BA II Fairlane and LTD

Ford says it listened to customers carefully when devising the unsuccessful BA long-wheelbase makeover.

Dubbed 'Mark II', it features more chrome inside and out, plusher leather, a few extra gadgets and new wheels.

Of more importance was the implementation of the firmer suspension tune from the Falcon XR range, improving both the older BA's already-excellent ride and body control.

However there was no more money left to fix the Fairlane and LTD's biggeset problem - its visual closeness to your bread-and-butter Falcon - the upshot of the $1 billion spent on the '02 BA and '04 Territory SUV programs.

Next time, Ford promises.