The Ford Falcon XK identification plate provides important factory information about the vehicle including its assembly details, model type, paint specification, interior trim, and body number.
Understanding these codes allows owners and restorers to correctly identify the original specification of the vehicle and confirm authenticity when restoring or maintaining classic Falcons.
The identification plate is mounted to the vehicle body and contains several coded fields that represent the vehicle’s production details.
Vehicle Identification Plate Breakdown
The Falcon XK identification plate contains six key information fields.
1. Serial Prefix
The serial prefix provides information about the vehicle assembly details.
Example: ZBM1060
The prefix is made up of the following information:
-
Z – Australian vehicle code
-
BM – Assembly plant
-
10 – Month of assembly
-
60 – Year of assembly
This allows the vehicle’s production date and manufacturing location to be identified.
2. Serial Number
Example: 162
This number represents the unit number from the assembly line, identifying the specific production sequence of the vehicle.
3. Model Code
Example: 4810
The model code identifies the vehicle specification.
Example breakdown:
-
4 – Australian vehicle code
-
8 – Falcon Deluxe Sedan
-
1 – Low compression engine
-
0 – Transmission code (not applicable)
Different model codes correspond to different Falcon variants including sedans, station wagons and commercial models.
Falcon XK Model Reference Codes
Australian Passenger Models
|
Model Type |
Low Compression |
High Compression |
|---|---|---|
|
Falcon Sedan / Falcon Station Wagon |
4110 |
4120 |
|
Falcon Deluxe Sedan / Deluxe Station Wagon |
4810 |
4820 |
Conventional Transmission
|
Model |
Code |
|---|---|
|
Falcon Sedan |
4210 |
|
Falcon Sedan High Compression |
4220 |
|
Falcon Deluxe Sedan |
4910 |
|
Falcon Deluxe Sedan High Compression |
4920 |
Automatic Transmission
|
Model |
Code |
|---|---|
|
Falcon Sedan High Compression |
4130 |
|
Falcon Deluxe Sedan High Compression |
4830 |
|
Transmission Code Reference |
4230 / 4930 |
Australian Light Commercial Models
|
Model Type |
Low Compression |
High Compression |
|---|---|---|
|
Falcon Van |
4240 |
4250 |
|
Falcon Utility |
4260 |
4270 |
Paint Code Identification
The paint code on the identification plate specifies the factory colour scheme used when the vehicle was produced.
The code contains several positions indicating different paint areas.
Paint Code Positions
-
Prime Coat – supplier of primer paint
-
Roof Colour – roof paint colour
-
Centre Colour – body centre section colour
-
Lower Colour – lower body colour
The first number indicates the primer paint supplier:
-
1 – Sherwin-Williams
-
2 – Taubmans
-
3 – Balm
Ford Falcon XK Factory Paint Colours
|
Colour |
Factory Name |
|---|---|
|
Black |
Raven Black |
|
Medium Grey |
Koala Grey |
|
Light Grey |
Gull Grey |
|
Red |
Waratah Red |
|
Red (Pillar Box) |
Torch Red |
|
White |
Merino White |
|
Light Blue |
Skymist Blue |
|
Medium Blue |
Pacific Blue |
|
Light Brown |
Nullabor Beige |
|
Medium Brown |
Wattlebark Tan |
|
Pale Rose |
Aurora Rose |
|
Light Green |
Botany Green |
|
Medium Green |
Broadmeadows Green |
|
Bottle Green |
Brewster Green |
These colours could be applied in various combinations depending on body style and trim level.
Interior Trim Codes
The trim code on the identification plate identifies the factory interior upholstery type and colour.
Single Tone Vinyl
|
Code |
Trim Colour |
|---|---|
|
01 |
Red Vinyl |
|
02 |
Medium Blue Vinyl |
|
03 |
Medium Green Vinyl |
|
04 |
Medium Brown Vinyl |
|
05 |
Medium Grey Vinyl |
Two Tone Vinyl
|
Code |
Trim Combination |
|---|---|
|
06 |
Red / White Vinyl |
|
07 |
Medium Blue / Light Blue Vinyl |
|
08 |
Medium Green / Light Green Vinyl |
|
09 |
Medium Brown / Light Brown Vinyl |
|
10 |
Medium Grey / Light Grey Vinyl |
Body Cloth with Metallic Vinyl
|
Code |
Trim Combination |
|---|---|
|
11 |
Red Cloth / Metallic White Vinyl |
|
12 |
Medium Blue Cloth / Light Blue Vinyl |
|
13 |
Medium Green Cloth / Light Green Vinyl |
|
14 |
Medium Brown Cloth / Light Brown Vinyl |
|
15 |
Medium Grey Cloth / Light Grey Vinyl |
Vinyl and Metallic Vinyl
|
Code |
Trim Combination |
|---|---|
|
16 |
Red Vinyl / Metallic White Vinyl |
|
17 |
Medium Blue Vinyl / Metallic Light Blue Vinyl |
|
18 |
Medium Green Vinyl / Metallic Light Green Vinyl |
|
19 |
Medium Brown Vinyl / Metallic Light Brown Vinyl |
|
20 |
Medium Grey Vinyl / Metallic Light Grey Vinyl |
Body Number Code
Example: 175
This number represents the body number off the assembly jig, identifying the order in which body shells were produced during manufacturing.
Why Vehicle Identification Codes Matter
Understanding Falcon XK identification codes is essential for:
-
Authentic vehicle restoration
-
Verifying original factory specifications
-
Identifying correct paint and trim combinations
-
Confirming model and production details
These codes provide valuable historical information for collectors and restorers of early Australian Falcons.
Safety, Copyright and Source Notice
Safety Disclaimer
Working on motor vehicles involves mechanical and electrical hazards. Always ensure proper safety procedures are followed and consult a qualified technician if unsure about any repair or restoration work.
Source
Information compiled from period factory service literature.
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