Why are Fairlanes cheaper than Falcons?

[superyob]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

I reckon the BA/BF Fairlane/LTD was, it just looked like a stretched taxi.

The AU was the best looking Fairlane IMO.

How dare you not put a ZD or H at the top of your Fairlane tree!!! I'll pretend I did not see that...

[PridenJoy]

The NL 5.0 i had was a great car, so comfortable and roomy and was also powerful enough for a daily, it was also economical being on LPG and ran faultlessly on both fuels. When i was looking for it, i always wondered why NLs were so much cheaper than EL Ghias also, i found it strange and bought the NL because the value for money proposition was too good.

I recently got hold of this poor old girl, it is in very good nick, and I actually thought about repairing it and keeping it but upon inspection the damage is too great, a real shame because it seems it used to be someone's pride and joy.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by tranquilized

Oh yeah of course, the BA/BF version shared the Falcons headlights and tail lights. They'd completely given up by that stage though, and it showed.

No.
$500 million on the BA Falcon sedan/wagon/ute and $500 million on the segment busting Territory left very little over for the Fairlane/LTD.

If Ford had spent the Territory's budget on the Fairlane they would have shut the factory down before the 2008 FG. As much as I love the Fairlane, diverting development dollars towards Territory was a much better decision than designing new head and tail lamps for a product competing in a dead segment of the market.

[superyob]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

No.
$500 million on the BA Falcon sedan/wagon/ute and $500 million on the segment busting Territory left very little over for the Fairlane/LTD.

If Ford had spent the Territory's budget on the Fairlane they would have shut the factory down before the 2008 FG. As much as I love the Fairlane, diverting development dollars towards Territory was a much better decision than designing new head and tail lamps for a product competing in a dead segment of the market.

So what do you think killed the Fairlane? (besides the obvious lack of sales)...

[tranquilized]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

No.
$500 million on the BA Falcon sedan/wagon/ute and $500 million on the segment busting Territory left very little over for the Fairlane/LTD.

If Ford had spent the Territory's budget on the Fairlane they would have shut the factory down before the 2008 FG. As much as I love the Fairlane, diverting development dollars towards Territory was a much better decision than designing new head and tail lamps for a product competing in a dead segment of the market.

Given up on the Fairlane and LTD I meant, and as you've pointed out for good reasons.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by superyob

So what do you think killed the Fairlane? (besides the obvious lack of sales)...

The rise of the SUV.

The reduction in tariffs and more competitive pricing making "status" cars from Benz/BMW/Audi available in the Fairlane price bracket (ie "why get a Ford or Holden when I can park a BMW in the drive")

Plus the other factors that contributed to the decline of the whole local industry.

[Gothefalcon]

Originally Posted by superyob

So what do you think killed the Fairlane? (besides the obvious lack of sales)...

My opinion only... but I reckon the slow decline started with cars like the XC Fairmont GXL. The GXL 351 was all but a GT (on paper), disguised as executive transport (instead of a "hoon mobile"). Offered also in 6cyl and 302... it allowed the now "Baby Boomer" executives to have a slightly "sportier" yet still luxurious executive type car, which still presented well at work (& at the golf club )
This morphed into the XD/E Fairmont Ghia... which then morphed into the XF Fairmont Ghia.... by which time, it was all but a SWB version of the Fairlane/LTD, with pretty much the same appointments, dash, "status", etc... just in SWB form.
Then the Fairmont Ghia pretty much stayed a SWB version of the Fairlane/LTD until the end of all 3 !

Agree also that new offerings from the other luxo-brands made an impact too... but you don't get a similar sized BMW, Audi, Merc for Fairlane/LTD money... you might get a "Fairmont Ghia sized" or "SWB" version though... and that's OK... coz the Fairlane/LTD's of this world are no longer the status symbols they used to be !

There are other factors too, like average fuel costs rising etc... it's never just one thing !

D

[T-Pak Addict]

Dhru I think you raise a good point.... You can get all the fruit in a fairmont Ghia without the extra weight..... A Fairmont Ghia XF had exactly the same options as the ZL Fairlane and you could get a manual as well in the XF

[Gothefalcon]

Originally Posted by T-Pak Addict

Dhru I think you raise a good point.... You can get all the fruit in a fairmont Ghia without the extra weight..... A Fairmont Ghia XF had exactly the same options as the ZL Fairlane and you could get a manual as well in the XF

Wasn't aware that a manual was an option on the XF Ghia Jim... I thought the EA Ghia was the only one !?? (not counting the earlier ESP's)

D

[apolloxbgt]

You could still get a manual ghia right up to eb.

