Australian Cars Issue 54 Ford Falcon XP 1965 Hardtop

Meet the Ford Falcon XP Hardtop, the car that saved the Falcon's reputation and turned it into a genuine Australian icon. Launched in March 1965 to replace the XM series, the XP arrived with something to prove — earlier Falcons had earned a reputation for flimsiness among fleet buyers, and Ford Australia knew it needed to answer that criticism decisively.

The answer came in the form of a new "torque box" steel subframe, an engineering fix that transformed the car's structural rigidity and won over a skeptical public. To prove the point beyond doubt, Ford ran five XPs around the clock for nine days on a brutal, twisting dirt track, with Henry Ford II himself flying in to witness the effort — the trial set 49 Australian endurance records and became the stuff of local motoring legend. The gamble paid off handsomely: the XP became the first Australian car to win Wheels magazine's coveted "Car of the Year" award, cementing Ford's standing as a builder of genuinely tough family cars. Offered with a choice of 2.4, 2.8, or 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engines, the two-door Hardtop stood out as the most glamorous body style in the range, pairing crisp, low-slung styling with the durability the whole XP series had fought so hard to earn — and today it remains the most sought-after of all the early Falcons among collectors.

This precise 1:43 scale replica captures the sleek lines of the Ford Falcon XP Hardtop — its pillarless roofline, sculpted flanks, and confident chrome detailing that made it the standout of the range.

The Ford Falcon XP Hardtop is meticulously reproduced in high-quality die-cast metal, with details faithful to the original that capture its pillarless hardtop profile, chrome brightwork, and period-correct interior trim. Rubber tires and swiveling wheels add a touch of realism to this beloved 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 pillarless hardtop roofline, chrome trim, and period-correct cabin
• Rubber tires and swiveling wheels for heightened realism

Relive the dawn of a golden decade in Australian motoring with this iconic model. Add the Ford Falcon XP Hardtop to your Australian Cars collection today!