Comments by "Helmuth Schultes" (@helmuthschultes9243) on "American Learns about Aussie Icon - The Ford Falcon" video.

  1. The louver at rear window is a aftermarket addon to limit sun into the rear window, keeping some heat out, but the louvers being horizontal do not block the rearvision. Seem to have overlooked Utility versions.(sorry did get to it later) By late 1970s Ford had dropped V8 engines, and had their 3.3L and 4.1L Inline 6cyl as only options for their sedan utility, panel vans. While Holden (GMH) retained V8, and the 6cyl non crossflow, even experimented with 4cyl on the Holden Commodore, as per European Opel standard, the 4cyl was a flop in our market. The V8 choice ended up their big success, and loss to Ford. I did the first EFI system calibration on 4.1L Inline 6Cyl cross flow engines for the Ford Sedan and LTD (stretch limousine version) , work from 1981 till these came out in 1983. The EFI was the top line, and base models had Weber 4 throat Carburetor. Then in 1984 I did base development on Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for both 3.3L and 4.1L 6 cyl intended to replace the 4 throat Weber carburettor. Boy those poor Ford calibration guys on the Webers, struggling calibration on hot and cold tests during the EFI testing period. The EFI and TBI, both were a dream by comparison and made major emission and economy improvements. TBI on 3.3L and 4.1L was regarded as most strange to headquaters in Germany as TBI was regarded as poorman alternative on small cheaper cars not using EFI, such large engines were assumed to be EFI only up to this time. I still have a Ford Falcon sedan XF 4.1L (1985/6) with Carburetor in the backyard, not used since dad's passing in 2009.
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  2. Cost Ford a lot when deciding to stop V8, in interests of emissions and fuel economy. Caused Holden much gains.
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  3. In the last generations the Ford designs, like GM and others were forcing world commonisations, so less local flexibility. Caused all to lose market as a consequence. Ford Australia did probably to last local effort on the Explorer 4WD model that was quite popular and went throgh to world market from here, basic design adopted in various places. Among strong local engineering were LPG car adaptions by Ford and Holden.
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  4. The styling of the Ford Falcon in late 1970s X series form and later EA onwards were initiated by Ford Australia with Italian design studio, and styling was adopted in slightly smaller dimensions for European models, thus the shape seems identical, but the size, width and length are smaller on the European models. While doing some Ford EFI winter testing in southern Germany, we had both sedan and station wagon models on German highway, suddenly had a car with photographers haging out of various windows getting photos of our two vehicles. The sedan being bigger than the current for sale local sedan was cause of interest, but even more interest was the station wagon. Apparently our cars were noted and a motoring magazine sent out their photo team to catch our images. Caused some speculation of next models to come in Europe. WOW, the notoriety, I even got a phone call from Ford (Germany) Factory manager, about the photos, whom I had personal contact with through a cousin. Previously got a private tour of the German factory, including secured areas with restricted access to outsiders. Sometimes it is definitely who you know, more than what you know. We had a good chat.
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