Falcons, a love story

Brian's second-generation 1971 Falcon XY 500. He took out its 6-cylinder and replaced it with a 460 cu inch big block stroked to an epic 545 cu inch, backed by a C6 transmission with B&M Shifter and Ford 9-inch differential.

Pictures of awesome cars in an illustrated book on Ford Falcons

Falcons were assembled in New Zealand from CKD packs, while the more specialised models, such as the GTs, were imported as complete cars. They were available in multiple body styles. They were affordable to purchase, and to repair and maintain. Bang for buck, nothing came close.

By the late 2000s, demand for large family sedans slumped. Ford Australia ended Falcon production in 2016.

But as long as oil is being extracted to keep them running, owners will continue enjoying them with passion and pride. The Falcon has a following in New Zealand that will never fade.

Darryl's XA GT two-door hardtop, sporting a newly built 412 cu inch stroker engine with alloy heads, and AP Racing 6-piston calliper brakes in the front.

Rob, the owner of a Falcon GTHO Phase III, bought it in the 1980s: "It was only slightly more expensive than our first house"

Brian bought his Falcon XK in 1995, fixed its original 6-cylinder motor (the car didn't run when he purchased it - the previous owner had plans to shoehorn a 351 cu inch Cleveland V8 into its engine bay), and repainted it in its original two-tone green hue.

Helena's 1966 Falcon XP Wagon runs a manual three-on-the-tree transmission, is lowered 2 inches in all four corners, and the wheels have a 14-inch diameter.

Kiwi Falcons by Steve Holmes (Bateman Books, $39.99) is available in bookstores nationwide.