ones look much more aggressive. The one we're seeing here is a S1 example, interior as well
Yeh...nah, the ute came out about 18 months after the sedan, the base AU had the crappy grille, the Fairmont had a Mondeo style thing, as well as the Ghia, the Ute had the first acceptable grille, the series II finally had a grill you didn't want to stab yourself in the eyes to not look at all the time, for some reason Ford built good vehicles with really shit designs occasionally, Edsel, XE Falcon (again the grill) and the early AU's...plus a couple of others like tbe 2 door capri soft top thing which was a shoe box shape thing...
Howdy Ian, I have an AU111 Tick ford 220 in my 101, before I'm taken to task, I brought her as a non running project, non original engine and basically stripped of fittings. She was one of fifty the Australian Army had for the Rapier missile system. She now has a Haltech Elite 950 education. The sound is glorious when towing, using maximum throttle, sound bouncing off the cuttings and tunnels, so I can appreciate your giggles n chuckles
A TWK transporter version of this sounds like a great idea. There is an expert on Australian Fords in Southern England who can help you with the import and commissioning for UK roads. He has a website called Up and Down 😂
You were VERY wise to wind down the window like that. My little dog thought it was HILAREOUS to lock me out of my AU ute no less than 3 times before I started making sure I had the keys in my pocket before getting out. One time it was raining and the motor and wipers were on. I spent half an hour getting drenched while I played around with a bit of wire trying to snag the door handle through a 1cm gap. The dog thought I was playing a game and kept nipping at the wire.😖
Really nice to finally meet you Ian and thanks for doing the video on my ute you've done a fantastic job. Shame I didn't get time to empty it so you could experience just how lively it is😁 Ah by the way if you wondered where your drink bottle was it's in the Ute 😁
OMG what a great sounding Ute. I don't think that there are that many pickups with a great soundtrack like the one in this Ute. It is absolutely amazing what Mr Hubnut finds to test drive on his channel.
As an Aussie, I always enjoy it when Hubnut shows an Australian Ford or Holden on UK roads. Never owned a V8 myself but I did own - get ready to swoon - a '99 Series 1 AU Falcon "Forte" wagon (yes the waterfall grille) in metallic green and full-on grey pleblon cloth interior. Totally Mintox! It was 18 months old when I got it - and bought it solely because it was the only car that could fit two child seats in the back AND still fit a full size human in between. And it was totally cavernous - more space in the back than your typical van. Also had a '89 Series 1 EA Ford Fairmont that I bought for $700 when it was about 15 years old. Slow as a wet week despite the 4.0L six, but without doubt the plushest and most comfortable interior of any car I've ever owned. I can smell the scent of sun baked velour on a hot day now ... Never understood why Ford didn't export Aussie Falcons o Europe and the US - perfect Autobahn or Interstate cruisers (especially in BA-BF Typhoon guise with the turbo Barra six). I am surprised that the 5.0L Tickford XR8 only puts out 268bhp and 310lb-ft (though Google says factory XR8 spec was even less at 248bhp/303lbft). I always assumed they were much meatier than that. Even my 20yo Alfa 156 GTA puts out 250bhp from its much smaller 3.2L V6. Guess it shows the difference between what was considered "high powered" then and now.
This was brilliant Ian. I think this must be the very first video that I can recall where the grin of the reviewer is almost visible from behind the head. It certainly looked like a lot of fun in the short time you have drive the AU Ute. This would make a great tow car but would frighten the canopy off Bob not to mention upsetting Bob's buddy Bella. Nice one.
@@seamusobrien2675 We can't possibly have Bob eaten, He's been a well behaved home for our hosts last summer and is now a well established part of the Hubnutters family fleet.
As an Aussie it warms my hard to see these magnificent beasts out in other countries. I'd love to see other peoples reactions to them. The V8 ute is not something I've noticed outside of Aus.
Nothing more infectious than planting your right foot behind a good-ole V8 - window down of course (who needs a radio)! Glad you were able to experience what is now a bit of a dinosaur even here in Oz with the cessation of Australian designed sedan/station wagon/ute manufacturing. Rest assured though there are plenty of us keeping the legend alive from the Ford the Holden camps in the running of these vehicles. Glad to see and hear one of these lovely 'crocs' has made it over to educate the Poms. Great vid.
Top stuff. I had a AU2 XLS ute for 15+ years here in Aus. Bought it second-hand when it was about 12 months old. Great car - business at the back and party at the front. It's good to see someone who appreciates the AU. Cheers 👍
I had one of these for 10 years in the awesome mid blue metallic paint. Brilliant to tour around Australia. The sound system is like having a V8 mobile Sound Studio. Loved It
There was an Australian invasion lol, in the late 90s/early 00s, when pretty much every other person I met when living in London was either an Aussie or a Kiwi! They all came here for work when they could earn decent money and save a house deposit within the space of a few years, go back home and buy a place when they were still reasonably priced! Whilst they were here they all LOVED the UK Hard House and Trance scene... indeed, most of the more popular nights in London were started and promoted by Antipodeans; Frantic, Fevah, HeatUK, the SW4 events on Clapham Common, and a lot of the smaller after parties around Brixton and Willesden Green were all run by our Southern Hemisphere friends : ) Unfortunately, much of that scene died when the cost of living here got too high, together with rising house prices in Oz n NZ, they simply couldn't save as much as before and virtually stopped coming over. You still see the occasional traveler on their "OE", but they tend to only stop in the big smoke for a short time before venturing onto cheaper, and nicer, areas of the country.
🥝✔️ The last use of the formerly Mustang 5.0 but from 2001-2002, the Ford Explorer/ Mercury Mountaineer Overhead Valve 16 valve engine was with the 2002 Tickford modified 5.6 litre stroker. Power from the Synergy 5000 moved on up from 268 and 295 PS to massive 335 PS, torque moved from 406 and 435 to over 500 Nm. It was a factory option in the 250 Pursuit Falcon Utility. High 13 second 1/4 miles, and speed limited to 155 mph in some versions, 126 mph in others.
Very pleased to hear the owner drives it as a working vehicle, as it should be. What is the point of having something like that to take out on the odd weekend, or to the occasional Ford meet? Drive and enjoy the looks as blokes scratch their heads guessing what it is!🏁
Thank you for sharing your video. As an Aussie living in England, its great to see some Aussie cars on these shores. My Dad used to work for Ford back in the day, and he was tasked with testing the XY Falcon's. Allegedly the XY's were so powerful that the engine block mounts would break often!!
I worked in Bristol in the early 1980's (I'm a Kiwi) imagine my surprise when I saw a matt black V8 XB Falcon ute casually driving past, I nearly fell over.
