Series II
The revised Series II (EB II) model, appearing in showrooms in April 1992, had the six-cylinder engine upsized by 35 cm3 (from 3949 to 3984 cm3). This brought the nominal total swept capacity to 4.0 litres.[1] The automatic transmission was updated to the M91LE specification, and the electronics were also improved, and the styling was tweaked. The base model now had body-coloured bumpers, and the previously matte black plastic exterior door handles were now given a glossy finish. The update reportedly cost A$1 million.[1]
Innovation became an evident strength in the EB II: antilock brakes became an option, a Falcon first, and in 1993, a lap sash centre rear seatbelt became standard.[1] The EB also introduced the "Smartlock" security locking system. South Australian Police revealed the operational success of "Smartlock" by inviting four professional car thieves to steal either a Holden Calais (VN) or an EB specified with the locking system. The successful theft of the motor vehicle meant the thief could keep the vehicle indefinitely. The thieves made off with the VN in under 60 seconds, but gave up on the EB after four days' efforts. Therefore, the EB was classified unstealable.[1] Foam-filled A pillars also featured, which greatly increased crush protection and stiffened the frame, thus helping to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness.[1]
The rarest model was the SS, with just 10 produced. The EB II SS was built to be successful under Group 3E Series Production Cars, five were absorbed immediately into production car racing. The forthcoming Tickford-enhanced S XR6 replaced the role of the SS.[4]
Production of the EB Falcon range totalled 36,374 with 84,847 examples of the EB II being produced.[1] The EB II was replaced by the Ford Falcon (ED) in August 1993.
The EB II was the last Falcon to be assembled at the Wiri plant in New Zealand, the ED and onwards series being imported fully built up from Australia.
Note: GLi and Fairmont were available with either the 4.0-litre I6 or 5.0-litre V8. S and S XR6 were only available with 4.0-litre, and the S XR8 offered the 5.0-litre V8.
- GLi
- S (Wagon Only)
- S XR6
- S XR8
- Fairmont
- Fairmont Ghia
- GT
XR and GT by Tickford
The EB Series II had the first models from the joint venture between Ford and Tickford Vehicle Engineering. A new model was introduced, the S XR6, featuring Tickford enhancements to the engine and suspension. Similarly, the S XR8 was improved over the existing Series I S XR8.[3] TVE reintroduced the sports orientated 25th anniversary EB Falcon GT specification level, an exclusive 250-unit run celebrating the 25th anniversary of the first original Falcon GT.[5]
