Offered in limited numbers only, the
AU1 Falcon Classic represented particularly good value at the time
with both Forte and Futura sales slowing to a snail's pace as a result.
(Limited Edition being entirely relative here - with several thousand
making the grade before production was finally halted).
Unlike previous Falcon 'Classic's, the
AU version had became a model in it’s own right with it's own specifications
list completely independent of the more usual GLi (Forte) and Futura
based offerings. With specs not far short of the better equipped
Futura and for the same price as the Forte, it was no wonder then that
most chose this over either of Ford's more usual sedan offerings.
Taking inspiration from the many Falcon owners who had done like
wise at the time, Ford added the body colour egg-crate grill of the XLS utility in an effort to remove at least one of the most common objections
to the AU's shape - the grill.
Was it a desperate bid to boost ailing AU Falcon sales or just a bold
styling experiment? Who knows – maybe we will never know.
But one thing's for certain - they provide a great looking alternative
for the second hand Falcon shopper! With the equipment list extending
to a unique set of wheels, colours, spoiler and (almost) black interior
most felt they looked better then the Forte or Futura too adding to their
appeal. About the only down-side was that it was never available
in wagon format! See what you
think...
Warm Charcoal coloured interior – although the seat material was
nowhere near as soft or nice to the touch as that featured in either
the Forte or Futura. Looks more attractive
than the grey.
Forte roof lining minus padding layer. A possible winner for
those looking for maximum weight reduction in that street / racing Falcon!
Low level rear spoiler.
Body colour exterior rear-view mirrors.
Body colour “egg crate” XLS ute grill.
Body colour side protection mouldings.
'Classic' decal on bootlid.
Unique 11 spoke 15” x 6.5” alloy wheels.
Power operated windows for front doors, wind up backs.
Cruise control standard.
ABS brakes standard.
Dual airbags standard.
Prestige paint (no cost).
Fitted with Futura’s sound system:
Double din security coded 100 watt auto reverse/auto scan
radio/cassette player.
Mobile phone interface with mute.
CD controls for remote stacker unit (not fitted – option only).
Power operated aerial.
Six cone speaker system.
Steering wheel mounted volume and seek functions.
One hour play function (without ignition being on).
Overhead Cam with roller rockers & roller cam followers.
Alloy head with direct heat detection sender on the back
of no.6 combustion chamber.
Stronger head studs with greater pull down tensions.
New two-piece head gasket to further aid in reducing
blown head gaskets.
Sequential fuel injection.
Dual resonance intake manifold for a better torque spread.
Serpentine accessory drive belt for quietness and
increased reliability.
Fail safe cooling (engine can literally run without coolant in it - theoretically
it is impossible to cook this engine due to loss of coolant). *This
feature un-available while running on LPG.
‘Smart start’ - prevents you from engaging the starter motor if the
engine is already running.
Structural sump for quieter operation and increased block
stiffness.
New alloy rocker cover for improved looks and quieter operation.
New stiffer and better balanced crankshaft for quieter
operation and less NVH.
Longer conrods for better fuel economy & better burn
control.
New short skirt anti-friction coated pistons for better
fuel economy.
Overall, a much sweeter and easier engine to rev than
ever before...
Engine Optional
#1:
5.0 litre V8.
175 kW @ 4600 rpm (up from 165 kW @ 4500 rpm in EL).
395 Nm @ 3200 rpm (up from 388 Nm @ 3000 rpm in EL).
Pushrod valve actuation.
Cast-iron heads.
Sequential fuel injection.
Serpentine accessory drive belt.
Pressed steel rocker covers and sump.
EngineOptional #2:
Factory fitted “Tickford” LPG conversion:
Including no loss in power.
Works with Distance to Empty calculator.
Integrated look to dash controls.
Uses standard fuel gauge for selected fuel.
Greater economy than most aftermarket units.
Cannot be fitted by dealer or aftermarket - only by Tickford on new
vehicle as delivered from factory.
Dealer fitted “Parnell” LPG conversion:
Some have commented it handles “dirty” gas better
than the Tickford unit.
Only a small power loss.
Costs less to install.
Can be fitted at any time by dealer or aftermarket.