I an aussie worked in London then stayed in Essex By chance I boarded with a married couple English woman & ex Canadian merchant marine He had Aussie VB station wagon with a V8 I was shocked to see it in England
Glad you enjoyed driving your friend's ute. Looks a lot like mine. I've got a manual series 1 XR8 ute in black. I love the sound of the Windsor V8, and that exhaust sounds awesome. And it's a fun car to drive every day to work. 😁
Looks like you have enjoyed yourself there, yes the Aussie coupe utility can be a lot of fun with the correct power train options that’s for sure!, the first Ford Falcon was fully manufactured in Australia at Fords Melbourne factory in the northern suburb of Melbourne in 1960 and was not imported from the United States apart from some ancillaries, first model was the XK and differed in some models like the station Wagon as it was a shorter rear end and less overhang as this was to cope with Australian conditions to clear “ Spoon drains!” And our XK Ute was a totally different design than the US’s “Ranchero” model as it had different cab doors and roofline and sheetmetal also the front end namely the small US ball joint design could not handle Australian roads and I can vouch for that as I happened to be in an XK Falcon station wagon when I was a kid when the left hand front suspension collapsed, so Ford Uastralia came up with its own fix as there was a multitude of warranty claims from this back in the day and the solution was to fit the larger ball joints from a similar sized car, the Windsor powered Ford “Compact Fairlane” that Ford was selling in Australia and this was successful, also the “Windsor” in the AU Falcon (inc fairmonts & Fairlanes) was the last of the Australian Windsor Fords and the next model the BA had the unique to Australia alloy headed 5.4 Quad cam 32 valve V8 engines ( as well as a short lived 3 valve US engine) and the new “Boss” engine had Cobra R alloy heads essentially as well as the BA was the first model with the now legendary V8 killing 4 litre “Barra” DOHC inline six, so good in fact that this was a reason Ford Australia dropped the 5.4 litre 3 valve option, if you want to tighten up “Betty” I would get hold of a set if “King” springs that are slightly lower than your standard ones and apart from a few other improvements fit a set of “Koni” dampers” and with a good set of quality radial tyres, this will transform your car and should be a rewarding drive! Just saying! 🇬🇧🇦🇺👍
Also Holden did indeed have a seperate non monoqoque cab chassis ute option in the VZ model this also had a live rear end with leaf or “cart” springs as these are far superior than coil springs for load carrying capabilities and Ford Australia were correct in making their Utes with this arrangement with no iRS option, let’s face it the buyers of IRS commodore Utes do not use their Utes as a fairdinkum workhorse only for relatively light trades usage as the performance Utes really are not a tradesman’s Ute, more show pony really and the Falcon is just a more relaxing high speed highway car than say a Hi-Lux Ute is, also I would mention that OK leaf springs some I’ll informed people say belong back in the days of horse and carts but really they work very, very well and nothing exceeded them for the practicality and cost with their load capabilities, just about every truck to prime mover has leaf springs why even the Chevrolet Corvette had leaf springs for decades until recently!
I only recently saw a YT video on the Ranchero and noticed the different cab. Obviously Ford Australia used the sedan doors to keep the variation down.
Kia ora from Whanganui, New Zealand. Even here where those were sold new they're hard to come by, and desirable. They never really dropped in price to being 'cheap' at anytime either. Speaking of the Holden Maloo, those are Ferrari money over here.
The VY had the Holden V6 not the Buick V6. Holden used the Buick in the first 300 VN commodores in 1988, Holden then finished re-designing the v6 to suit Aussie conditions. 😳 The fist all Australian designed and built falcon was the XA in 1971.
What a great review! The ute was developed here in Geelong by Ford Australia's Lew Bandt in response to a farmer's request for a farm vehicle he could throw a sheep into but with a cab smart enough for his wife and him to drive to church on Sundays. As a good Methodist, Bandt saw a challenge here, and designed the first ute. Sadly, the Ford works in North Geelong have closed, with the withdrawal of Ford from Australian manufacture. I believe they still have a design office here though. The original ute, and many subsequent models had smooth, unbroken side panels, unlike the more American look they now have. By contrast, Holden have preserved the original ute look, with unbroken bodywork.
@@hkmonaro8153 Thank you, HK. I'd forgotten that tragedy. He was also a Methodist lay preacher, and I remember him leading services in our East Geelong church. So I did meet him.
Great video! So nice to see the Aussie muscle on UK roads... Back in the early 00s I had a lot of Aussie n Kiwi friends in London and had the opportunity to travel down under in 2003/4. I had seen the V8 Supercars on telly but never realised they were actual road cars!! I saw the then new (VY) Commodore, plus all the HSV versions, at the Melbourne Motor Show and even got to test drive the new BA Falcon GT with the 5.4l Boss motor - what a beast! I returned to the UK determined to start importing these cars, because for the price, nothing here even came close. I looked into what it would cost to buy, import and register the cars for UK roads, and even went back to Australia in '04 to visit dealerships and see if they could source and ship directly to the UK. I had about 40k in funding and was about to place my first order, funnily enough a BA Falcon XR8 ute! However, during my research into the SVA process current back then, I found that there was no crash data available here, so would have had to crash test each different model I brought in!! Together with Vauxhall launching the Monaro here, there was no way I was going to be able to compete, so I pulled the plug. I had even been to an Aussie car show in the UK during that time and met a guy who had just imported a Holden VZ ute, but couldn't register it as the rules had changed whilst it was on the boat!! Still it was cool to see some of the older VS and VT Commodore's that had been privately imported... Later that year I ended up moving to NZ, and actually worked a short time in a Holden dealer when the VE Commodore was launched, so had a few go's behind the wheel of the R8 and GTS HSV versions, madness!! I'm now back in the UK (and I even brought my 1st Gen. Subaru Legacy GT back with me) and have an old mate with a workshop near me who used to do a lot with Monaro's back in the day, so is cool to see them still around over here. It's a shame they're not worth a lot, so it's probably worth sending them back to Oz lol, they certainly hold their value over there!!
Well done Ian. Great review! Bonus notes: 0:31: the circular headlamp treatment first appeared on an Australian-sold Ford with the KE series Laser TX-3. Falcon XRs from ED to AU series along with the XG and XH commercials had them before the feature morphed into residual divots in the bumper for later series. The initial EB series XRs missed on this feature. 1:22: this was actually the first cab-chassis Falcon ute; the previous generation (XD...XH; which stayed in production alongside the EA..EL) and all before it were monocoque coupe utilities. The cab chassis variant of of the HQ...WB Holden was popular, so Ford found a way to cater to both markets. Holden subsequently got back into cab-chassis under Peter Hanenberger. 1:22: US viewers may recognise the F250 taillights. The reversing section was repurposed to house the indicators and the reversing light found its way into the bumper as shown. The rear fog light is a UK-mandated later addition. The BA series update got the later F250 rear light cluster with both reverse and indicator sections below the tail/brake section. 3:54: it's hard to see under the tonneau as Ian peeks in, but what appears to be a plastic bed liner is the actual bed. This style of liner was becoming popular in the aftermarket to protect the metal surface of one's new ute but could create moisture and corrosion problems. Ford decided to use the robust plastic inner to completely replace the metal bed. Some advantages were its ability to spring back (they apparently tested it with a large boulder - it bounced back once the rock was removed), enough width between the wheel arches to fit an Aussie pallet (1165mm square), and notches in the sides to support wooden cross beams and create a full-width flat (if higher) load surface for, say plasterboard/drywall sheets. The cupholders in the tailgate were a bonus (sorry you missed them, Ian!). 5:04: not actually an earlier dashboard but the base spec version. Two different layouts were available throughout the AU's life. This one, dubbed the 'koala nose' went into the base Forte and family Futura models (and hence the XRs) while Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia had the luxury dash with the wood-grain 'spear', digital climate control, analogue clock and trip computer. I see this one has the revised ash tray; the earlier version was notorious for not keeping shut soon into the vehicle's life. 15:52: the Ford Australia's experience with the Taurus (dealers found it hard to sell them) was enough the satisfy Dearborn that the unique AU was still necessary. Before the proper green light for the development program, it was known informally as 199X, with the X implying if *or* when. Once the program began it was given the name 'Eagle',
@Michaels Carport indeed it was. The regular hatches got shaped headlamps and the TX-3s got the quad round ones. The only exception was the Redline special edition which was a regular hatch with TX-3 styling cues including the headlamps and two-tone paint.
