Crown Vic vs Fairmont - Walk around with HubNut
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- Опубліковано 12 кві 2022
- The next part of our Furious Driving meets Hubnut cross over, we chat with Ian as we look around his 2001 Ford Fairmont AU and talk about how he came to have an Australian car in the UK
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The ' Furious Nuts ' do it again ! .. completely loving these recent videos & collaborations = Top entertainment 👌
' furious nuts ' .. better than the alternative .. Hub Driving .. lol
@@888johnmac 😃...well, Nut Driving could lead to all kinds of complications....
Another combo "Driving Hub"
I drive an AU, I would love a Crown Vic. Not very Common in Australia. Can't wait to see how they compare.
me too - mines an AU1 Fairmont wagon.
I shed a tear when I saw Ian reunited with Betty. The return of a lost love. Beautiful!
Meanwhile, Matt actually meets one of his heroes (the Crown Vic) and isn’t disappointed!
Loved this. Two men passionate about their cars shooting the breeze. Brilliant video. Followed the tails of both cars and looking forward to seeing the Crown Vic around and one day meeting Betty. Is there any chance you two could do a few more like this? The pool of knowledge being passed on in an interesting way is great. Thanks Matt.
Lots of fun doing this, so yes it would be good
Mr HubNut: Only I can import a huge, thirsty old Ford to Blighty.
Mr Furious: What?! Hold my beer...
Indicator stalks right and wipers left is the correct orientation for a right-hand drive vehicle. It's only because the European manufacturers refused to tool separate stalks for what was a niche market that Britain ended up using LHD stalks as a default by the mid 1980s. They were also heavily competing against the Japanese manufacturers by this stage, so every cost reduction helped.
Britons have got used to indicator stalks left, which is why they see indicators right as strange. After driving a UKDM car for the past 10 years, every time I jump into my brother's JDM car, I have to remember his switch gear is opposite to mine - not helped by the fact we drive the same model cars! Also not helped that we're in NZ, where indicators right is the default.
Looking forward to seeing your review of the Fairmont - I was a Ford mechanic at the time and they were a big step up from the previous EF models.
You to have been fantastic covering each others cars...Feel like we are in a pub talking cars with two mates..........do more collaborations together if you can this was fantastic both channels ..Hard to pick a favourite i like both of them
Betty is a great example of the "relationship" one can have with a car based on the memories that have been built with it
Furiousdriving and HubNot in the same video?! Worlds colliding in all positivity!
It's amazing how recent it seems when Ian went to New Zealand and Australia
The Fairmont looks a lot like an American Ford Taurus. Subscribed to both of these guys, independent of knowing they knew each other.
Ford US sent some of the 'jelly' Tauruses to Australia to test the water as an alternative to developing this model Falcon/Fairmont. The sales were very slow.
I didn’t think I’d see a au Fairmont imported from nz being driven around in the uk 😂
Neither did I, Ford or anyone else! 🤣
Didn't imagine it myself! Funny how life turns out.
@@HubNut I watched all your NZ drives in Betty and just had this feeling she would join you back in the UK at some point.
I've gone over to the waft this year with a Jaguar XF-S Sportbrake. Tomorrow I will be doing 270 miles in something similar to a leather armchair and won't care about the fuel as its just such an event 😍
Opening the bonnet, that's when the chat started opening up.
Really enjoyed it.
The size difference is quite apparent in some of the side-by-side shots. While the Falcon is large, it betrays its 'compact' origins in being one size down from one of the last American 'full size' models. While the Falcon started as a compact US model and it was a case of love at first sight for Ford Australia management looking to counter the Holden juggernaut, it was not the only one. Chysler began to manufacture the Plymouth Valiant in Australia, and the Holden itself began as a 'compact' Chrevolet model that the US brand chose not to proceed with some 15 or so years earlier. In all cases the US-based designs became more localised as time went on due to the additional durability requirements, local content goals and evolution beyond their American origins. Local content restrictions also played a great part in the myriad of other models assembled or manufactured in Australia, as Ian found.
You know you are a car nerd when you can quote chassis designations and limited slip differential numbers 👌
Or enjoy a comparison of a crown Vic with au England.
Two quick notes from someone who is owned a fairlane for 16 years, get the headliner repaired not replaced by an upholsterer. Taxis in Australia used LPG which was half price petrol. This made them very economical.
I'd like to see a 2001 Mondeo compared to this duo to make it a trio. Show off how varied Fords were between more markets at the time. I guess both channels could do that comparison separately and then there would be 2 more videos featuring these cars, and a Mondeo. :)
The AUs also had v8s. 5.0 and a 5.6 Windsor with 249kw 500nm (335hp, 370lb-ft).
