Ford Problems

Ford’s TX3 cars are the "hot" versions of the popular Laser range, being available in front-drive and four-wheel-drive versions and with turbo and non-turbo engines.  The Laser TX3 Turbo 4WD performed impressively in the inaugural 12-hour race at Bathurst due to its stunning acceleration and impressive grip from the four-wheel drive.Many TX3s have also performed brilliantly in rallies, hill climbs and other motorsport events.  The TX3 began life in 1985 with a 1.6-litre fuel-injected engine, while the front-drive TX3 Turbo, introduced in 1987, used a 16-valve blown version of this engine.Sure-footed motoring was also provided from 1987 through a four-wheel-drive model using the turbo-charged engine.  From the start of the KF series in 1990, a twin-cam 16-valve 1.8-litre engine was made standard in the TX3 and a turbo version of this motor was under the bonnet of the 4WD hatch.The power from the 1.8-litre turbo engine was considered too much for a front-drive car, so this version was dropped from the range.  Even with the 1.6-litre engine, the front-drive car is noted for its torque steer which can be dangerous on slippery roads for inexperienced drivers.Ford's 1.8-litre TX3 Turbo 4WD was launched at $2500 less than the 1.6-litre model, a move which helped make this car a popular choice.But Ford stopped offering the TX3 Turbo 4WD from mid-1993 due to rising prices caused by the exchange rate and the advent of stiff competition from cars, such as the Lancer GSR. The 1.8-litre TX3 model continues.  Lasers are generally trouble-free, but these "hot" versions may have spent considerable time competing in club rallies so they should be checked out.Check for signs of body damage or repair, and your test drive should concentrate on ensuring there is strong acceleration.  Abnormal whining from the turbo could indicate excessive wear.

The Falcon made an inglorious entry to the Australian market in 1960 when the front-end of the XK was found to be too weak to stand up to the tough Australian conditions.Ford quickly swung into action and beefed up the XK's sagging suspension, but by the time it reacted the Falcon's image was already tarnished in the eyes of Australian motorists.  It wouldn't be until the XR in 1966 that the Falcon would win the respect of local car buyers.The XR Falcon also saw the introduction of the GT model, which went a long way to convincing sceptical Australians that Ford had fixed the suspension problems when it swept to victory at Bathurst in 1967.  Today, the Falcon GT is a standout in the classic car world, attracting high prices from collectors, but for those who can't afford a GT the XR still represents a neat classic car.MODEL WATCHThe XR was the first of the second generation Falcon in Australia, and as such as a clear step away from the model that caused so much heartache for average Aussie motorists.  It was bigger all round, had the option of a V8 engine, and the safety of disc front brakes.Ford' marketing men, keen to get away from the disasters of the past, promoted it as the 'Mustang Bred Falcon', hoping to tap into the raging success of the Mustang in its homeland.  There were many similarities with the Mustang, it had similar long nose short tail proportions to those of the Mustang, and there was the distinctive kick up at the back doors.If it wasn't quite a Mustang, the new Falcon was heavily based on the American Falcon.  The XR extracted the Falcon from the '50s and firmly planted it in the 1960s with a clean, contemporary look that is still attractive today.Ford offered three engines, two sixes and a lone V8. There was the 170 cu. In. (2.78-litre) that powered the base model to the tune of 83 kW and 214 Nm, the optional 200 cu. In. (3.28-litre) Super Pursuit with 90 kW and 258 Nm, and the mighty 289 cu, in. (4.74-litre) V8 with 149 kW and 382 Nm that breathed new life into the local car market.Buyers of the 170 cu. In. engine could have it with a three-speed column-shift manual or the 3S three-speed auto; those choosing the Super Pursuit could also have it with the three-speed manual, but also had the choice of the 3S auto or the Cruisomatic, while V8 buyers only had the option of the Cruisomatic.By today's standards the XR's performance was pathetic, but in its day it was quite a goer.  A V8 sedan would get to 100 km/h in around 10 seconds and sprint through the standing 400-metre dash in a fraction over 17 seconds.The Falcon range started with the sedan and wagon, and then moved up to the 500 variants, to the Fairmont, which topped the list of regular models.  Standard features were few across the range, Ford's marketing men preferred to leave it to the buyer to choose what they wanted. It was a neat ploy aimed at forcing them to spend more at showroom.The Fairmont had the most features, with things like a heater/demister, plush carpets on the floor, reversing lights, woodgrain dash and extra exterior brightwork.IN THE SHOPFirst and foremost look for rust. Rust could be expected in the floor, the boot floor, the doors, the rear doglegs and the guards. If you care to dig even deeper you're almost sure to find rust in the torque box, but that's going to the extreme and probably not warranted.After rust you should look for crash repairs. Any car that has been on the road for 40-plus years is almost certain to have been in a fender bender, perhaps more than one.  If you're keen on a Fairmont make sure it's got all the external mouldings, and that they are in good condition. Repairing damaged mouldings, or finding replacements is very difficult.One you've cleared the body look at the mechanical condition.  Engines and gearboxes are quite robust, but after 40 years expect wear in vital mechanical components.Apart from the cost, rebuilding them isn't a problem; parts are readily available and quite affordable.  Having an XR professionally restored is expensive, but the good news is that they are a simple car and easy to work on. In short they're perfect for the amateur restorer.IN A CRASHAirbags were still in the experimental stage when the XR was launched; state-of-the-art safety then came in the form of a big solid body, power-assisted disc front brakes, optional radial ply tyres and lap seat belts.  For a few extra bucks you could have the extra protection of lap-sash seat belts.UNDER THE PUMPFuel was cheap, performance was a priority, and so fuel economy wasn't uppermost in the minds of most motorists in the '60s.The fuel economy ranged from around 12 L/100 km for a six to 16 L/100 km for the V8.LOOK FOR* Classic chrome style* Mustang-bed looks* Choice of six or burbling V8* Plenty of room for the family* Affordable and funTHE BOTTOM LINEThe XR is one of the great Falcons from the 1960s; it's affordable to buy, easy to work on, and great fun to drive.RATING70/100 (classic)