@@ianhelyar9553@IanHelyer of all places to see a Ford Cortina ute was back in the early 1980’s when one of my customers brought one with him to Melbourne, Australia with him when he migrated here, I remember it had a 3 lite I think V6 in it which made more sense than us Aussies shoehorning Falcon inline six in the sedans and wagons we had
I had assumed it would be one of those Verde Tempest parallel import rebadges. Imagine my thrill to see the magnificent blue logo on the front of this. It must have been fun hearing and feeling a Canadian Windsor doing a Mad Max foley whenever you pushed on the accelerator or this case -tapped it.
Australian trailers and caravans were supposed to have anti lock brakes and stability control by now, don't know what happened. They developed it using onboard G force sensor and control module.
The following BA model was in my opinion the best looking Ford Ute from Australia. Also had an updated V8, or the very special 'Barra' Turbo 6 Cylinder powerplants. Used to own an old AU Forte sedan, solid cars.
I don't know who was grinning more me or you Ian, every time you hit the loud peddle. The AU was the first Falcon Ute to have the cab/chassis set up. The dash looks to be the base spec with the XR8 gauge cluster. Also the AU was the last with the 5.0 L V8 Windsor. The early Falcons (1960 - 62) were heavily based on the US Falcons, but like you mentioned, our roads were not the same as in America. Ford Australia used the Compact Fairlane front end parts to beef them up. By 1965 , the Australian Falcon had little in common with its American counterpart. I've got both ends of the Falcon history...I have an 1961 XK Falcon Deluxe which I have owned since 1986 and the last of the line 2015 FGX XR8 (5.0 L Supercharged). Great video, thanks for sharing Ian..
Quick recipe for your 6cyl AU Falcon to keep up with the xr8 V8 big brother without going turbo... More compression - 40 thou off head is safe, and if budget allows oversize pistons. Extractors and free flow exhaust give a modest gain but a great sound and big smile Camshaft swap is easy, cheap and some nice lopey sounds Diff gears - regular 6 cyl falcon has 3.23 ... xr6 and xr8 has 3.45 gear ratios. Simply changing diff ratio will make a marked improvement on acceleration and character of the car but fuel mileage will suffer. A stock standard 6 cyl AU falcon on the dyno will run about 110-120kw at the back wheels, if engine has Variable Cam Timing add another 10kw. My manual 6 cyl 1996 XH falcon ute measured 164kw and 590nm torque at the wheels with these mods. Have fun
A brilliant video, driving utes in the UK is always a head turner and like the owner of this one I too have to tell people that ''it will try to kill you'' as the UK is just not built for such great cars
It was a very sad day when Ford ceased Australian production in 2016. Ford sorta went quietly nuts in 2002, with the BA XR6 Turbo, which would eat that ute you have there, but they went very sedate with styling after the polarising AU series. The 4.0L "Barra" engine is now the stuff of legend. They also switched from the Windsor V8 to the 5.4 "Boss" V8 in 220 and 260 Kw variants. Quicker and faster, but didn't sound as good. Funny, those AUs are now quite sought after here in Oz, and I'm with you, the XR variants look fantastic, and nobody would mistake one for a Kia, thank you very much!
It’s cool to see someone impressed with one of these as an Aussie they are definitely not the performance vehicle that the holden of the same era was mainly because of the leaf spring but it’s a solid rig
Well done Mate , I have a Black one with a Hard tonneau cover , I have a Trick for you : have your side window down , door open , put the key in the ignition turn it to on or accessory then turn it Off now remove the key , now you have 30 seconds to close your , try it , all so if you unlock you car with the remote and don't open the door in 30 seconds it will lock it self again , I'm going to stop there , have fun
Everyone hates on the AU's, but I really think they're a future classic. The Tickford sedan models are great looking, and the Utes are just a special kind of cool!
That sound is so addictive, just a shame they're thirsty. It's a beautiful motor for sure, kinda reminds me of a guy near me with a P100, lowered on Cossie alloys and also has the Cossie running gear and it goes like a scalded cat just doesn't have the ability to turn corners like one lol
There are plenty of Epic Fail videos on what happens when the window is closed, and the automatic trans slips out of Park position. And this occurs in places where it is not usual practice to use the handbrake (as well as the transmission) to secure the stationary vehicle.
Good on you for grabbing an AU Fairmont. Keep it. I honestly believe that the AU model was better than the model that followed it, in 2003. (Having driven both models)
I had the very great pleasure of driving a couple of Ford Fairlines fitted with 4ltr straight 6 engines. They happened to be converted to a hearse and limousine, the fun I had putting so called "fast' cars in their place wax immense. Only when empty of course.
I'm lucky to own two of these bad boys and one in manual, and I can confirm if we here in Melbourne had UK rainy weather it will kill you ahaha. No real traction control just pure fun
@@psychedelicprawncrumpets9479 compared to Perth our winter is like uk but we only rain for like 1 - 2 months so compare UK it's nothing. During that time I have a lot of fun and in summer as well just about whenever you want you can spin the tires
If it's full of rubble, that's not always because it's a working vehicle. The police NSW, QLD and VIC used Pursuit version of the XR8 utes as undercover highway vehicles in the early 2000's, they'd put 4 or 5 large bags of concrete in the back to put weight over the back end. Utes are notoriously prone to extreme amounts of oversteer because they have stiff rear suspension, limited slip diff and next to no weight over the rear wheels. Putting weight in the tray or tub and loading the suspension makes them handle much more kindly in the corners.
I've got my 4.9 XC Ute (bought new in 1988) sitting a shed waiting to be restored, its nice noise comes from all the air being sucked into the 4 venturi carby when you give it a foot-full.
A couple of choice upgrades from this for Betty, would be the Brakes, Suspension and a limited slip diff conversion. Maybe not the V8, Betty is already thirsty.
That dash is older - from a Series 1 AU (Series 2 and 3 has a different centre stack), but it's also the lower spec dashboard that were fitted to Falcon variants. Fairmont, Fairmont Ghia, Fairlane Ghia and LTD has the same "high-end" dash design that you've got.
@@gordonpkm7560 2003 was a new model, the BA and the optional large command centre screen as Ford called it didn't include a reverse camera function AFAIK.
From Australia 🇦🇺 here, i have a series 1 xr8 trayback ute ,brought it brand new back in 99, 460000 k's on the clock never had a drama with it👍 , I changed it from tub style to trayback in 2006 , and I still have it 👍
cant spell beautiful without AU
I love you passion for Australian manufactured cars Your knowledge of our Ozie cars is credit to you I always have enjoyed your laid back but thoughtful take on cars
Cheers from SA The home of Ex GMH Elizabeth plant ..... 🙏
The English seem willfully ignorant of our car scene. Ian breaks the mould.