Verte automotive in the UK imported AU utes under the name verte tempest in March 2002. This may be a more local source of parts for Ian.
Here In Oz, ANY old ford 6 or V8 are quickly skyrocketing in price as we're inundated with 4 cylinders and the like. Au's are now very desirable as I think the styling has now come of age, so Ian Do Not Sell!!
Talk of not wanting big fuel guzzling family cars - what did they turn to? 4WDs and pickups. Most of them automatics too. At least in Oz they did.
even more so in the US
Quite right, though unless you have got a very optimized driving style (which most people doesnt), a modern high spec automatic consumes a bit less fuel than its manual counterpart. But yeah, not ideal. Shows that fads and fashion, rather than practicality drives the market as much as ever.
This is really neat. Interesting that both cars have very nearly the same torque output. That was always, to me, the downfall of the 4.6 engine in a big heavy car. I went from an 88 Crown Victoria to a 92. They shared back axles as the 88 had the towing package and 92 was a Performance/Handling Package car. Off the line the 92 was faster. Up hills on the road the 88 was much easier. The 351W in my 89 left both in the dust, and the extra 200 miles of range on a tank of fuel did not hurt.
I am always in awe of your gifts of gab. Almost never a silent moment. Good show gentlemen.
These gentlemen certainly arent no wallflowers; in their videos at least!
Brilliant! I really like this car. Shame about the current fuel costs.
The headlining is like a Chesterfield sofa upholstery.
Two of my favourite UA-camrs, together with their prized imports... superb!
In 1998 I worked in a foundry that made the gas LPG Manifold converter for the AU which was the fuel of the cost savings on these engines it come as a performance restriction but here in Australia everything is speed restrictions it didn’t matter with such a big engine!
Driven plenty over the years the V8 was the best engine!
Great review!
Thanks
I drove a Fairmont AU from Melbourne to Canberra and back on LPG (same colour as Betty too) - never really noticed a lack of power 👍
@@linseyyoung1772 the older engine you did!
The AU was more refined!
Brilliant! Two cars that would not ordinarily be together and two great UA-camrs. Great video. Thank you.
The ford survived as a taxi for decades in Oz because the total cost of ownership was very low. They ran on duel fuel and ford priced the spares significantly cheaper than Holden. And yeah they kept things like the suspension and diff very simple to keep TCO down but comfy and reliable. It was only the Camry Hybrid that beat them as that got insanely good mileage when converted to run on LPG!
Can't believe you brought that all the way from nz
your're forgetting the "Futura" models of these... which was between the Falcon Forte, & the Fairmont/Fairmont Ghia, & the "Falcon Classic" / "SR" limited edition models (which fit between the Forte & Futura - I have a series I Classic) they have the Futura level optional extras as standard, unique Grille, Black interior, unique trim pattern, unique alloy wheels, ABS, Better radio etc, the Classic was replaced with the SR from Series II up....
Lovely, guys. Great to see your enthusiasm 😀👍🏻
The Fairmont looks a lot smaller than the Crown Vic. Can't wait for the driving.
The trunk in particular.
CV is probably wider, though the AU is plenty wide in it's own right.
Australia was blending European with American before America did!
Great chat really enjoyed.
Just off the A23, near Goddards Green.
Two different answers on Two different continents to very similar requirements.
They both needed to be tough, reliable and long lived with the ability to munch up the miles on well paved and poorly paved surfaces.
From the Australian towing figures Ian quoted, if they were legal in the UK you could have trailered the Crown Vic from the port behind Betty!
Great interview, really enjoyed it.
Hi Matt it's great to see u2 chatting about cars and I do think your channel and hubnet channel are brilliant thankyou take care,👍
Two nice guys and two nice cars! Thanks guys! bravissimi!
FUTURA....guys.... There was the Futura .. I have one.. Over the base Forte it has the 16" 18 spoke alloys like the Fairmont and the rear boot spoiler , Classic badges etc and a couple of interior trim things .. Mine is also a 2001 Futura. You don't get the trip computer , wood trim etc ..cheers guys... don't forget the Futura . They finished when the BA Falcon was released in 2002.
Fun fact. The oil filter on the AU is the same part used in most US and Australian Fords since the 1960's, same as the V8 one. At least that should be easy to get
Great video gents. The Falcon straight six was popular as taxis as the engine worked well with LPG where the V6 Holden was not so good. Info as told to me . by taxi driver of the day.
100% true. My son has a BA (model after the AU) with the legendary "green top" Barra, made for LPG only. Not an ex taxi, and a terrific car.
Yeah, the Falcon LPG taxis were pretty good. I haven't caught a cab in a while, but last time I checked the Camry Hybrid seemed to be doing a good job of filling the void left behind by the Falcon's demise.