No cost option of a 4 speed automatic with floor shift including
converter lock-up, electronic control and a overdrive 4th gear.
- Includes power and economy modes. *One of the smoothest shifting
gearboxes on the market at the time, this very same gearbox was used by
Maseratti on some earlier models.
Column shifted 4 speed auto option (same gearbox as above) available
with six seater option.
Wagon only available with auto (who ever made this decision deserves
to be shot!)
This steering has a increadibly accurate feel to it and only gets better
as you progress to the performance Falcons - unlike the VT Commodore’s
vague and unresponsive steering (if you could call it that). Do not
confuse the Commodore's lack of responsiveness combined with it's
under-engineered IRS for added stability!
Smartlock system makes hotwiring difficult via electronic
engine immobilisation.
Post 'AU Update' vehicles include a special key with internal transponder as
well as better ignition lock shielding. This can be identified by a
fatter key pad as well as a recessed ignition lock / fatter 'eyebrow' above the
lock itself.
Central locking standard.
Lock button on driver's door only allowing less entry
points for the potential theif.
‘Smartlock’ remote keyless door and boot (tailgate) entry system.
Air conditioning standard in all Falcons including:
four speed fan.
rapid cool down function.
six easy to use and well placed dash vents.
dash top vents to direct air to front side windows for added demisting.
ducting to rear seat passengers.
Seating:
Manually adjustable lumbar support on both front seats.
Driver's seat cushion tilt adjustment and adjustable
thigh support.
Adjustable lumbar support for driver.
Adjustable front seat head rests.
Built in (fixed) rear seat head rests (NA in EL GLi).
60/40 fold down rear seat with access into boot.
Warm Charcoal coloured interior – although the seat material was nowhere
near as soft or nice to the touch as that featured in either the Forte or Futura. Looks
more attractive than the grey.
Steering wheel adjustable for both reach and height.
Exceptionally bright headlights (30% brighter than the
EL's) - make the VT’s pale in comparison and exceptionally good to drive by.
Plastic shatter resistant lenses - no longer require headlight covers.
Silver painted headlight surrounds.
Orange front guard indicator repeater lenses.
Orange blinker lenses in tail lights (clear in Fairmont /
Fairmont Ghia).
Self fading interior light.
High mount rear stop light.
'Jeweled' tail lights finally included in the wagon
(first introduced to the EF sedan of 1994).
The AU 'Classic' benefits from the same race stiffened body shell as the
XR8 that is so suitably used for the V8 supercar series.
Bake hardened steel used in all external surfaces - means a lighter
body shell while being more resistant to shopping trolley dints than the
model it replaces.
Body kit available as an option - uses the rear spoiler (single deck),
side & rear skirts as well as front air dam extension -overall very
attractive and well suited to the AU’s shape. Much wilder than the
VT’s Hyundai imitation.
More aerodynamic than VT.
“New Edge” styling has an added practical feature - sharp corners add strength
and rigidity to panels, further resisting low speed impacts.
Boot hinges do not intrude into boot space allowing you more room to
pack the goodies in as well as a lessened chance of damaging packed items...
“Blocker” steel bar welded across front of the radiator to help prevent
damage in low speed impacts (therefore cheaper repairs).
Exterior (mm)
Front track
Rear track
Front overhang
Rear overhang
Interior (mm)
Front headroom
Front legroom
Front Shoulder Room
Front hiproom
Rear headroom
Rear legroom
Rear shoulder room General
Kerb weight (kg) **
Luggage capacity (L)
Minimum turning circle (m)
- diameter, kerb to kerb.
Fuel Tank Capacity
Petrol (litres)
LPG (litres)
RRP (new):
Sedan
1566
1547
918
1197
991
1081
1523
1482
978
986
1517
1515
512
10.9
Sedan
68
68
$30,690(c)
*Optional Ford Sunroof reduces available headroom by approximately 40mm when fitted.
**Approximate kerb weight for a Falcon Forte fitted with 4.0 litre Intech, SOHC
engine and 4 speed automatic transmission (Including air conditioning).
(a) With rear seats upright.
(b) With rear seats folded down.
(c) RRP as of October 1, 1999.