Such a good video of a car we don't get in the UK. Good to see Ford carried on that horrid early styling for everyone and not just us!
Manual swap it!
Love this video. The enthusiasm. As an Aussie it is easy to take it all for granted. V8s have ruled the roads here for decades. Big 6s too. Very popular. In England and Europe though things are very different. People who travel get some perspective. Great to hear too about your trip out here and also over to New Zealand as well Ian. I will have to look out now for other videos you have released.
As a Aussie who lived in Europe for several years... when you hear a big 6 or a unmuted V8 its like hearing heavenly music. I even looked at buying and importing a Aussie performance sedan like a AU or E series XR6/8 Falcon.
In the end I just moved back home and bought one back here.
The Hubnut playlists make it easier to see most of his NZ and Aus visit.
The Aussie oddballs includes most of the Australian made cars :
th-cam.com/video/kpBCJJ3TFbc/w-d-xo.html
And Hubnut goes global covers more including museums, tourism and some of the Australian cars he missed putting in the Aussie list :
th-cam.com/video/9crTEaJ83P4/w-d-xo.html
Aussie cars truely rule the road for example the Magna TJ Sports, fastest FWD in the country even gives XR8's a hard time like a really hard time.
The original falcons were on UK market but nowadays can get any car you want imported but at a cost
The best of the AU XR8 Utes is the Pursuit 250. They have a bunch of upgrades over the regular XR8 including a stroker cranks taking the capacity to 5.6L and 335HP. 18" wheels, big brakes, lowered suspension and a great looking body kit. Only 248 of them made though.
Can't forget about the TE50 and TS50, 2 very incredible cars but just happen to come at the end of the au's unfortunately
I still own a te50
@@jamezxh Nice. I've currently got a Pursuit250. Ive owned a couple of them over the years.
And they hold there price too
@@LS1Cobra awesome Utes.
As an Aussie it didn't look out of place at all from where I'm sitting :)
Still heaps of AU utes on the road out here
Nice review and yeah the V8 rumble always turns heads and grins
Im in NZ and own one of these AU1 XR8 utes and i use it to tow a caravan and for general weekend stuff, there is something about a Windsor V8 note, love it to bits
Holden did sell a cab chassis utility, they were not as common as the "style side" that's for sure...produced from 2003-2006; of the VY-VZ model years.
The VT Commodore lacked a utility, with a solution provided with the "VX" model.
Instead, Holden ran the VS utility for an extended period, making a third series.
Commodore models of VT, VX, VY & VZ were all heavily reworked/locally produced Opel Omega Bs, before launch of the Zeta platform took over.
Hope you're well, regards.
Mike.
Hi all, i'm from Australia and these AU models would have to be of the most underrated model series of Aussie falcon ever made. the engine is a 5 litre, roller cam V8 lifted from the mustang. Windsor V8's are a very sweet engine. an aftermarket exhaust, cold air intake and a mild cam. retune the ECU and they are very quick for the money. would love to see you try out a later model BA series with the turbo inline six. those engines can be built to 600 + Hp on a stock bottom end! anyway, glad to see you appreciating some of the cars that your brothers from down under are making. try the manual version of that ute. different diff ratio, will shock you! these make an awesome drift car!!!!!
Good news. 😉 th-cam.com/video/FbIp-gbZWhY/w-d-xo.html
I loved your review, Ian. I’m lucky enough to own one of these AU Utes-mines a 5.0 v8 with the T5 manual. My dad bought the car 9 months after it was first sold in immaculate condition, did 160,000km on it but absolutely babied it. He traded it in on a crew cab Isuzu after I had kids, then I bought it 3 years later from the third owner. It was a bit sad and abused at that point, but I’ve cleaned it up, done a couple of performance mods and it’s got pride of place in my garage. I’ve got some other quick Fords and Subarus, including a rare Falcon with factory-fitted supercharged Coyote engine (code named the Miami engine over here), a silly XR6 Turbo and a road-legal, registered WRX STI that I developed which won a few trophies, blah blah blah. Despite some other more expensive, faster and rarer cars in the garage, the old manual AU ute is the one I’ll never part with. It only produced a measly 175 kW (at the flywheel!!!) but the old Windsor is willing and gives great torque from 1400 rpm, all the way to a singing redline at a stratospheric 5000 rpm.💪😆 It’s just as much fun taking the old girl up a mountain pass, rowing between the widely-spaced T5 gears, listening to that glorious, gutless American V8, getting a little loose at the back end, as it is doing it 3x faster in one of my more capable alternatives.
I guess faster does not equal more fun, hey?
I can hear cylinder #3 on that subaru crying for some air fuel mixture and some oil, all the way from New Zealand! 🤣
I picked up a 2001 AUll XR8 in April 2021 with 316,000+ kms here in NZ. I got mine for just $8,400, BUT, low k's mint condition now go for $20,000+. These last of the Windsor's were 220kw and have a plaque on the rocker cover saying ... Hand Built with Pride by ... with the Buiders signature underneath. Mine still whips up to red line nicely, and sounds good doing it. Enjoy seeing your AU's in England !!
Ian, like you did in this video, I giggled the first time I drove a friend’s Mustang GT. I was always used to small four-cylinder engines and driving the Mustang was my first experience having a throaty V8 under my right foot. You really can’t do anything except just giggle in pure automotive delight when you hear that sound!
it's a Series 1 so anywhere from September 1998 to March 2000 due to the interior centre stack (your Fairmont had the premium interior which were on all Series Fairmont/Ghia/Fairlane/LTD), the engine appears to be a Series 2 based on the plenum chamber (intake manifold) also has the larger throttle body which means this either is a Series II (200kW/420NM from factory) or 220kW/435Nm (Series III which were a development of the T-Series FTE cars).
Also does have "modes" it's an adaptive transmission which has 3 selectable modes "adaptive (standard), sports and econ", however the way you shift into these modes is convoluted (it's a process that involves lots of reading and learning how to apply it so many owners put them into sports mode and never changed out of it unless they disconnected the battery.
While Commodore did sell more in 2024 in terms of VT Commodore (which was based on the GM Opel Omega of that era) vs AU Falcon if you are driving around Sydney or regional areas of NSW the AU Falcon still is on the road today doing what it does where as not many VT Commodore survived, yes there are some out there but as a daily driver not many.
Your local gas station is happy to have you as a customer with this V8.
Love your reaction to one of our home grown Aussie V8 Falcon's, the front bumper and lamp styling are carry over Tickford XR hallmark that started with the ED XR Falcon's. That was carried nearly all the way to the end of production...😎
Very early BA XR6Ts and XR8s have Tickford markings on various components..... but then Ford/Tickford parted ways early in the development
That kind of turns the “power, less is more” theory on its ear. Great noise. Great fun to watch!
Iv got a falcon BA RTV Ute tray back. Which RTV stands for rugged terrain vehicle so basically they lifted suspension for greater ground clearance widened wheel track under body protection brake lines extra protection mud guards bigger radiator diff locker inline Barra 6 engine it was a great work vehicle. I all so have FGX XR6 Ute. Ford Australia made great cars
My dairy Farmer Brother had a brand new 2002 AU3 XR8 Pursuit UTE 5 Speed Manual. XR8 Pursuit was the more powerful version or the XR8 believe it or not. I lived by the Airport in Auckland NZ at the time and when ever he went overseas he would leave it at my place and it would be mine to use. So tempting to give it the hoof and it was so loud. I would have lost my license if I had it too long. I drive an 07 BF2 XR6 UTE. Nice but totally different. Love the videos as always Ian. Best to you and your family. Oh and I have had Au Fairmonts and Fairlanes in the past too so understand your enjoyment. Regards Tony from Matamata NZ.
