Tickford Vehicle Engineering (TVE) was responsible for numerous automotive projects and upgrades for Ford Australia between 1991 and 2002. In 1999, TVE setup Ford Tickford Experience (FTE) as a competitor to Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). In 2002, the operations changed to Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) coinciding with Tickford's global operations being bought out by Prodrive.
In 1990, 12 years since the last Falcon Cobra rolled off the line, Ford Australia started a worldwide search to find to engineering firm to establish a new performance arm in the same mold as rival to Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). The aim was to create a line-up of in-house performance cars that had been missing from the Falcon range since the 1970s. Ford Australia's last foray in this space was in fact represented by the 1982 XE-series "European Sports Pack" Falcon.
Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, this performance void was filled by third party tuning companies such as AVO, Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) and Dick Johnson Racing (DJR). Both AVO and DJR had experimented with using turbocharged powerplants to boost the output of Falcon's venerable 4.0-Litre 6-cylinder, with DJR creating the Grand Prix Turbo based on the XE. DJR had intended his company to be set up as a performance arm not unlike Peter Brock's Holden Dealer Team (HDT), but Ford was wary of such modifications due to warranty concerns. This meant that sales of both AVO and DJR Falcons remained very limited. SVO had greater success in the creation of a range of cars, starting with the Falcon EA series SVO (a car that formed the template for the subsequent XR6), however, Ford still did not provide factory-backing. Ultimately, Ford Australia joined forces with Tickford, renowned in Europe for its modified Ford models.
In 1991, Tickford Vehicle Engineering (TVE) was thus established as a joint venture between Ford Australia. TVE was involved in the creation of the Falcon XR range that emerged in 1992 with the EB series and the return of the legendary Falcon GT. In addition, TVE was also responsible for other higher-specification Fords such as the Capri Clubsprint, and for the fitment of optional equipment such as LPG systems and sunroofs.
In 1999, aside from enhanving the Falcon offering via the sporty XR range, TVE also established Ford Tickford Experience (FTE) comprising a 3-tier sedan-only T series based on the then new AU series. Managing Director, David Flint, made clear this brand's intentions by stating: "Tickford have helped add further refinement, safety and confidence to the T Series range. It is very easy to build a car that just goes fast, but one that handles, performs and lends itself to outstanding driving dynamics is what we have aimed for'." In so doing, whilst the brand was an obvious attempt to combat the successful HSV products, FTE did not want to get into a "power war", focusing instead in providing a more sophisticated high performance product, making refinement its hallmark.
Aside from Falcon-based products, over the years, FTE was also responsible for a right hand drive (RHD) conversion of the fourth-generation Mustang Cobra and for promoting the European Cougar. In 1999, TVE also bought out Glen Seaton Racing to create Ford Tickford Racing – Ford's first factory-backed team in over 30 years.
With the purchase of Tickford by Prodrive in 2001, FTE was replaced by the new owner's Ford Performance Vehicles (badges as "FPV") with the introduction of the BA series Falcon range in 2002. Nevertheless, Tickford were still involved in the early development stages of some models including the BA Falcon XR6 Turbo, with early parts bearing the "Tickford" logo.
This range of models – not to be confused with the 1966–1968 XR series – has been a fixture of the Falcon range since 1991. From its second release in 1993, it has become characterised by, and is distinguishable from standard models thanks to, a signature quad-headlamp front styling. In addition, all factory LPG systems for the EF and EL Falcon range were installed by and badged "Tickford".
In July 1991, just prior to the formation of TVE, Ford Australia itself launched the EB Falcon S-XR8 after its decision to offer again a V8 engine option for the first time since the 1982 XE-series.
In 1992, TVE became responsible of the whole range. The S-XR6 model was identified by a red rocker cover with the "Tickford wings" badge, a revised head and cam saw a power increase from 148 kW (198 hp) to 161 kW (216 hp). The S-XR8 was visually similar but was powered by the standard 5.0-Litre "Windsor" V8 engine. With the EBII, TVE launched an enhanced XR8 model. Both the 6 and 8 cylinder models were fitted with ABS, LSD, alloy wheels and a Momo steering wheel being standard on the S-XR6 and optional on the S-XR8.
With this series, TVE dropped the 'S' from its range and introduced the Falcon XR's signature four-headlamp treatment, inspired by the European Ford Escort RS Cosworth.
