F6 Mind-Blowing
NL Fairlane by Tickford

1998 NL Fairlane by Tickford

This long wheelbase forerunner to the TL50 was a very special limited edition apart from its tiny 106 production run. It was effectively a long wheelbase version of the EL GT but there were key mechanical differences as it became the first local Ford to offer the US Explorer's revised Windsor V8 with the GT40P heads. It is sometimes known as the Fairlane 195.

The special engine in this model featured the GT40P heads, the revised Explorer upper and lower inlet manifolds, 65 mm throttle body, 70 mm airflow meter, Motorsport injectors and special extractors. Torque was lifted to a hefty 410 Nm, a welcome boost for a model that was as spacious and luxuriously-equipped as this one.

The exterior was dominated by a more purposeful mesh grille and the large flat-spoked 17 inch alloy wheels. Combined with its lower ride height, there was no mistaking it for an everyday Fairlane on VIP duty.

The GT theme extended to the interior which included sports-contoured front seats, leather and wood-rimmed Momo 4 spoke steering wheel and leather trim accents on doors, dash and centre console. Walnut inserts matching the Momo wheel were added to the door tops and T-bar surround while door handles were polished chrome. A premium 250 Watt 9 speaker audio system and alarm were also standard. This premium model came only in Navy Blue or Regency Red.

Specifications

Engine
Fairlane 195kW: Windsor 5-litre V8, OHV, electronic multi-point fuel injection, 9.00:1 compression, GT-40P Explorer heads, roller rockers, special camshaft, upgraded 65mm throttle body and engine management system, electronic ignition, low restriction extractor exhaust system, 195kW @4700rpm, 410Nm @ 3900rpm (net)

Transmission
BTR M97LE, electronic 4 speed auto, GT Adaptive Shift Strategy, T-Bar shift.
Ratios 1st 2.39:1 - 2nd 1.45:1 - 3rd 1.00:1 - 4th - 0.68:1
Reverse 2.09:1
Rear axle: 3.45:1, LSD

Suspension
Front: Independent, upper and lower wishbones with urethane inner bushes, unique coil spring/strut-type dampers, GT camber and castor kit and 28 mm anti-roll bar. Modified spindle to accommodate bigger brakes.
Rear: Live axle, upper and lower longitudinal arms, transverse Watts linkage, unique variable-rate coil springs and dampers, 24 mm anti-roll bar, tuned urethane upper and lower trailing arm bushes, delete self-levelling.

Brakes
Front ventilated 329mm discs, PBR twin piston Cobra calipers, rear solid 299 mm discs. ABS

Wheels
17" x 7.5" Speedline 6-spoke alloy
Tyres 225/45R17 Michelin Pilot SXGT