At the turn of the 1980s was a new era for the Australian motoring industry with Ford building a new Falcon, Holden introducing the Commodore and Chrysler being purchased by the Japanese as the Blue Oval triumphed in the sales race.
The XD Falcon was the opposite to Holden’s new Commodore due to its larger size, but like its rival there are similarities to a European-based model in the form of Ford’s Grenada. However, influences from the United States were featured all through the XD’s design courtesy of larger windows, a lower belt line, steeper bonnet and lightweight plastic bumpers.
The XD marked the first time a GT offering was absent from the line-up since the late-1960s and the new option for this new model did this.
The European Sports Pack or ESP was offered in mid-1980 as an XD, but was upgraded when the following XD came along.
Offered as an up-spec for the luxurious Fairmont Ghia, ‘Option 54’ specified by a two-tone paint scheme, Marshal fog lamps, front spoiler, Scheel front bucket seats and gold snowflake alloy wheels on the exterior.
Under the skin the ESP enjoyed improved handling thanks to Bilstein gas shock absorbers, heavy-duty anti-roll bars, new Watts link rear suspension and stiffer springs, while four-wheel-disc brakes ensured great stopping power.
Quick ratio steering, a limited diff and the 4.1-litre six was installed as standard, though the 5.8-litre V8 was an option. However, the V8 was about to be phased out.
It’s thought 583 XE ESPs were produced and as one of the final models to feature a V8 is very special for Ford fans.