The model range comprised the XR6, the XR8 – and from September 1993 – the XR8 Sprint. The latter featured a more powerful 195 kW (261 hp) version of the 5.0-litre "Windsor" V8 engine, courtesy of the performance upgrades fitted to the previous year's Falcon GT "25th Anniversary". The same GT also donated an improved suspension and brake package, whilst featuring unique 16-inch wheels. There was very little body alteration to identify it, other than a black (instead of red) side body strip, a pair of subtle front wheel arch moulds and "Sprint" badges on the boot and a front chin spoiler.
The XR6 and XR8 models continued with the heavily re-engineered EF series Falcon, with more improvements to the suspension and drive-line. The XR range now received a 1-piece nose cone including quad headlamp surrounds, bumper and a blanked out grille similar to the base Gli model. "Cats scratch" vents were applied to the bonnet.
The XR6 continued to use the same 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder shared with the base models but with Tickford alloy cylinder heads,cam and higher pressure valve springs with unique Tickford EEC programming. A press bent 2.5-inch exhaust was also added, a minor upgrade over the standard 2.25-inch system. The six-cylinder Ghia version also received the motor out of the XR6, with a quieter exhaust system.
The XR6 delivers 164 kW (220 hp) at 5000 rpm up from 161 kW (216 hp) in the ED Falcon. The XR8 has a 5.0-litre OHV (over head valve) V8 delivering 170 kW (230 hp) at 4500 rpm up from the 165 kW (221 hp). LPG was not offered as a factory option on the XR6 and XR8 models
New frontal styling arrived with the EL, with the nose cone featuring slightly revised headlights and a slotted grille. The "cat scratch" vents found on the EF were now replaced with simplified versions on the EL.
The XR6 received the same changes found in the rest of the EL range (coil-pack changed to distributor, a wide, single intake pipe opposed to the flat twin pipe of the EF). The XR6 and XR8 boasted a 164 kW (220 hp) six-cylinder and a 170 kW (228 hp) V8 respectively. In October 1997, the V8 engine fitted to the XR8 sports model was upgraded from 170 kilowatts (228 hp) to 185 (248 hp). Torque figures were also upped from 398 newton metres (294 ft·lbf) to 402 (296 ft·lbf)
With this new-generation Falcon, TVE retained the XR8 but split the 6-cylinder range into the XR6 HP and XR6 VCT depending on engine variant. The XR6 HP was equipped with a 164 kW (220 hp) version of the new Intech engine (as opposed to 157 kW (211 hp) of the standard engine) thanks to: unique cylinder head; reshaped inlet port; redesigned exhaust port; ‘open’ combustion chamber shape to restrict pre-detonation from hot spot areas; unique camshaft; higher fuel pressure; recalibrated EEC V engine management system. It also had a solid rear axle suspension setup unlike the independent rear suspension of the 172 kW (231 hp) XR6 VCT, which also featured variable cam timing. The VCT engine was an Australian-production first.
In 2001, TVE also built 125 units of the XR8 Rebel, which were characterised by a Ford Racing bodykit (instead of the standard Tickford version) and, more importantly, the 220 kW (300 hp) "Synergy 5000" 5.0-Litre V8 version of the "Windsor" engine from the FTE T series. With this limited edition XR8, Ford also provided a Sony PlayStation 2 console a copy of Gran Turismo 3: A-spec signed by both Glenn Seton and Steven Richards as part of the package. The AU III series XR8 inherited the same 220 kW (300 hp) V8 engine as standard and the Ford Racing bodykit as an option to the standard Tickford version. A limited edition XR6 VCT Sprint also received the Ford Motorsport bodykit.
In 1990, Ford Australia produced an EA Falcon concept that featured a 5.8-Litre (351 cubic inch) "Windsor" V8 and race prepared suspension to give it the handling to match its acceleration. This car, however, never reached production. The fitment of the larger "Windsor" engine required substantial alterations to the engine bay to fit the engine, making the exercise too costly. Nevertheless, with the launch of the EB series in 1991, and for the first time since 1982, a V8 returned to the Falcon range thanks to a 5.0-Litre version of the "Windsor" engine.
With the return of this powerplant and with TVE on board, Ford deemed it an appropriate time to bring back the legendary Falcon GT model. Thus, TVE produced a 25th Anniversary and 30th Anniversary models based on the luxury-oriented Fairmont Ghia models, rather than the sportier XR. The result was a proper Grand Tourer, with considerable driver comfort, instead of the high-powered setup of its predecessors.
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