EA-ED FALCON YEAR BY YEAR

1988: The EA Falcon arrives in February. Models are GL, S, Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia sedans and wagons. GL has 3.2 and others have 3.9-litre engines in two power levels

1989: EA2 arrives in October. The big news (really, the only news) is Australian-developed BTR electronically controlled four-speed auto replaces the old three-speeder

1990: The ‘limited edition’ 30th Anniversary models arrive in October. It celebrates the original XK Falcon of 1960 and introduces new door locks. Yes.

1991: Tickford Vehicle Engineering was established as Ford’s performance partner a’la Holden Special Vehicles. The product planning role is filled by ‘Mr GTHO’, Howard Marsden

1991: The EB arrives in September. Big news is an optional EFI 5.0-litre V8. Smoother tail lights; Ford oval relocated to the grille. Plenty of suspension and steering improvements

1991: Two fresh models arrive with EB: S-XR6 and S-XR8. They’re the foundation of a continuous quarter-century of Aussie performance Falcons

1992: EBII arrives in May. Re-engineered 4.0-litre six with multi-point for 148kW is now the standard engine. ABS brakes available; it’s a three-channel Bendix system

1992: In September, Falcon S-XR6 gets its own Tickforddeveloped top-spec 4.0-litre engine with 161kW. Brilliant. It’s a V8 beater

1992: Falcon GT is relaunched. Based on Fairmont Ghia, the limited build Tickford-developed car has a special 200kW 5.0-litre V8 and suspension package over 17-inch Pirelli tyres

1993: ED series arrives in August. Renamed XR6 and XR8 get awesome four-light headlight style; others get rounded grille. Limited edition – and now iconic - XR8 Sprint has 192kW V8