Ford Falcon XB

The XB featured a slight restyle of the previous model, featuring a cleaner but more aggressive front end with a forward sloping bonnet complete with power bulge, and a wide set, 'egg-crate' split grille.

The design was very reminiscent of the 1971-73 US Mustangs, and by re-working the XA's sleek lines and fitting different bumpers the car presented with a far more masculine style.

In fact, the three Australian engineers who had travelled to the US to develop the XA, claimed that it had found its ultimate expression with the XB - high praise indeed.

Many mechanical enhancements were made including the introduction of optional four wheel disk brakes, and the fitting of locally manufactured 302ci (4.9 litre) and 351ci (5.8 litre) Cleveland V8's.

The XB gained immense popularity, and would out-sell the XA by some 68,156 units.

No surpirse then that it was with this model that Ford notched up the two-millionth car manufactured in Australia, however this milestone came with no fanfare, it occuring on Remberance Day, and if that wasn't enough, then Governor General John Kerr would sack Prime Minister Gough Whitlam (see: Chronicles 1975).

Ford would introduce the "Value For Money" program, which offered as standard on all models (excluding the GT) a range of items which would normally be offered as extra's.

There was of course a small rise in price, however this was offset by the list of now standard options on the XB, such as reclining front bucket seats, heated rear window, carpets and protective body mouldings.

The hardtop continued to be offered, but sales were disappointing. This was somewhat offset by the increase in popularity of the XB commercials.

Even the young, who really had only the one option when it came to recreational vehicles (Holden's Sandman Panelvan) discovered the XB ute could be converted into an ideal overnighter with the fitment of a slide-on camper unit.

Better still was the "Surfsider", fitted with a hinged roof and nylon sleeve to provide plenty of additonal headroom. For the image conscious, the "Surferoo" offered the much needed bedroom on wheels. In reality the Surferoo was a simple 500 Panel Van, fitted with a moulded fibreglass storage compartments, foam matress, ice-box and flourescent interior lighting.