Tickford Vehicle Engineering (TVE) was responsible for numerous automotive projects and upgrades for Ford Australia between 1991 and 2002. In 1999 TVE set up Ford Tickford Experience (FTE) as a competitor to Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). In 2002 the operations transitioned to Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV), coinciding with Tickford's global operations being bought out by Prodrive.

Overview

In 1990, twelve years after the last Falcon Cobra rolled off the line, Ford Australia began a worldwide search for an engineering firm to establish a new performance arm in the same mould as 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 previous effort in this space had been the 1982 XE-series "European Sports Pack" Falcon.

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s this performance void was partly filled by third-party tuning companies such as AVO, Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) and Dick Johnson Racing (DJR). Both AVO and DJR experimented with turbocharging to boost output from the Falcon's 4.0-litre six-cylinder, with DJR creating the Grand Prix Turbo based on the XE. DJR had intended his company to function as a performance arm similar to Peter Brock's Holden Dealer Team (HDT), but Ford was wary of such modifications because of warranty concerns, so sales of both AVO and DJR Falcons remained very limited. SVO had greater success creating a range of cars, beginning with the Falcon EA‑series SVO, a model that formed the template for the subsequent XR6. However, Ford still did not provide factory backing. Ultimately, Ford Australia joined forces with Tickford; in 1991 Tickford Vehicle Engineering (TVE) was established as a joint venture between Ford Australia and Tickford. TVE helped create the Falcon XR range, which emerged in 1992 with the EB series and the return of the Falcon GT. TVE was also responsible for other higher‑specification Fords such as the Capri Clubsprint and for fitting optional equipment such as LPG systems and sunroofs. In 1999, in addition to enhancing the Falcon line with the sporty XR range, TVE established Ford Tickford Experience (FTE), comprising a three‑tier, sedan‑only T series based on the new AU series. Managing Director David Flint summed up the brand’s intentions: "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, while the brand was an obvious attempt to combat the successful HSV products, FTE did not want to get into a power war, focusing instead on providing a more sophisticated, high-performance product and 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, FTE also bought out Glen Seton 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 (badged as "FPV") with the introduction of the BA-series Falcon range in 2002. Nevertheless, Tickford was still involved in the early development stages of some models, including the BA Falcon XR6 Turbo, with early parts bearing the "Tickford" badge. The race team Ford Tickford Racing was renamed Ford Performance Racing in 2003. In 2016, the Prodrive Racing Australia division reformed Tickford to offer high-performance upgrades for the Australian-imported Ford Mustang, Ranger and Everest. This followed Ford Australia shutting down local production, ending the Falcon model, and discontinuing the Ford Performance Vehicles brand. Ford Performance Racing was renamed Tickford Racing in 2017.

Falcon XR range. 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 been characterised by a signature quad-headlamp front styling that distinguishes it from standard models. In addition, all factory LPG systems for the EF and EL Falcon range were installed by Tickford and badged "Tickford."

EB series. In July 1991, just prior to the formation of TVE, Ford Australia launched the EB Falcon S-XR8 after deciding to offer a V8 engine option again for the first time since the 1982 XE series. In 1992, TVE became responsible for the whole range. The S-XR6 was identified by a red rocker cover with the "Tickford wings" badge; a revised cylinder head and camshaft increased its power. The S-XR8 was visually similar but was powered by the standard 5.0-litre "Windsor" V8 engine. With the EB II, TVE launched an enhanced XR8 model. Both the six- and eight-cylinder models were fitted with ABS, a limited-slip differential (LSD), and alloy wheels; a Momo steering wheel was standard on the S-XR6 and optional on the S-XR8.

ED series. 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 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, and featured unique 16-inch wheels. There was very little body alteration to identify it, other than a black (instead of red) side body stripe, a pair of subtle front wheel arch moulds, "Sprint" badges on the boot and a front chin spoiler.

EF series: The XR6 and XR8 models continued with the heavily re-engineered EF series Falcon, with more improvements to the suspension and driveline. The XR range now received a one-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.