XD Fairmont Ghia

“Ghia” replaced the XC’s lauded “GXL” (which replaced the XB GT) as the sports-touring/luxury Falcon.

Crisp, glassy Euro-style Australian design that sat on carryover XC Falcon mechanicals marked the XD as a total re-skin of the 19-year-old series.

Weight-saving plastic abounded. The standard engine was an 82kW/228Nm 3.3L in-line OHV six (I6) mated to a three-speed T-bar auto.

Space and fuel economy advantages over its Holden Commodore rival saw the XD eventually topple it after a slow sales start. Standard features: four-wheel disc brakes, alloy wheels, Limited Slip Differential, sports instrumentation, velour seats, reclining bucket seats, intermittent wipers, tinted glass, extra chrome and courtesy lights, rear window demister, left-hand side mirror, front folding armrest, childproof door locks, carpet, clock, AM radio with power aerial, map pockets, radial tyres, hazard flashers, halogen headlights, dual horns.

Engine options: 94kW/295Nm 4.1L I6, 140kW/344Nm 4.9L V8, 194kW/415Nm 5.8L V8