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Compared to the USA in 1973, Australia had a small population base and the numbers of cars produced and sold were miniscule. Ford Australia's solution to this issue was to run a particular model for several years and over that period they staged several facelifts to freshen up the look of the car.
The XA Falcon was re-launched 20 months after its introduction as the XB Falcon - an XA with a facelift. The XB was a great achiever for Ford. It was the first locally produced vehicle to offer power-assisted front disc brakes as standard items, the horn and high/low beam headlights integrated into the turn signal and color coded bumpers on the GT.
There was a new front end treatment consisting of new bumper, bonnet, grille and fenders. The rear lights were also reworked. There were many more subtle changes and updates made around the car.
Brian Rossi, the original concept stylist described the XB as the ultimate expression of the theme established with that design.
The XB Hardtop was released in three editions: Falcon 500 Hardtop, Fairmont Hardtop and GT Hardtop. The 500 and the Fairmont could be ordered with a GS Package as an option. Engines came in a variety of sizes from the six cylinder 200, 250 to the V8 302 Cleveland and the 351 Cleveland. Transmissions were either C4 or FMX automatics or 4 speed manuals. Delivering the power to the road was normally done using an 8" or 9" differential.
Identifying an XB Falcon Hardtop
There are four major external features that differentiate the XB Hardtop from the XA and XC Hardtops.
- The honeycomb grille is split by a vertical division in the center.
- 'Power Bulge' added to the hood and the straightening of the leading edge.
- New front bumper and marker/turn lights are underneath the bumper.
- The rear lights are flat.
Standard Grille (above)
GT and GS Grille (above)
Standard Hood (above)
GT and GS Hood (above)
It has now been 33 years since the XB was released so these features are used as a general indication only. A lot of cars have been modified over time.
The XB Family
There were a total of 211,971 XB's produced between October, 1973 and June, 1976. Ford didn't keep detailed production records for all body styles but we can tell you the Hardtop numbers: 5,400 XB Falcon 500s; 3,382 XB Fairmonts and 949 XB GTs.
The other models in the range consisted of 202,240: Sedan, Wagon, Utility (Ranchero) and Panel Van (Sedan Delivery).
Price guide
As with any collectable vehicle prices vary wildly depending on rarity, factory options, condition etc. The below guide reflects conditions 5/10 - 10/10 and are based on sales prices that would not include shipping and other associated costs in getting a vehicle to the USA.
| XB GT Hardtop |
U$20,000 - U$60,000 |
| XB GT Sedan |
U$12,000 - U$40,000 |
| XB Falcon 500/Fairmont Hardtop |
U$10,000 - U$25,000 |
| XB Falcon 500/Fairmont Sedan |
U$4,000 - U$17,000 |
| XB Utility |
U$6,000 - U$15,000 |
| XB Panel Van |
U$5,500 - U$14,000 |
| XB Wagon |
U$4,000 - U$12,000 |
Interested in obtaining an XB?
The XB Falcon is the most popular of Australian Falcons with the American market. It may be the similarity to the Mach 1 Mustang or the almost similar shape of the Torino. Or it could be the fact that the Mad Max Interceptor was created from an XB Falcon. They are only going up in value so don't wait, act now!
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