I like the words from the owner *"be careful, it will try to kill you"* 🤣
For any car lover the sound of a V8 is like a narcotic really. I had similar giggling with a 1978 Mercedes 350 SEL with a four speed manual transmission coupled to the torquey 3.5 V8. Hilarious and a tire burner.
Gotta love that happy giggle when you hit the guzzeline. That noise is epic.
Over here in Oz I had a few au's but my favourite was my Falcon XC ute (look them up) with a 351ci V8 9"diff with LSD, discs all round and 100litre LPG, dirt cheap to run at 20cents/litre and the best workhorse ever! Sadly rusted to death and ended up at the wreckers.
A shortcoming of this Ute was that the fasteners on the body to hold the tonneau cover were actual holes in the body , if you wanted to fit a hard cover or canopy you were stuck with holes down the side which Ford or a dealer fitted with plastic hole covers...it didn't really look like a serious attempt.
Ian to my knowledge all of the various models of the AU were released at the same time,
there were a multitude of grills & dashes.
You're right that each iteration of AU was released at the same time, but the waterfall grille was exclusive to S1 base models. The S2 and S3 base model grill was replaced by one reminiscent of the fairmont, just with less chrome.
Also, the S1 XR6/8 body kit was slightly different from S2/3. The later model ones look much more aggressive. The one we're seeing here is a S1 example, interior as well
4 fronts on the AU falcon forte, futura, Fairmont and XR
@@splurjioaarmani3205 don't forget the LWB AU Fairlane/LTD fronts as part of the AU range
Yeh...nah, the ute came out about 18 months after the sedan, the base AU had the crappy grille, the Fairmont had a Mondeo style thing, as well as the Ghia, the Ute had the first acceptable grille, the series II finally had a grill you didn't want to stab yourself in the eyes to not look at all the time, for some reason Ford built good vehicles with really shit designs occasionally, Edsel, XE Falcon (again the grill) and the early AU's...plus a couple of others like tbe 2 door capri soft top thing which was a shoe box shape thing...
Howdy Ian, I have an AU111 Tick ford 220 in my 101, before I'm taken to task, I brought her as a non running project, non original engine and basically stripped of fittings. She was one of fifty the Australian Army had for the Rapier missile system. She now has a Haltech Elite 950 education. The sound is glorious when towing, using maximum throttle, sound bouncing off the cuttings and tunnels, so I can appreciate your giggles n chuckles
A TWK transporter version of this sounds like a great idea. There is an expert on Australian Fords in Southern England who can help you with the import and commissioning for UK roads. He has a website called Up and Down 😂
Would you be able to link his website please?
You were VERY wise to wind down the window like that.
My little dog thought it was HILAREOUS to lock me out of my AU ute no less than 3 times before I started making sure I had the keys in my pocket before getting out.
One time it was raining and the motor and wipers were on. I spent half an hour getting drenched while I played around with a bit of wire trying to snag the door handle through a 1cm gap. The dog thought I was playing a game and kept nipping at the wire.😖
Fun fact. I locked myself out of my AU within about an hour of buying it...
Really nice to finally meet you Ian and thanks for doing the video on my ute you've done a fantastic job.
Shame I didn't get time to empty it so you could experience just how lively it is😁
Ah by the way if you wondered where your drink bottle was it's in the Ute 😁
Ha! Cheers. Realised I'd left the bottle about halfway along the M4. Don't worry about returning it. We have more.
A bit of ballast is always handy in an unfamiliar ute!!!
I think you left it there for good reason.
great ute mate
Jesus.. What a glorious sound 👌
Each time look to buy an EV, I will listen to this first... then think again..
I had an AU Fairmont wagon, great vehicle, and I changed the bland grille to the waterful grille - loved it! 😅
OMG what a great sounding Ute. I don't think that there are that many pickups with a great soundtrack like the one in this Ute. It is absolutely amazing what Mr Hubnut finds to test drive on his channel.
As an Aussie, I always enjoy it when Hubnut shows an Australian Ford or Holden on UK roads. Never owned a V8 myself but I did own - get ready to swoon - a '99 Series 1 AU Falcon "Forte" wagon (yes the waterfall grille) in metallic green and full-on grey pleblon cloth interior. Totally Mintox! It was 18 months old when I got it - and bought it solely because it was the only car that could fit two child seats in the back AND still fit a full size human in between. And it was totally cavernous - more space in the back than your typical van. Also had a '89 Series 1 EA Ford Fairmont that I bought for $700 when it was about 15 years old. Slow as a wet week despite the 4.0L six, but without doubt the plushest and most comfortable interior of any car I've ever owned. I can smell the scent of sun baked velour on a hot day now ... Never understood why Ford didn't export Aussie Falcons o Europe and the US - perfect Autobahn or Interstate cruisers (especially in BA-BF Typhoon guise with the turbo Barra six).
I am surprised that the 5.0L Tickford XR8 only puts out 268bhp and 310lb-ft (though Google says factory XR8 spec was even less at 248bhp/303lbft). I always assumed they were much meatier than that. Even my 20yo Alfa 156 GTA puts out 250bhp from its much smaller 3.2L V6. Guess it shows the difference between what was considered "high powered" then and now.
This was brilliant Ian. I think this must be the very first video that I can recall where the grin of the reviewer is almost visible from behind the head. It certainly looked like a lot of fun in the short time you have drive the AU Ute. This would make a great tow car but would frighten the canopy off Bob not to mention upsetting Bob's buddy Bella. Nice one.
It would eat Bob and not leave a feather trace.
As Betty only does 18mpg when towing Bob, I'm pretty sure this thing's fuel consumption as a tow car would bankrupt Ian very quickly!
@@seamusobrien2675 We can't possibly have Bob eaten, He's been a well behaved home for our hosts last summer and is now a well established part of the Hubnutters family fleet.
@@adamfloyd2152 We need Ian to host this channel, we can't get the channel bankrupt. Fortunately the brilliant Ute is not a member of the fleet.
As an Aussie it warms my hard to see these magnificent beasts out in other countries.
I'd love to see other peoples reactions to them. The V8 ute is not something I've noticed outside of Aus.
Nothing more infectious than planting your right foot behind a good-ole V8 - window down of course (who needs a radio)! Glad you were able to experience what is now a bit of a dinosaur even here in Oz with the cessation of Australian designed sedan/station wagon/ute manufacturing. Rest assured though there are plenty of us keeping the legend alive from the Ford the Holden camps in the running of these vehicles. Glad to see and hear one of these lovely 'crocs' has made it over to educate the Poms. Great vid.
