Ford launched an all-new Falcon model in March 1979 and the XD/XE/XF range went on to prove hugely successfully throughout the 1980s, ultimately eclipsing Holden’s Commodore as Australia’s most popular family car. Mechanically simple, the new Falcon was slightly smaller than the outgoing XC model while the running gear was carried over with few changes. The XD was sold in both sedan and station wagon versions, plus the usual commercials, while the model line-up consisted of the base Falcon GL, mid-range Fairmont and upmarket Fairmont Ghia, later joined by the stretched luxury Fairlane and LTD models. In July 1980 Ford introduced a new alloy cylinder head across all six-cylinder models, improving both power and fuel economy, along with electronic ignition and revised cooling. To inject a little sparkle into the range, Ford also announced a highperformance model dubbed the ESP (which stood for European Sports Pack), to evoke the spirit of the earlier GTs. Offering a unique colour palette, colour-coded grille, Marshal fog lamps, front spoiler and 15-inch Globe alloy rims shod with low profile tyres, the improvements were more than just skin deep. Bilstein gas shock absorbers, heavy-duty anti-roll bars and stiffer springs improved the Falcon’s handling, and the ESP came with four-wheel disc brakes, a limited-slip diff and quick ratio steering as standard. Under the bonnet, the ESP was equipped with Ford’s 4.1-litre six and a four-speed manual gearbox as standard, although the 5.8-litre V8 remained optional. Interior changes included Scheel front seats with cloth trim and full instrumentation, making the package the most sought-after and collectible of the XD Falcon models.

Here for sale is a lovely example of an XD ESP Fairmont Ghia. Built in November of 1981 and finished in Silver Grey and starting life as a humble six cylinder car, it has been tastefully upgraded to a more desirable 351 Cleveland approximately five years ago. Before being fitted the 351 engine was treated to a rebuild and recently treated to a reconditioned carburettor, coil, leads and spark plugs also. A new PWR branded radiator with electric fans keeps it all cool to ensure many hours of enjoyable cruising. Backing up the 351 engine is a reconditioned C4 automatic built by Transmit and was installed only nine months ago. The diff is the original one with 3.23 gear ratios. The braking system and suspension have also been recently overhauled with a new brake booster, master cylinder, rebuilt front and rear calipers, new discs front and rear, new shocks (Bilsteins in the rear), new springs and all new bushes. The undercarriage was cleaned and sprayed with Gravelex rubberised coating to protect it all from rust. The ESP has had a closed door respray and the engine has also been painted. NOS pinstripes, door hinge pins and headlights have been restored also using NOS adjusting pins. Inside still retains all its exclusive ESP features from the Mid Grey Scheel seats, red clock and matching red illumination on the dashboard instruments. Also features NOS carpet, new front seat belts, its correct webbing and new seatbelt buckle buttons. The car is also still sitting on its original Bathurst Globe rims including the matching spare and also the original jack. Also comes with a Ford verification letter confirming European Sports Pack option, original 16:1 steering box, original Pioneer stereo head unit and SEV Marchal driving lights. To be sold with full New South Wales registration. This beautiful example of a Ford eighties classic is now ready to view by video call in our Kogarah facility.

If you would like to sell your muscle car and require additional information don’t hesitate to contact Muscle Car Warehouse today!