BA Fairmont Ghia

The Ghia naturally benefited from all the BA Fairmont changes, but added its own ride/handling tuning which one senior Ford engineer claimed at the launch to being the most satisfactory.

From the flattened roof, squared-off nose and German Audi-style tail, to the all-new soft-feel interior that even featured altered seating and steering wheel position mounts, everything one could see and touch in the BA was modern yet conservative.

The Ghia was available with the following BA engines, complemented to a Tiptronic-style four-speed automatic gearbox: a 182kW/380Nm 4.0-litre OHC variable-valve timed inline six-cylinder engine, and an American-sourced but Aussie-developed 220kW/470Nm 5.0-litre SOHC 24-valve V8.

All BA Fairmonts Ghias included four airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, keyless entry, leather upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, power windows, power steering, cruise control, a premium CD sound system, electric mirrors, sports suspension, and climate-control air-conditioning.

New standard features: Independent rear suspension, side airbags, trip computer, powered driver’s seatEngine options: 220kW/470Nm 5.0-litre SOHC 24-valve V8.