Based on the XR-model Falcon of the day, with a 289ci V8 and 4-speed gearbox and available only in metallic gold, it was a resounding success and set the stage for a Falcon GT dynasty.

That dynasty ended with the XB-model in 1974, and the GT badge is now only seen every few years or so when a special commemorative model is released. The two such GTs seen so far both had interiors opulent enough to be in the flagship Fairlane - but how close is a Fairlane to the original concept of the Falcon GT ?

Certainly not as close as a Falcon XR8.

Created by Ford's performance partner, Tickford Vehicle Engineering, the XR8 has unique style and hides under its hood a  5.0 litre V8 packing 185kW of power and a mighty 402Nm of torque.

That's more than enough to provide all the `go' and handling you could ask of what is essentially a family sedan (for very fast families), but what really flicks my switch is the `feel' of the engine.

While so many cars today are getting quieter and smoother, the XR8 retains a distinctive grumble that allows you to not so much hear as "feel that rumblin' sound..." (or maybe I've just listened to Steve Earl's `Copperhead Road' a few times too many.)

But for real basic grunt, there is no match for a V8, as I was reminded by a few days in Ford's current XR8.

There is no doubt that the EL Falcon has been bounced around the market by Holden's VT Commodore, which among other things offers markedly lower NVH levels than the Ford, but in XR8 guise that actually becomes an asset. (An oft-heard comment by owners of V8-powered VTs is "it just doesn't sound like a V8…")

No such complaint is likely from XR8 drivers, who get a constant reminder of what the engine is through the seat of their pants.

Speaking of seats, those in the Falcon can still be a bit fiddly to get right with five different starwheels (two just for the lumbar), but the end result is certainly worth it. .

You might as well be comfortable when you get `V8 fever', which is practically guaranteed by this one's power and torque output.

And thanks to Tickford's suspension tuning, and the low-profile tyres, the XR8's handling capabilities are well matched to the engine's ability.

Of course it oversteers - as is to be expected from a rear-drive sedan with some decent punch under the hood - which is half the fun anyway.

Though we did note one minor drawback of the XR8's distinctive appearance - it seems to induce, in otherwise normally mild-mannered drivers, a competitive urge. Overtake them, and they do their damnedest to stay glued to the Falcon's tail…

The new AU model Falcon, slated for release in September, is expected to take the battle right back up to Commodore in many respects - but hopefully Ford's acoustic engineers don't do too efficient a job on NVH levels in the XR8 version.