ALL are suitable for work, but it could come down to the type of work you do. None will work as hard as a Japanese one-tonner. If you don't need to carry heavy loads, the Falcon may well do the job. The XH will carry more than the XD and XF in its one-tonne guise, so that may be worth a look. XD and XF Falcons are getting long in the tooth and will be well past their use-by date. In utes you need to look for damage to the body. The condition of the inner tray is a giveaway to its previous life. Also, check early Falcon utes for rust.

WITH $3000, your son shouldn't be choosy. Cast a wider net and search for the best car you can find for the money. It's better to have a car in good condition, though it might not be a cool choice. That might sound boring, but he'll get better service out of a car in tiptop shape than one that might have a better image but is run down.

Your recollection is correct, but they weren't released by Ford. Dick says 26 cars were built in Melbourne in 1982 with the help of Jim Faneco. There were two versions, a V8 Falcon XE Grand Prix and a Falcon XE Grand Prix Turbo. Dick has heard that some are being restored and that some out there are immaculate, but he hasn't seen one for a while.