XK to XP (1961-1966)

Australia’s first Falcon ute and van range was launched in May 1961. Although based on the latest US Falcon-derived Ranchero pickup (ute) and Sedan Delivery (panel van), the Australian equivalents shared a more compact and practical design tailored to suit tougher Australian conditions.

The key difference was that the US versions used the longer doors of the two-door Falcon model, which in turn pushed more of the load floor behind the rear wheels to create greater overall length. This created excessive rear overhang, which would have been vulnerable to damage while negotiating rugged Aussie work sites, creek crossings, spoon drains and other common obstacles.