Ford Falcon (EB)

Ford EB Falcon
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Australia
Also called	Ford EB Fairmont
Production	August 1991 - August 1993
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door wagon
Layout	FR layout
Related	Ford NC Fairlane Ford DC LTD
Powertrain
Engine	3.9 L I6 4.0 L I6 5.0 L Windsor V8
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford EA Falcon
Successor	Ford ED Falcon

The Ford Falcon (EB) is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1991 to 1993. It was the second iteration of the fifth generation of this Australian-made model and also included the Ford Fairmont (EB)—the luxury-oriented version of the Falcon.

Introduction and changes

Visually, the 1991 EB Falcon remained nearly identical to its predecessor. The most noticeable changes were the transfer of the Ford emblem from the tip of the bonnet to the grille and a full-length applique bridging the gap between the tail lights, featuring reversing lamps on both sides of the rear number plate. Additionally, the C-pillars air vents were removed.^[1] The return of the V8 engine since 1982 was welcomed by the motoring press, however, the 5.0-litre Windsor unit did not reappear in the utility variants until the "EF-shaped" XH series of 1997. There were also changes to the front suspension geometry, giving the EB a much better level of grip and steering feel.^[1] With the new model, Ford re-introduced the sports orientated GT specification level, an exclusive 250 unit run celebrating the 25th anniversary of the first original Falcon GT.^[2] The first XR6 and XR8 sports models appeared in the EB Series.^[3]

Model range

First series

The model range of the first series on sale from August 1991 comprised the following variants:

• GL
• Fairmont
• Fairmont Ghia
• S
• S-XR8

Series II

The radically different Series II model, appearing in showrooms in April 1992, saw the six-cylinder engine upsized by 35 cubic centimetres (from 3949 cc to 3984 cc). This brought the nominal total swept capacity to 4.0 litres.^[1] The transmission and electronics were also improved, and there were tweaks to the styling. The base model now had body-coloured bumpers, and the previously matte black plastic exterior door handles were now given a glossy finish. The update reportedly cost A$1 million.^[1]

Innovation became an evident strength in the EBII: anti-lock brakes became an option, a Falcon first, and in 1993, a lap sash centre rear seatbelt became standard.^[1] The EB also introduced the "Smartlock" security locking system. South Australian Police revealed the operational success of "Smartlock", by inviting four professional car thieves to steal either a VN Calais or an EB specified with the locking system. The successful theft of the motor vehicle meant the thief could keep the vehicle indefinitely. The thieves made off with the VN in under 60 seconds, after walking right past the EB. Therefore, the EB was classified unstealable.^[1] Foam-filled A-pillars also featured, which greatly increased crush protection and stiffened the frame, thus helping to reduce Noise, Vibration, and Harshness.^[1]

The rarest model was the SS, with just six produced. Built to be successful under Group 3E Series Production Cars, five were absorbed immediately into production car racing. The forthcoming Tickford enhanced S-XR6 replaced the role of the SS.

Production of the EB Falcon range totalled 36,374 with 84,847 examples of the EBII being produced.^[1] The EBII was replaced by the Ford ED Falcon in August 1993.

XR & GT by Tickford

The EB Series II saw the first models from the joint venture between Ford and Tickford Vehicle Engineering (TVE). A new model was introduced, the S-XR6, featuring Tickford enhancements to the engine and suspension. Similarly, the S-XR8 was improved over the existing Series I S-XR8.^[3] Tickford Vehicle Engineering re-introduced the sports orientated 25th anniversary EB Falcon GT specification level, an exclusive 250 unit run celebrating the 25th anniversary of the first original Falcon GT.^[4]

Falcon (EB) Series II

Note: GLi and Fairmont available with either 4.0L I6 or 5.0L V8. S and S-XR6 only available with 4.0, S-XR8 5.0 only.

• GLi
• Fairmont
• Fairmont Ghia
• S
• S-XR6
• S-XR8
• GT

• 

  Ford EB Falcon S XR8 sedan

• 

  Ford EB II Falcon GLi wagon

• 

  Ford EB II Falcon S sedan

• 

  Ford EB II Fairmont sedan

• 

  Ford EBII Falcon GT

Motorsport

The Falcon (EB) SS was raced in the 1993 Australian Production Car Championship, with Mal Rose claiming a Championship win, after finishing 1st 4 times out of 6 rounds. The Group A 5.0 Litre Touring Car specification EB falcon saw impressive success in the 1993 Australian Touring Car Championship, the first season run under the new Group 3A rules, winning 7 out of 9 rounds. Glenn Seton Racing carried the bulk of success, with drivers Glenn Seton and Alan Jones finishing 1st and 2nd respectively. The Dick Johnson Racing Falcon's driven by John Bowe and Dick Johnson managed to score 3rd and 5th.

The Seton teams second EB Falcon driven by Geoff Brabham and David Parsons won the 1993 Sandown 500, though a mid-year aerodynamic package given to the Holden VP Commodore's saw the Falcons not as competitive at Bathurst. The Falcon received its own upgrade in 1994 with the addition of small wings on the side of the front air dam which brought it back into contention. This allowed the DJR Falcon driven by Dick Johnson and John Bowe to win both the 1994 Sandown 500 and the 1994 Tooheys 1000 at Bathurst.

See also

• Ford Falcon (XF) - Utility pickup and panel van of the Falcon line running concurrently with the ED series of cars and wagons

References