[tranquilized]

I don't think increasing equipment levels in the short wheel base models has much to do with it. I'm not sure about ZH and before, but wasn't the Fairlane 500 always a pretty basic car? There was always a more luxurious model available in SWB. Then the ZJ, ZK, ZL, NA, and NC Fairlanes were all based on Fairmont spec. The seat and door trim on these models is identical to the equivalent Fairmont, although the Fairlane always did have a few more features - high series dash, electrics etc. So the Fairlane was positioned as a semi-luxury car with the extra space of the LWB. The Fairmont Ghia was a step up in terms of luxury features, and then there was the LTD at the top with all the fruit and the LWB.

Then for the NC model the Fairlane Ghia was introduced, which sold alongside regular Fairlane, which had steel wheels, budget cloth interior etc - was very low rent and sold very few it would seem as you never saw them around and was eventually dropped during the NC model run. (IIRC)

[ZGM86]

I'm a little late to the party with this thread, I was following this thread when it was active but it's taken until now for me to put forward my 2c worth! This is definitely an area that is important to me.

I've always been a huge fan of the LWB Fords. Besides my 2 ZGs, I've also had a DAII LTD as a daily driver 5 years ago which was hands-down the most comfortable car I've owned or driven.

I think the reason the Fairlanes and LTDs have a lower dollar value compared to their Falcon equivalent has already been covered adequately in this thread - they (Falcons) just have more desirability due to being more well known and having more race heritage. The flipside to that is that you can always get a much better deal on a Fairlane or LTD, and you get way more car & features for your money.

Personally, I just love their style. They're big and cruisy, and have all of the benefits of an equivalent Falcon and then some. I've never really understood why they weren't more popular (must be to do with grandpa image that they have with some people). When I found my first ZG, I was originally looking for an XB, my favourite Falcon. I found the ZG and it ticked all my boxes - it was a good looking Australian made 70s Ford with a V8 and quad headlights and that gorgeous wraparound dashboard that looked close enough to an XB...I was sold!

Originally Posted by tranquilized

I don't think increasing equipment levels in the short wheel base models has much to do with it. I'm not sure about ZH and before, but wasn't the Fairlane 500 always a pretty basic car? There was always a more luxurious model available in SWB. Then the ZJ, ZK, ZL, NA, and NC Fairlanes were all based on Fairmont spec

You're right about the later Fairlanes (Fairlane badged only from ZJ onwards) being the same spec as Fairmonts, but the ZH was the only Fairlane 500 that was an entry-level model. Pre-ZH, the base model Fairlane was the Fairlane Custom, which was a 6 cylinder model with bench seats and no options. The Fairlane 500 was the upmarket model, with features like a 302, bucket seats, power steering, and air con as factory standard (both of my ZG 500s had these options). The only way to get something better-equipped was an LTD.

When the ZH arrived, they made the Fairlane 500 the base model (but it was still 302 as standard, there were no 6 cylinder ZH Fairlanes) and the Fairlane Marquis became the luxury model. Once the ZJ arrived, everthing changed again and the 'Fairlane' became a stand-alone model - you'd again have to step up to an LTD to get a more luxurious model.

[Crazy Dazz]

Originally Posted by tranquilized

The NL though... that was clearly the lowest point in the Fairlane/LTD's styling history. Shared headlights with a Falcon GLi Look at that pic posted by Gothefalcon - you gotta look real close to figure out if it's a Fairmont or a Fairlane. From the front you just cant tell. I think that was ultimately what brought on the Fairlanes death. (would have happened eventually no matter what of course) The AU vintage looked completely different to a Falcon, but by that point the damage had been done.

But see its all a matter of personal taste.
I personally think the NL/DL is the best looking LWB of the modern era.
To me the AU Lane looks like what you'd get if you made a doughnut in the shape of a car.

[robertjp]

The NU fairlane was horrible to look at compared to the Statesman of the same era, the market moved on yet Ford didn't. If the AU hadn't fallen so bad who knows what might have been.....

Drove a BF Fairlane and was amazed at it's ecconomy and roominess, but by that stage the public did not care, pity. The only gripe was that is was (6cyl) underpowered, why did they not put the turbo u\in beats me.

