EL Falcon - Fairmont specs:

INDEX:

• Summary.
• Comparison - Fairmont vs. Falcon Futura.
• Full Specifications Listing.

Summary:
As the next step up from the Futura, the Fairmont gave many of the features available in Fairmont Ghia but minus a few appearance items and with the standard Falcon 6 cylinder.  Considering the Fairmont's sumptuous velour interior and other luxury touches including automatic climate control - there was little doubt life was easy for the new Fairmont owner.  Externally similiar to the Ghia, one could take comfort from the fact that their new purchase at least looked somewhat like it's more expensive brother.  Like the EF, the EL Fairmont recieved it's fair share of identifying trademarks giving the Fairmont buyer even more value.  With a fresh grill as well as other subtile changes the EL became a car that would grow on you as it aged with the EF growing decidedly dim in it's shaddow.

Still, not everything went the EL's way - including those crook looking stock 15" alloys.  About their only advantage over a hub cap is the fact that they didn't fall off (maybe that would have been a good thing).  Fortunately the transition to Tickfords optional 16" rims brought about a radical transformation - one that for many gave a little too much temptation to the light fingered ones (Telly Tubbies) - so pack a decent security system if this option is anywhere on your shopping list!

Unfortunately for wagon buyers the Fairmont was about as high as you could go - with no body kit option and no Fairmont Ghia derivative.  Still, there was something extra special about a Fairmont V8 wagon with Tickford 16's and sports suspension (hmmmm - yummy!).  Suprisingly, despite the latest advances in safety, the Fairmont still came minus the passenger's air bag - an extra that would require the whole dash outer shell to be replaced if you changed your mind at a later date and desperately wanted one fitted!  If a passenger's air bag is high on your list of priorities, then take the time to shop around until you find one already fitted to the vehicle in question.  Fortunately, the fitment issue was addressed for AU - but that is another story (See AU Specifications).

MECHANICAL:

• Speed sensitive variable power steering.
• Dual horns.
• Unique Fairmont 15" alloy wheels.

INTERIOR:

• Electric windows fitted into all four doors.
• Window controls for all four windows located in front centre consol along with central locking button.
• Rear window secondary controls located in rear door trims.
• Front drivers side power window 'Auto' down feature.
• Seats trimmed in 'Fresco' velour with 'Nubuck' velour sides, skirt and back.
• Door trims covered in matching velour with 'Fresco' insert.
• Driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors.
• Front & rear footwell lamps.

DASH & DRIVER DISPLAYS:

• Digital clock included in trip computer display.
• Trip computer showing instantaneous L/100km, average L/100km, average km/h and fuel range based on your driving style.
• Automatic climate control, hooked to the vehicle's air conditioning and heating systems. Just set the desired temperature and let the vehicle do the rest! Includes integrated CFC (chloro flouro carbons) free air conditioning and rear seat ducts...
• Infinitely variable instrument panel illumination intesity (compared to the Futura's two step design).
• Windscreen washer fluid low warning light.
• Low oil pressure & low fuel warning lights.
• Audible warning chimes: Low oil pressure, low fuel and overspeed warning.
• Oil pressure and battery voltage guages.

AUDIO SYSTEM:

• Electronic tuning 60 watt (40 watts in Futura) AM/FM stereo radio/cassette with six speakers, auto reverse, auto scan, music search, CD compatible, security coded one hour keyless play with all switches / knobs colour keyed.
• Power antenna with half height function switch.

CARGO:

• Roof rack standard on Fairmont Wagon.
• Full inner boot lid trim (sedan).
• Rear door map storage compartments.

APPEARANCE ITEMS:

• Fairmont badging on the boot lid.
• Chrome boot lid applique with 'F' crest.
• Unique luxury series identifying tail lights with clear indicator lenses - ala EF (coloured globe instead).
• Unique luxury series headlights to fit with new bonnet.
• Unique luxury series bonnet with raised centre section.
• Unique luxury series grill (shared with Fairmont Ghia) in 'graphite' (colour).
  CHANGES TO EL FROM EF:
  
• Chrome grill surround (body coloured in EF Fairmont).
• New grill styling for EL.
• New EL 'Fairmont' badging font.
• Different tail lights to Futura / GLi / XR.
• Reduced power assistance compared to EF, to improve 'steering feel' and vehicle stability.
• New interior colours and patterns.
• Seat belts and dash controls (including radio buttons) colour matched to interior.
• New guage fonts & colours.
• New exterior paint colour choices.
• 5mm thick side glass for better sound absorbtion.
• 'Smart Glass' in the sides & rear for UPF 15+ sun protection.