Want a classic Falcon GT, but can't afford the silly prices GTs bring? The GS might be the answer.  There's no doubt the Falcon GT is the classic leader in Australia, it is the car that defines Australian muscle, the one that has set the price pace for classic muscle cars.For most classic car enthusiasts the prices GTs have been bringing has put them out of reach of all but the well heeled.  The solution may be the GS or 'Grand Sport', an option pack that could be added to a Falcon 500, Futura or Fairmont to give the regular Falcon sedan a sporty appeal.MODEL WATCHNot everyone wanted, or could afford, the rumbling menace that was the Falcon GT, but many desired a sportier ride than the regular Falcons could offer.  The answer for them came in the form of the GS option pack, a bundle of bits and pieces lifted from the Ford parts bin that cleverly combined to give the Falcon a more exciting personality.The GS pack could be added to any of the regular Falcon models, the 500 base sedan, the more luxurious Futura and the fabulous Fairmont.In essence the GS option was a dress-up kit aimed at giving the regular Falcon a sporty look.Outside there were rally stripes running down each side, ending with a GS decal on the read guards, and fully chromed wheel covers, while inside there was a GT-style wood-grained steering wheel, and a full array of dials in the cockpit dash.  From there the GS buyer could dip further into the option box and add all manner of appearance and mechanical options to individualise his/her GS even further.The interior could be made sportier with bucket seats and a sports console, air-conditioning made it more comfortable, a laminated windscreen added to its safety, while a vinyl roof could be fitted to give it a real touch of class. Mechanical options included a 5.0-litre V8, manual or auto transmissions, power disc brakes, power steering and wide radial tyres.  In the XY model it was also possible to have the GS option with the legendary 351 Cleveland V8 engine.IN THE SHOPBuying old cars is always fraught with risk so take lots of time and examine cars very carefully; it's always a good idea to get an expert to eyeball your car before you lay down any cash money.The old adage of condition, condition, condition is the best advice to follow when looking at old cars.A pristine car in good condition could provide many years of enjoyment without the need for a major rebuild, but a car in down condition requiring a full resto could cost tens of thousands of dollars and end up costing far more than it's worth on the market.Look for rust, and not just rust you can see on the outside, lift carpets, boot mats, remove door trims and check the underbody. If a car is fitted with a vinyl roof inspect it closely for bubbles that could indicate rust underneath.Engines, gearboxes, suspensions and other mechanical components are likely to be worn, but it's not a huge job to refurbish these components, and it can be fun to do if you're handy with tools.IN A CRASHThe XW/XY Falcons were built well before airbags, safety was provided primarily by a collapsible steering column, a strong, solid body, and seat belts.  Check seat belts for wear to the webbing and replace if they're worn.AT THE PUMPA six-cylinder Falcon GS can be an economical classic, one that won't cost an arm and a leg to run. But a big-bore V8 will suck up the juice and will cost a lot more.LOOK FOR. Classic Aussie chrome bumper car. Sporty GS look. Roomy family fun car. Low-cost classic. Avoid rusty cars. Easily maintainedTHE BOTTOM LINEDoesn't have the GT edge, but it's a neat, affordable and fun Aussie classic.RATING70/100