From The Classifieds: Ford Falcon XM sedan 1964

Of all the Falcons that rolled out of Ford's Broadmeadows factory in the years since 1960, the XM was possibly the most significant because it was the first to properly address the durability issues that had plagued the car virtually from the beginning.

The XM Ford Falcon from 1964 may not have looked hugely different to the original 1960 XK, or its successor, the 1962 XL, but there were big differences underneath that made it a more likely prospect for challenging the Holden EH – powered by the new 149 and 179 cubic inch "Red" engines.

Staying with the XL's altered, squared-off roofline (ironically Holden performed a similar styling trick in the same year with its EH) the XM model was also given a major mechanical workover that included a much stronger suspension, upgraded steering and a tougher driveline. The 144 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine offered a power upgrade from 90bhp (67kW) to 96bhp (72kW) while the 170 cubic-inch version was upped from 101bhp (75kW) to 111bhp (83kW).

Although it was the following XP model from 1965 that turned the corner for the car, as a result of then deputy MD Bill Bourke's bold 70,000km high-speed durability marathon in the same year, the XM was still a stronger Falcon more suited to Australian conditions than the basically US-spec XK and XL.

And this green 1964 two-speed auto XM, on sale in the same year Ford wound up local production, is about as original an example of an early Falcon as you are likely to find today.

Showing 66,000 miles on the odometer and wearing its original green paint, the Falcon has been given a rebuilt front end, new shock absorbers, brakes and brake lines (as well as a booster), a new radiator, a new water pump and a new head gasket, fuel pump and fuel tank.

Although the wheels have been painted, the rest of the car is all original, with the owner claiming there is neither any rust, nor any tears in the upholstery. It even appears to have the original Ford front sun visor.

The owner says that although the car is not currently registered, it will be sold with a roadworthy certificate and six months registration. All offers will be considered.
A truly tempting buy for Ford fans with an interest in Falcon history.