Australian Ford Falcon Utes and Vans (1961-2015)

Ford Australia wasted little time expanding the 'new-for-1960' XK Falcon range into the workhorse market. By 1961, the first Falcon sedan delivery vans and utility trucks were hitting Australian roads, providing a locally built, Blue Oval alternative to the dominant Holden offerings.

Throughout the 1960s, Ford refined their commercial lineup, eventually 'tooling up' for a dedicated high-roofed panel van to directly challenge Holden’s supremacy. This specialized body style debuted with the 1968 XT Falcon and became a staple of Australian trades, surf culture, and—notably—police forces across the country. While Holden comfortably led the sales race through the 1970s, their 1985 exit from the traditional 'full-size' ute and van market (with the demise of the WB) left Ford as the sole manufacturer of the classic Aussie panel van well into the 1990s.

For enthusiasts of the 'smaller scale' workhorse, this gallery also features original print advertising for the Ford Escort van. Often remembered in its iconic high-vis yellow as the primary response vehicle for the Royal Automobile Club (RAC), these UK-born imports carved out their own niche in Australian commercial history.

To my eye, the XB Falcon remains the best-looking Australian ute ever made. What’s your favourite? Browse our archive of original Ford brochures and advertisements below to decide—and don't forget to compare them with our Holden and Chrysler Australia commercial galleries.

Explore our Holden utes and panel vans gallery

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