"Steepest street in the world in "England"? Miss Hubnut's going to give Ian grief for that!
''the horrible cube of misery'' lol
Matt and lan commented on that the Ford Falcon was used as taxi in Australia they were used LPG which per litre was about 50% cheaper than the price of unleaded also couriers who used the Falcon flat top ute ran them on LPG
Nice chat 👍
Falcons were so popular as taxis because they had a taxi specific option package & were dedicated LPG, they could have an 80litre LPG tank in the boot & still carry a generous amount of luggage.
The station wagon was best for carryIng luggage. Never had to once put luggage on a seat, unlike the sedan, in my cabbying days in Sydney.
Nice falcon.
Great vid. Hopefully you get to have a drive - interested in your impressions
"What is this, a crossover episode?"
Hi Matt, spotted a Mercury Grand Marquis at the Hubnut Social, it looked like a close relative of your Crown Vic?
LPG only ute version was sold in the UK as a Verte Tempest
I think it has some overall design shapes of the Chrysler 'Cloud cars'....
Not quite the 'Scorpio' version, because it's not the fully loaded one. There's a "Fairmont Ghia" above it, which, as you might have guessed by the Ghia badge, is the top of the range of the short wheelbase Falcons.
There is also a stretched, long wheelbase "Fairlane Ghia" and "LTD" positioned above that, too.
Plus the falcon had the base model forte and then the futura that added cruise control.
Well the Scorpio had very basic models too. This is sort of what Scorpio was to Sierra. Remember Scorpio/Sierra had the same floorpan.
The Fairlane's were built using the station wagon version of the Falcon/Fairmont for the extra length.
@@gentlepersuader the fairlane and falcon wagon wheelbase is the same and so is the rear doors, but the floor pans arent the same and fairlane has irs and wagon has leaf spring solid axle.
Forte, Futura, XR6/XR8 (depending on engine size) Fairmont, Fairmont Ghia, Fairlane Ghia and LTD were the complete AU range.
Excellent! You guys should do more videos together
What cracking few vids guys seeing as most of us watch you both ...blue oval heavan 😉😉😉😂
The dash reminds me of an old X Type Jag.
The au reminds me of a s type jag from the side of the rear
I drive a 1999 Ford Fairlane Ghia 5ltr V8 , daily drive, costs the Perth Mint to keep on the road. Cost to drive per petrol costs, couldn't care less.
Seriously, a Pom laughing at Australia for having the indicator on the right, which was originally inherited from the UK.
You've got to bring these two cars too Fordfair Silverstone
Car Swap Shop! (Where's Noel Edmonds?) 😁
Still think we need a drag race 🙂
It's been touched on by others on this thread - given it's a keeper and a daily driver would lpg conversion be out of the question?
I can't afford the loss of boot space and I'd much rather have a full size spare too.
At the car show the ford you thought was a converted pickup was a Ford Ranchero. I own Crown Victoria P-71. I will disagree with your statement about the car being out of the sixties. I owned sixties cars and they had drum brakes, carbureted engines, points and condenser, push rod engines. The Crown Vic has modern Frame geometry, electronic ignition, four wheel disc brakes, fuel injection overhead cam engine, four link rear suspension. Size wise they compare. In 2007 the Crown Vic went to 17" wheels from the 16" previously. Ebay has cheap dog dish style hub caps, shipping would be the draw back.
When the AU series Falcon/Fairmonts were introduced in 1998, they were roundly panned for having a 'droopy nose' and 'saggy bum', with an ugly 'waterfall' grill and centre stack in the base models, that was likened to a 'baboon's butt'. On the plus side, the cast alloy front cross member helped produce relatively accurate, tactile steering. They also had the option of an independent, double wishbone rear suspension, an option that was dropped as 'too expensive to manufacture' in the follow-up BA series. The contemporary Holden Commodore VT series was far better received and sold in larger numbers.
Matt, good to see you are wearing your RM Williams whilst driving an Aussie Ford.
Im honouring both, RM Williams boots and a NY Police spec Schott jacket (but no one spotted that)
@@furiousdriving hahaha, I wouldn’t know a Schott jacket if I ran over one! 😜
not having to worry about rust like you do helps with survival.
I was thinking the same, that surely is one of the major factors indeed. In "desert" states in USA you could feasibly keep an old 1960s car as a unloved daily driver year round, just changing what breaks now and then. Good luck doing the same in the uk, from what I have seen, that isnt really possible.
Entertaining video 🚘🚙🚗👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Long asked for video by the public!!!