[malazn mafia]

On a similar note, why is an early Hyundai Excel or Kia Festiva worth more than a Falcon of similar year??

[Sprintey]

Beacuse that's the Divine Being's way of skewing 2nd hand prices to favour Falcon fans

[superyob]

Originally Posted by tranquilized

The NL though... that was clearly the lowest point in the Fairlane/LTD's styling history. Shared headlights with a Falcon GLi Look at that pic posted by Gothefalcon - you gotta look real close to figure out if it's a Fairmont or a Fairlane. From the front you just cant tell. I think that was ultimately what brought on the Fairlanes death. (would have happened eventually no matter what of course) The AU vintage looked completely different to a Falcon, but by that point the damage had been done.

That was the same criticism levelled at the ZF/ZG Fairlanes, that they looked just like a stretched Falcon. I always thought they looked awesome compared to the Falcon...

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

On a similar note, why is an early Hyundai Excel or Kia Festiva worth more than a Falcon of similar year??

Because fuel is up to a buck fifty a litre?

[wodahs]

i know its no real input to this thread but all i got to say is ive always loved my zh with all its trimmings and most people cant see why

[superyob]

I understand your ailment wodahs...

[Crazy Dazz]

Originally Posted by wodahs

i know its no real input to this thread but all i got to say is ive always loved my zh with all its trimmings and most people cant see why

I have always like the ZH and P6. Because firstly they look good, and secondly they don't look anything like the Falcons, and there is also significant variation between the Lane and the LTD.

[Swordie]

Originally Posted by Gothefalcon

I believe it's mainly down to perception. And a lot of that perception was placed in the minds of the general buying public by FoMoCo (& GMH for the Statey etc) when they pitched the Fairlane at the executive as a symbol of status/success etc.
As a lot of high level execs were also people that had worked their way up through the ranks (maybe more so, back in the day)... they were the "older gent'... and had to drive something which reflected their achievements and responsibilities. etc. etc.... and thus... the general perception was that cars like the Fairlane were "Old Man's cars" ! Big barges... heavy... thirsty... expensive (to buy and own).

Later... when they are a few years older... and sit in the car yard at prices similar to Falcon's etc... the perception is that it must be clapped out, requiring expensive repairs (why else would such a big expensive car be so cheap !?? etc.)... and are still passed off as an "Old Man's barge".

I've owned heaps of big Fords in the last 34yrs... and only one of them has been a SWB Falcon. and although I loved my first XB Sedan... it wasn't because it was a SWB model ! After that... they were all LWB models (Wagon, Ute, Fairlane... 250, 2v250, 302, 351, Auto, Manual) and I realised the cost of ownership had little to do with the extra length.... or even the extra weight... but more to do with how you drove.... and the condition you kept the vehicle in.

I got my first Fairlane (a ZF 302) when I was 21... My second (a ZG 351) when I was 24... and my current (an NL 5.0) when I was 34... and I've been paid out by all and sundry for driving an "Old Man's car"... even to this time in my life when I'm about to graduate to "official" old man status (I turn 50 in about a month )... but my mates also grew to love the Lanes as we cruised around in them, with room to spare... and they stopped thinking of them so much as Old Man's cars... when the ZG's 351 would blow most others away... or a quick fang through the Hills in the NL would leave most other "average" cars of that era for dead ! (it's not all about 'speed"... it's more about flow & pace )

The NL is mainly used for the Sunday pub run now... and weekend cruises through the Adelaide Hills on lovely sunny days. It may not have all the "gadgets" of the modern cars... but it still holds it's own as a comfortable, luxury car... and although the little winger 5.0 is not the most powerful V8 out there (admittedly, by a long shot)... it's effortless torque through the mid range is still smooth and addictive.

A 98 NL Ghia 5.0 may only be valued at about 8% of it's original market value now... but I'll be holding onto mine... and keeping it in great condition... and one day, it's relative value will be realised once again. (understood that could take another 15-20yrs )

BTW... I'll still be driving my LWB Falcon Wagon then too

image



D

NL 5.0 is really nice car. Had a drive of one when they were new. Smooth motor.

[Swordie]

Originally Posted by T-Pak Addict

Couldnt afford much myself, so got myself a ZL Fairlaine as a weekend cruiser, all I did was dump it and chuck some wheels on,,,, Had a lot of nice drives in it last year clocking up 5,000 kays in 4 months. Doing a little body work on it over winter but cant wait to get in and take her out again....

image

image

Cool car.