Top stuff. I had a AU2 XLS ute for 15+ years here in Aus. Bought it second-hand when it was about 12 months old. Great car - business at the back and party at the front. It's good to see someone who appreciates the AU. Cheers 👍
It's a series 1 AU Falcon XLS (Standing for Sport pack)
From William " Mount Gambier South Australia 🇦🇺 😀
I had one of these for 10 years in the awesome mid blue metallic paint. Brilliant to tour around Australia. The sound system is like having a V8 mobile Sound Studio. Loved It
Bullbar, spotties, HF aerial, full width mudflaps , RM Williams sticker and you'll be right for circle work at the B&S!
2 hf aerials 😄
@@wadegarret Deni Ute Muster Spec 😂
@@TheKnobCalledTone. Exactly 😂
The au is beautiful
Seeing this with your AU and a few hilux'es in the car park when when Bunnings was a goer in the UK would be almost like a true Australian invasion.
There was an Australian invasion lol, in the late 90s/early 00s, when pretty much every other person I met when living in London was either an Aussie or a Kiwi! They all came here for work when they could earn decent money and save a house deposit within the space of a few years, go back home and buy a place when they were still reasonably priced! Whilst they were here they all LOVED the UK Hard House and Trance scene... indeed, most of the more popular nights in London were started and promoted by Antipodeans; Frantic, Fevah, HeatUK, the SW4 events on Clapham Common, and a lot of the smaller after parties around Brixton and Willesden Green were all run by our Southern Hemisphere friends : ) Unfortunately, much of that scene died when the cost of living here got too high, together with rising house prices in Oz n NZ, they simply couldn't save as much as before and virtually stopped coming over. You still see the occasional traveler on their "OE", but they tend to only stop in the big smoke for a short time before venturing onto cheaper, and nicer, areas of the country.
@@kramer26 That was me. Best time of my life😀
@@jasons5383 lol, mine too haha🤣👍
🥝✔️ The last use of the formerly Mustang 5.0 but from 2001-2002, the Ford Explorer/ Mercury Mountaineer Overhead Valve 16 valve engine was with the 2002 Tickford modified 5.6 litre stroker. Power from the Synergy 5000 moved on up from 268 and 295 PS to massive 335 PS, torque moved from 406 and 435 to over 500 Nm. It was a factory option in the 250 Pursuit Falcon Utility. High 13 second 1/4 miles, and speed limited to 155 mph in some versions, 126 mph in others.
It's great to see some love for the AU. I own a series 1 AU XR6 VCT and will probably never sell it. 18 years I've had it, the XR Ute's look fantastic
Very pleased to hear the owner drives it as a working vehicle, as it should be. What is the point of having something like that to take out on the odd weekend, or to the occasional Ford meet?
Drive and enjoy the looks as blokes scratch their heads guessing what it is!🏁
I like it. I find all of these Aussie utes cool especially when it is fitted with a V8.
2004 HOLDEN MALOO R8 | MATHEWSONS CLASSIC CARS | 21 & 22 OCTOBER 2022 -- sounds like your type of thing Ian.🙂
The dashboard reminds me of the original Ka, imagine a SportKa with a V8...
Yes, I remember that era when Ford was heavy into oval shapes.
I think perhaps the AU Falcon and the Ka were the first 'New Edge' designs. Definitely the same concepts!
I like very much, the noise and dare I say I actually like the look of the front, good to see you enjoying some V8 action.
Thank you for sharing your video. As an Aussie living in England, its great to see some Aussie cars on these shores. My Dad used to work for Ford back in the day, and he was tasked with testing the XY Falcon's. Allegedly the XY's were so powerful that the engine block mounts would break often!!
What I love about the Falcon Utes, is that they carry 1 Tonne PLUS the driver and passenger.
What a contrast to the Panhard road test. 😃
Wasn't half! What a day.
I worked in Bristol in the early 1980's (I'm a Kiwi) imagine my surprise when I saw a matt black V8 XB Falcon ute casually driving past, I nearly fell over.
Ha ha that would of been a shock.. I nearly fall over if I see one on the road here in Oz now 👍
I an aussie worked in London then stayed in Essex
By chance I boarded with a married couple English woman & ex Canadian merchant marine
He had Aussie VB
station wagon with a V8
I was shocked to see it in England
XB not VB
@@cweatherfella547 those vbs weren't as quick on the quarter mile as the 5 litre emu exports 🤣
V8 heaven here in Australia as a UK resident it’s so good to see here with fuel much cheaper and insurance.
Glad you enjoyed driving your friend's ute. Looks a lot like mine. I've got a manual series 1 XR8 ute in black. I love the sound of the Windsor V8, and that exhaust sounds awesome. And it's a fun car to drive every day to work. 😁
The AU was the actually first Falcon ute to have tray separate to cab, so it's not a true ute anymore.
Looks like you have enjoyed yourself there, yes the Aussie coupe utility can be a lot of fun with the correct power train options that’s for sure!, the first Ford Falcon was fully manufactured in Australia at Fords Melbourne factory in the northern suburb of Melbourne in 1960 and was not imported from the United States apart from some ancillaries, first model was the XK and differed in some models like the station Wagon as it was a shorter rear end and less overhang as this was to cope with Australian conditions to clear “ Spoon drains!” And our XK Ute was a totally different design than the US’s “Ranchero” model as it had different cab doors and roofline and sheetmetal also the front end namely the small US ball joint design could not handle Australian roads and I can vouch for that as I happened to be in an XK Falcon station wagon when I was a kid when the left hand front suspension collapsed, so Ford Uastralia came up with its own fix as there was a multitude of warranty claims from this back in the day and the solution was to fit the larger ball joints from a similar sized car, the Windsor powered Ford “Compact Fairlane” that Ford was selling in Australia and this was successful, also the “Windsor” in the AU Falcon (inc fairmonts & Fairlanes) was the last of the Australian Windsor Fords and the next model the BA had the unique to Australia alloy headed 5.4 Quad cam 32 valve V8 engines ( as well as a short lived 3 valve US engine) and the new “Boss” engine had Cobra R alloy heads essentially as well as the BA was the first model with the now legendary V8 killing 4 litre “Barra” DOHC inline six, so good in fact that this was a reason Ford Australia dropped the 5.4 litre 3 valve option, if you want to tighten up “Betty” I would get hold of a set if “King” springs that are slightly lower than your standard ones and apart from a few other improvements fit a set of “Koni” dampers” and with a good set of quality radial tyres, this will transform your car and should be a rewarding drive! Just saying! 🇬🇧🇦🇺👍
Also Holden did indeed have a seperate non monoqoque cab chassis ute option in the VZ model this also had a live rear end with leaf or “cart” springs as these are far superior than coil springs for load carrying capabilities and Ford Australia were correct in making their Utes with this arrangement with no iRS option, let’s face it the buyers of IRS commodore Utes do not use their Utes as a fairdinkum workhorse only for relatively light trades usage as the performance Utes really are not a tradesman’s Ute, more show pony really and the Falcon is just a more relaxing high speed highway car than say a Hi-Lux Ute is, also I would mention that OK leaf springs some I’ll informed people say belong back in the days of horse and carts but really they work very, very well and nothing exceeded them for the practicality and cost with their load capabilities, just about every truck to prime mover has leaf springs why even the Chevrolet Corvette had leaf springs for decades until recently!
I only recently saw a YT video on the Ranchero and noticed the different cab. Obviously Ford Australia used the sedan doors to keep the variation down.
One advantage of a ute over a saloon is that the headliner is half the size!
