Ford’s military style Geelong test facility

A shroud of secrecy has surrounded the You Yangs proving ground since Ford first opened the testing facility in the mid-1960s. Now, that cover has been lifted.

1965 Ford Falcon - Mobil 70,000 Mile Durability Run. Picture Supplied

A shroud of secrecy has surrounded the You Yangs proving ground since Ford first opened the testing facility in the mid-1960s.

With high-level security akin to that of a military base, its labyrinth of roads and water crossings provides a punishing initiation for future models long before they reach the showroom floor.

The site boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a lab for global emissions, a powertrain and dynamics development rig and a crash-test lab.

These days it plays a key role in development of cars like the Ranger, but perhaps it’s greatest claim to fame is helping resurrect the flagging fortunes of Ford’s Falcon.

Launched in 1960, the car was initially burdened with a reputation for being too soft for rugged Australian conditions, earning it the nickname the “Foulcan” in some circles.

But in 1965 newly appointed marketing guru Bill Bourke hatched an audacious plan for a 70,000-mile durability run at the newly minted You Yangs proving ground to dispel reliability concerns once and for all.

HISTORIC FORD FALCON - 1965 XP Falcon - Mobil 70,000 Mile Durability Run . Picture: Supplied

Race and rally car drivers from around Australia, including motoring hall of farmers Bob Jane and Harry Firth, gathered to cover the distance over a gruelling 10 days.

The cars were subjected to a battering, driving at speeds up to 160km/h day and night on a track which had huge boulders, man-made potholes designed to wreck suspensions and tyre-shredding surfaces.

Despite their skill behind the wheel, some of the drivers found it tough going, with several cars rolling off the track into the bush.

One hit a large boulder, but was back on the track within six hours.

The event played out on nightly television news bulletins across the country so there must have been relief as the first car crossed the line.

Ford chairman Henry Ford II dropped in by helicopter on the last day and was reportedly staggered any car could withstand so much punishment.

Not one Falcon failed to finish and soon the punters were returning to Ford dealerships.

To cap it off, the Falcon was awarded the Wheels Car of the Year.

The rest is history.

Be sure to get your 12-page special in Friday’s Geelong Advertiser, celebrating Ford’s 100 year anniversity in Geelong.

Originally published as Ford’s military style Geelong test facility