Hello Hubby and Betty,..... Frank would like to say Hello. Frank is our 2001 OZ Organza AU Fairmont GHIA V8. Frank is a rare one now, as the Fairmont Ghia V8s had the IRS and LSD. His is basically a luxo XR8. I know, not hubbys channel, but Frankly speaking, you'er in the same place. Little Oz. Anyway, Ta Ta from Big Britain...where the indicator stalk is in the correct place. Actually, I reckon it was the Euro (Colonge) Escort that started that business with the wrong side.....my 72 Hillman Hunter still had the RHS stalk, as did all old Brit cars did, I reckon. Maybe you guys can do a video on that....which was the first "Common Market" traitor car, and etc. At least the Japanese kept the British tradition too. Its a wonder you mob didnt put the gear shift outside the RHS door too... though that's what started the whole LHD rubbish anyway (and the ruddy French), because the yanks could only change gear with their right hand....not the devil hand.😄
The taxis were all LPG thats how they made a profit. And you see far more AUS's than VT commodores on the road in AUS.
Yup AUs never die!
Still waiting the day ian dose a tip in
Do that headliner 🤬🤣
Oh, I don't know. Drawing pin chic does the job! I used a few more than Ian has, though.
This car looks like the big Focus mk1. Strangely conservative rear suspension but at least not BOF.
the AU chassis had independent rear versions too. remember also that a huge part of FWD chassis' today use solid rear too.
3rd comment! Yes Ian's infamous Betty NZ tour taxi? in uk now?
in the UK for over a year, lots of videos
All countries RHD countries with the exception of UK and Ireland have the indicators on the right hand side.
Euro models sold in Australia (including UK-built Nissans) have the stalks the 'wrong' way too. They just are allowed to get away with it. I bet the Japanese swap them when supplting LHD markets!
@@steved3702 yeah you are right. Though in almost all RHD countries (except UK and Ireland) have a lot more Japanese cars and alot less European cars. Its also that the Japanese companies and factories are bothered to switch it around. The reason why the UK has the indicators on the wrong side for RHD cars is because Continental European cars were popular and they didn't change the side of indicators so British car makes did the se thing and people got used to it.
@@terrificspokesman7416 Yeah. I used to drive my Mum's HA Viva (see avatar, LOL) and it had the stalk on the door side. Driving a Euro, I always do a wipe at the first corner I encounter!
"whats the most memorable thing you've done with it in the UK?" Crash it !!
very, very small crash
@@piuthemagicman But it was memorable... Or maybe I'm trying to forget!
memorable at 3 in the morning after strong cheese for supper
I held my breath when I saw that..and after just a few days as well. I was delighted to hear it wasnt that bad, relatively speaking.
Great video Matt, looking forward to seeing what you think of Betty.
Ozzie rules 🤓👍
Ptshoo..!
300 miles in a day? psssf, not a big deal.
Team USA v Team AUS 🚗 🚙💪💪
AU Ghia
Only the wheels, #notarealghia
@@furiousdriving Correct. The wheels were upgraded on this particular example at some time. The Ghia also had the 'F' in the centre of the dash replaced with a Ghia shield. The 'F' was probably just to fill in the hole on the non-Ghia ones! The Forte and Futura had a different dashboard with manual HVAC controls and no woodgrain 'spear'.
Hmm Ford Australia's design language was very much mandated by the US or UK. I had a BA XR6 and some English guys I met were hanging shit on it because they thought it was so derivative of the Mondeo or something. But they very rarely had any choice but to comply. Usually they would design something unique and it would get watered down. The AU is lightyears ahead of the Crown Vic. Sorry Americans !
If 190k miles is big, Matt I'd love for you to experience a Diesel VW 🤣. I've a 415k miles Passat and you'd think it had only 250 thousand 🤣🤣
Impressive @ 415k but that's not unique to VW's at all.
@@piuthemagicman indeed its not, I was just trying to marvel at how, I fact this fairmont has still PLENTY of life left in her 🙂
I'd love Ian to have a go in my ultra-shonky 436,000-mile ex-taxi Peugeot Expert.
Sorry Hubnut. The AU Falcon/Fairmont was the ugliest of this body shape. Any of the later models starting with B are far better looking cars. My favourite is the BAXR6. And I owned an AU Falcon Ute for a little while….
The look has grown on me over the years.
Children really should not be allowed to eat in cars. 🙄😬🙈😵💫
Without joking I quite agree. Then again, I am one of those guys that is a stickler for a spotless vehicle, inside and out. If I buy a car, I often remove most of the interior to clean it up fully. It should look as it just left the factory, no matter its age. Goes without saying any rips, holes etc or so no matter how small are unacceptable as well....
I cant blame people for not being as obsessed as me, seems more reasonable to be fair. They are made to transport things and people after all. Just that to me, its part of the fun having them look new-ish.
I have a deep disliking for Ian Ex wife's maiden name. Unsubscribed.