Easier to glue back and it goes in and out the drivers side with no issues...ask me how I know that...
So only half the sag...
Odly enough I havent seen a wagon headliner sag
Have a fairmont chat with sleeperdude 2 in U.S loves them mostly old ones lol
That vehicle is completely nuts. I want one!
The Holden ute that came out at the same time was available in cab chassis
Kia ora from Whanganui, New Zealand. Even here where those were sold new they're hard to come by, and desirable. They never really dropped in price to being 'cheap' at anytime either. Speaking of the Holden Maloo, those are Ferrari money over here.
love AUs they have gotta be one of the best all round cars ever made
The VY had the Holden V6 not the Buick V6. Holden used the Buick in the first 300 VN commodores in 1988, Holden then finished re-designing the v6 to suit Aussie conditions. 😳
The fist all Australian designed and built falcon was the XA in 1971.
What a great review!
The ute was developed here in Geelong by Ford Australia's Lew Bandt in response to a farmer's request for a farm vehicle he could throw a sheep into but with a cab smart enough for his wife and him to drive to church on Sundays.
As a good Methodist, Bandt saw a challenge here, and designed the first ute.
Sadly, the Ford works in North Geelong have closed, with the withdrawal of Ford from Australian manufacture. I believe they still have a design office here though.
The original ute, and many subsequent models had smooth, unbroken side panels, unlike the more American look they now have. By contrast, Holden have preserved the original ute look, with unbroken bodywork.
@@hkmonaro8153 Thank you, HK. I'd forgotten that tragedy. He was also a Methodist lay preacher, and I remember him leading services in our East Geelong church. So I did meet him.
Great video! So nice to see the Aussie muscle on UK roads... Back in the early 00s I had a lot of Aussie n Kiwi friends in London and had the opportunity to travel down under in 2003/4. I had seen the V8 Supercars on telly but never realised they were actual road cars!! I saw the then new (VY) Commodore, plus all the HSV versions, at the Melbourne Motor Show and even got to test drive the new BA Falcon GT with the 5.4l Boss motor - what a beast! I returned to the UK determined to start importing these cars, because for the price, nothing here even came close. I looked into what it would cost to buy, import and register the cars for UK roads, and even went back to Australia in '04 to visit dealerships and see if they could source and ship directly to the UK. I had about 40k in funding and was about to place my first order, funnily enough a BA Falcon XR8 ute! However, during my research into the SVA process current back then, I found that there was no crash data available here, so would have had to crash test each different model I brought in!! Together with Vauxhall launching the Monaro here, there was no way I was going to be able to compete, so I pulled the plug. I had even been to an Aussie car show in the UK during that time and met a guy who had just imported a Holden VZ ute, but couldn't register it as the rules had changed whilst it was on the boat!! Still it was cool to see some of the older VS and VT Commodore's that had been privately imported... Later that year I ended up moving to NZ, and actually worked a short time in a Holden dealer when the VE Commodore was launched, so had a few go's behind the wheel of the R8 and GTS HSV versions, madness!! I'm now back in the UK (and I even brought my 1st Gen. Subaru Legacy GT back with me) and have an old mate with a workshop near me who used to do a lot with Monaro's back in the day, so is cool to see them still around over here. It's a shame they're not worth a lot, so it's probably worth sending them back to Oz lol, they certainly hold their value over there!!
Well done Ian. Great review!
Bonus notes:
0:31: the circular headlamp treatment first appeared on an Australian-sold Ford with the KE series Laser TX-3. Falcon XRs from ED to AU series along with the XG and XH commercials had them before the feature morphed into residual divots in the bumper for later series. The initial EB series XRs missed on this feature.
1:22: this was actually the first cab-chassis Falcon ute; the previous generation (XD...XH; which stayed in production alongside the EA..EL) and all before it were monocoque coupe utilities. The cab chassis variant of of the HQ...WB Holden was popular, so Ford found a way to cater to both markets. Holden subsequently got back into cab-chassis under Peter Hanenberger.
1:22: US viewers may recognise the F250 taillights. The reversing section was repurposed to house the indicators and the reversing light found its way into the bumper as shown. The rear fog light is a UK-mandated later addition. The BA series update got the later F250 rear light cluster with both reverse and indicator sections below the tail/brake section.
3:54: it's hard to see under the tonneau as Ian peeks in, but what appears to be a plastic bed liner is the actual bed. This style of liner was becoming popular in the aftermarket to protect the metal surface of one's new ute but could create moisture and corrosion problems. Ford decided to use the robust plastic inner to completely replace the metal bed. Some advantages were its ability to spring back (they apparently tested it with a large boulder - it bounced back once the rock was removed), enough width between the wheel arches to fit an Aussie pallet (1165mm square), and notches in the sides to support wooden cross beams and create a full-width flat (if higher) load surface for, say plasterboard/drywall sheets. The cupholders in the tailgate were a bonus (sorry you missed them, Ian!).
5:04: not actually an earlier dashboard but the base spec version. Two different layouts were available throughout the AU's life. This one, dubbed the 'koala nose' went into the base Forte and family Futura models (and hence the XRs) while Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia had the luxury dash with the wood-grain 'spear', digital climate control, analogue clock and trip computer. I see this one has the revised ash tray; the earlier version was notorious for not keeping shut soon into the vehicle's life.
15:52: the Ford Australia's experience with the Taurus (dealers found it hard to sell them) was enough the satisfy Dearborn that the unique AU was still necessary. Before the proper green light for the development program, it was known informally as 199X, with the X implying if *or* when. Once the program began it was given the name 'Eagle',
@Michaels Carport KE series Laser was from October 1987.
@Michaels Carport indeed it was. The regular hatches got shaped headlamps and the TX-3s got the quad round ones. The only exception was the Redline special edition which was a regular hatch with TX-3 styling cues including the headlamps and two-tone paint.
I love a good ute! I lived in South Africa where they were quite the thing when I was growing up. They were referred to as "bakkies" .
Yeah you got a lot of our Australian Utes sent over there, Holdens badged as chevrolet etc
Was there ever a 6cyl Cortina bakkie? Asking for a friend...
There was a six pot Bakkie. There's one in my Festival of the Unexceptional report.
@@HubNut Oops, I've just let out that I didn't see that report...
@@ianhelyar9553@IanHelyer of all places to see a Ford Cortina ute was back in the early 1980’s when one of my customers brought one with him to Melbourne, Australia with him when he migrated here, I remember it had a 3 lite I think V6 in it which made more sense than us Aussies shoehorning Falcon inline six in the sedans and wagons we had
What a fantastic noise it makes!
I had assumed it would be one of those Verde Tempest parallel import rebadges.
Imagine my thrill to see the magnificent blue logo on the front of this. It must have been fun hearing and feeling a Canadian Windsor doing a Mad Max foley whenever you pushed on the accelerator or this case -tapped it.
The 351s were made here in Aus. We also had a 302 Cleveland that no else got.
@@baird55aus It sounded similar when Ian gave it the beans.
Australian trailers and caravans were supposed to have anti lock brakes and stability control by now, don't know what happened. They developed it using onboard G force sensor and control module.
The following BA model was in my opinion the best looking Ford Ute from Australia. Also had an updated V8, or the very special 'Barra' Turbo 6 Cylinder powerplants.
