Australian Cars Issue 45

COLLECT ALL THE LEGENDARY AUSTRALIAN CLASSIC CARS

Immerse yourself in the thrilling history of Australian automotive engineering with the Ford XR Falcon 500 Sedan, a true turning point in the story of the Australian car from 1967. Bold, modern, and unapologetically inspired by the best of American design, the XR arrived and immediately rewrote the rules of what an Australian family car could be.

The XR was the first Australian-built Falcon to offer a V8 engine option, and its exterior was inspired by the Ford Mustang — with a dark, purposeful grille and flowing coke-bottle body that turned heads from the moment it appeared on the road. In 1966, the Falcon XR won the Wheels Car of the Year award, giving Ford back-to-back victories in Australia's most prestigious automotive accolade — and confirmation that this was something genuinely special. The Falcon 500 sat at the heart of the XR range as the mid-level variant, replacing the Falcon Deluxe of the outgoing XP series and bringing with it a higher level of standard equipment, trim, and refinement that made it the choice of discerning Australian families. Engine options for the XR range spanned a 170 ci inline six, a 200 ci inline six, and the legendary 289 ci Windsor V8 sourced from the Ford Mustang — with the 200 Super Pursuit Six in the Falcon 500 delivering a spirited 121 hp in a car that was equally at home on the open highway as it was on the suburban street. With the Falcon powered by a 289-cubic-inch V8, it was the first ever Bathurst 500 winner — a racing legacy that burnished the entire XR nameplate with lasting glory.

This precise 1:43 scale replica captures the very essence of the legendary XR Falcon 500 — an emblem of the moment the Australian car grew up and found its own bold identity.

The Ford XR Falcon 500 Sedan is meticulously reproduced in high-quality die-cast metal, with details faithful to the original that capture its Mustang-inspired grille, flowing body lines, and distinguished 500-spec trim. Rubber tires and swiveling wheels add a touch of realism to this iconic model.

Each piece comes accompanied by a captivating magazine filled with articles from that era, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of Australian automotive, sourced from the archives of the renowned publication Wheels.

Features:

• Faithfully reproduced model at 1:43 scale
• High-quality die-cast metal for exceptional durability
• Precise detailing for maximum authenticity — including the signature XR Mustang-inspired grille, coke-bottle body styling, and Falcon 500 trim
• Rubber tires and swiveling wheels for heightened realism

Relive the golden era of Australian automotive ambition with this iconic model. Add the Ford XR Falcon 500 Sedan to your Australian Cars collection today!