- Responsive engines
- Spacious interior
- Comfortable ride and predictable handling
- Folding rear seats add to cargo capacity
- Good visibility
- Vague steering
- Poor standard of fit and finish
- Inadequate air conditioning system
- Basic live rear axle suspension
Overview
Released in September 1996, the Ford NL Fairlane and DL LTD were long wheelbase, luxury sedans. Manufactured in Campbellfield, Victoria, both the Fairlane and LTD were available with either 4.0-litre inline six cylinder or 4.9-litre V8 petrol engines that were mated to four-speed automatic transmissions.
Engines
Of the engines,
- the 4.0-litre inline six cylinder engine had a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder a compression ratio of 9.3:1. For the NL/DL Fairlane and LTD, however, the coil-pack ignition system was replaced by a distributor and a divided air induction pipe was replaced with a single pipe; and,
- the 4.9-litre pushrod V8 engine had two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.0:1.
Suspension
The NL Fairlane and DL LTD had independent front suspension with unequal length arms and a live-rear axle with four trailing arms and Watt’s linkages. For the NL and DL, however, the rear suspension was revised to reduce roll oversteer by lowering the Watts link pivot point by 20 mm and changing the geometry of the rear upper arms; the front and rear spring rates were also reduced for greater ride comfort.
Developments
Compared to the NF Fairlane and DF LTD , the NL Fairlane and DL LTD had quieter cabins due to the introduction of thicker glass – with ‘Smart Tint’ window film that provided SPF15 UV protection – and additional dashboard insulation.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairlane Ghia, LTD |
4.0-litre petrol I6 | 4sp auto | 157 kW at 4900 rpm | 357 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| 4.9-litre petrol V8 | 4sp auto | 165 kW at 4500 rpm | 388 Nm at 3000 rpm | |
| Fairlane Ghia Concorde | 4.0-litre petrol I6 | 4sp auto | 162 kW at 4900 rpm | 361 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| 4.9-litre petrol V8 | 4sp auto | 165 kW at 4500 rpm | 388 Nm at 3000 rpm | |
| Fairlane by Tickford | 4.9-litre petrol V8 | 4sp auto | 195 kW at 5100 rpm | 405 Nm at 3100 rpm |
| Fairlane Ghia Special Edition | 4.0-litre petrol I6 | 4sp auto | 157 kW at 4900 rpm | 357 Nm at 3000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the NL Fairlane and DL LTD included dual front airbags and ABS.
Brakes
The NL Fairlane and DL LTD had 287 mm by 25 mm vented front brake discs and 299 mm by 10.5 mm solid rear discs.
Features
Standard features for the NL Fairlane Ghia included 15-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a rake and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser. The Fairlane Ghia (and LTD) were also fitted with speed-sensitive power steering and self-levelling suspension as standard.
Beyond this, the DL LTD was further equipped with 16-inch chrome alloy wheels, a nine speaker, 250 watt sound system with a boot-mounted six-stack CD player, Howe leather seats, ten-way power adjustable front seats and woodgrain interior trim; the LTD was also fitted with a limited slip differential.
1997 Ford Fairlane Ghia Concorde
Released in August 1997, the Concorde was a limited-run variant which was available with a more powerful six cylinder engine. Compared to the standard Fairlane Ghia, the Fairlane Ghia Concorde was differentiated by its 16-inch gold-tinted alloy wheels with Michelin tyres, Tickford Touring suspension (including special springs, linkages, stabiliser bars and shock absorbers), a Momo wood-rimmed and leather-bound sports steering wheel, Mako Grey leather seats with Dark Lunar Mist inserts, ‘Concorde’ embossed front and rear floor mats.
The Concorde returned in May 1998 – on this occasion it was fitted with 16-inch BBS-style alloy wheels with 215/55 low rolling resistance tyres. Other distinguished features were largely unchanged.
1998 Ford Fairlane by Tickford
Released in May 1998, the limited-run Fairlane by Tickford was distinguished by its more powerful 4.9-litre V8 engine.with GT4OP heads, Cobra inlet manifolds and GT exhaust system; the automatic transmission also had adaptive shifting which adjusted to the driver’s style. Visually, the Fairlane by Tickford could be identified by its 17-inch Speedline alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot 225/45 tyres, lowered suspension, chrome mesh grille, ‘T’ badging,
Inside, the Fairlane by Tickford featured a nine speaker sound system with Digital Sound Processing and a six-stack CD player, Howe leather upholstery, two-tone leather seats, Momo steering wheel and a security alarm. The Fairlane by Tickford was also fitted with 330 mm ventilated front brake discs with four-piston calipers and a lower ratio 3.45:1 limited slip differential for enhanced acceleration.
1998 Ford Fairlane Ghia Special Edition
Released in October 1998, the Fairlane Ghia Special Edition was fitted with 16-inch closed-face alloy wheels with Goodyear 215/55 tyres, a nine speaker sound system as per the LTD and a power adjustable driver’s seat.
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