Used to own an old AU Forte sedan, solid cars.
XY best looking 🇦🇺 ute followed by XC
From XD onwards their all rubbish
Love my BA ute. Especially with a big snail hanging off the side!!!!
I don't know who was grinning more me or you Ian, every time you hit the loud peddle. The AU was the first Falcon Ute to have the cab/chassis set up. The dash looks to be the base spec with the XR8 gauge cluster. Also the AU was the last with the 5.0 L V8 Windsor. The early Falcons (1960 - 62) were heavily based on the US Falcons, but like you mentioned, our roads were not the same as in America. Ford Australia used the Compact Fairlane front end parts to beef them up. By 1965 , the Australian Falcon had little in common with its American counterpart. I've got both ends of the Falcon history...I have an 1961 XK Falcon Deluxe which I have owned since 1986 and the last of the line 2015 FGX XR8 (5.0 L Supercharged). Great video, thanks for sharing Ian..
Quick recipe for your 6cyl AU Falcon to keep up with the xr8 V8 big brother without going turbo... More compression - 40 thou off head is safe, and if budget allows oversize pistons. Extractors and free flow exhaust give a modest gain but a great sound and big smile Camshaft swap is easy, cheap and some nice lopey sounds Diff gears - regular 6 cyl falcon has 3.23 ... xr6 and xr8 has 3.45 gear ratios. Simply changing diff ratio will make a marked improvement on acceleration and character of the car but fuel mileage will suffer. A stock standard 6 cyl AU falcon on the dyno will run about 110-120kw at the back wheels, if engine has Variable Cam Timing add another 10kw. My manual 6 cyl 1996 XH falcon ute measured 164kw and 590nm torque at the wheels with these mods. Have fun
A brilliant video, driving utes in the UK is always a head turner and like the owner of this one I too have to tell people that ''it will try to kill you'' as the UK is just not built for such great cars
Good on You Falcons all the Way.
Last blast of the fabulous Windsor V8; A good looking beast too.
I still own my 1999 & I love it more every year.
HubNut goes Mad Max! 😂 - Max would feel right at home with that engine noise!
It was a very sad day when Ford ceased Australian production in 2016. Ford sorta went quietly nuts in 2002, with the BA XR6 Turbo, which would eat that ute you have there, but they went very sedate with styling after the polarising AU series. The 4.0L "Barra" engine is now the stuff of legend. They also switched from the Windsor V8 to the 5.4 "Boss" V8 in 220 and 260 Kw variants. Quicker and faster, but didn't sound as good.
Funny, those AUs are now quite sought after here in Oz, and I'm with you, the XR variants look fantastic, and nobody would mistake one for a Kia, thank you very much!
As the driver you don't have to look at front end and the soundtrack is glorious!
It’s cool to see someone impressed with one of these as an Aussie they are definitely not the performance vehicle that the holden of the same era was mainly because of the leaf spring but it’s a solid rig
Well done Mate , I have a Black one with a Hard tonneau cover , I have a Trick for you : have your side window down , door open , put the key in the ignition turn it to on or accessory then turn it Off now remove the key , now you have 30 seconds to close your , try it , all so if you unlock you car with the remote and don't open the door in 30 seconds it will lock it self again , I'm going to stop there , have fun
Everyone hates on the AU's, but I really think they're a future classic. The Tickford sedan models are great looking, and the Utes are just a special kind of cool!
I liked the waterfall grill on the AU. If I was back in Australia I'd have one.
A good Aussie Ute 👍😎🦘💥
That sound is so addictive, just a shame they're thirsty. It's a beautiful motor for sure, kinda reminds me of a guy near me with a P100, lowered on Cossie alloys and also has the Cossie running gear and it goes like a scalded cat just doesn't have the ability to turn corners like one lol
If you just drive them like a normal car the are very economic I had one for years
My 2001 XR8 pursuit is slightly more economical than the older 3.8 Holden ute I owned, if you have a lead foot it's not though.
yeah the last Barra and V8s were produced on the 26th Sep 2016!
I’m with you Ian…..always have the window down when you have the key in the ignition , & the engine running , and stationary…..👍🇮🇲💪
There are plenty of Epic Fail videos on what happens when the window is closed, and the automatic trans slips out of Park position. And this occurs in places where it is not usual practice to use the handbrake (as well as the transmission) to secure the stationary vehicle.
Good on you for grabbing an AU Fairmont. Keep it.
I honestly believe that the AU model was better than the model that followed it, in 2003.
(Having driven both models)
Rootin in the back of the ute! A couple of cans and a veggie mite sandwich we’ll go rootin in the back of the ute!
I had the very great pleasure of driving a couple of Ford Fairlines fitted with 4ltr straight 6 engines. They happened to be converted to a hearse and limousine, the fun I had putting so called "fast' cars in their place wax immense. Only when empty of course.
I'm lucky to own two of these bad boys and one in manual, and I can confirm if we here in Melbourne had UK rainy weather it will kill you ahaha. No real traction control just pure fun
I thought Melbourne does have crappy British weather compared to cities like Perth and Brisbane
@@psychedelicprawncrumpets9479 compared to Perth our winter is like uk but we only rain for like 1 - 2 months so compare UK it's nothing. During that time I have a lot of fun and in summer as well just about whenever you want you can spin the tires
I'd say it was a good job you had a bit of weight in the back. Wet roads, V8s and that addictive soundtrack can be tricky.
I love your coverage of the Aussie Falcons, my daily driver is an FG ute
Absolutely brilliant video Ian 👍 that is absolutely awesome that noise what a beautiful car that noise is hypnotic waw brilliant
If it's full of rubble, that's not always because it's a working vehicle. The police NSW, QLD and VIC used Pursuit version of the XR8 utes as undercover highway vehicles in the early 2000's, they'd put 4 or 5 large bags of concrete in the back to put weight over the back end. Utes are notoriously prone to extreme amounts of oversteer because they have stiff rear suspension, limited slip diff and next to no weight over the rear wheels. Putting weight in the tray or tub and loading the suspension makes them handle much more kindly in the corners.
I've got my 4.9 XC Ute (bought new in 1988) sitting a shed waiting to be restored, its nice noise comes from all the air being sucked into the 4 venturi carby when you give it a foot-full.
A Aussie here. I owned a Black (Black on Black) Mad Max XB Ford Falcon GT and it had MUSCLE. I also love the Cobras as well.
A couple of choice upgrades from this for Betty, would be the Brakes, Suspension and a limited slip diff conversion.
Maybe not the V8, Betty is already thirsty.
That dash is older - from a Series 1 AU (Series 2 and 3 has a different centre stack), but it's also the lower spec dashboard that were fitted to Falcon variants. Fairmont, Fairmont Ghia, Fairlane Ghia and LTD has the same "high-end" dash design that you've got.
Fairmont also got you away from the waterfall grill.
2002 dash ..
2003 Had big screen, reverse camera, ..?
@@gordonpkm7560 2003 was a new model, the BA and the optional large
command centre screen as Ford called it didn't include a reverse camera function AFAIK.
@@jamesfrench7299
Wonder why I put a question mark there, ????
@@gordonpkm7560 are you ok? Just clarifying.
Your reaction reminds me of the first time I drove a V8 pick-up truck in the USA.