Ford Falcon (XC)

Ford Falcon (XC)

Company type	Automobile model
Industry	Automotive
Predecessor	Ford Falcon (XB)
Founded	July 1976 (1976-07)
Defunct	March 1979 (1979-03)
Successor	Ford Falcon (XD)
Area served	Australia
Products	Full-size cars, sedans, wagons, hardtops, utilities, vans

The Ford Falcon (XC) represents a full-size car manufactured by Ford Australia between 1976 and 1979. This model marked the concluding version of the third-generation Falcon, which also included the Ford Fairmont (XC), its upscale variant.

Overview

The XC series was essentially a refreshed version of the XB Falcon, which itself evolved from the XA Falcon that debuted in 1972.

Launched in July 1976, the XC incorporated modifications to comply with updated Australian Design Rules, notably ADR27A, which set limits on emissions such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. To meet these standards, engine compression ratios were lowered, and engines were fitted with an exhaust gas recirculation valve along with positive crankcase ventilation. To compensate for power reductions caused by emission controls, Ford enhanced the six-cylinder engines by introducing a new crossflow cylinder head equipped with larger valves and outfitted all V8 engines with four-barrel carburettors. Although official power ratings appeared lower than those of the XB due to a switch from SAE gross to DIN measurement methods—which assess engine output under installed conditions—Ford asserted that actual engine power rose by approximately ten percent compared to the XB.

The vehicle’s weight increased substantially from previous models, partly as a result of more robust front and rear bumpers and reinforced door structures designed to satisfy ADR29 side-impact protection requirements.

Styling updates gave the XC a more subdued look relative to earlier versions. The front end adopted a less aggressive design, featuring dual round headlights on Falcon variants and rectangular headlights on Fairmonts. Rear doors were redesigned with a lower window line—a feature initially introduced on the ZH series Fairlane—which improved visibility by eliminating the "coke bottle" styling characteristic of the XA and XB models. Additional visibility improvements included a lowered dashboard, crash pad, and raised front seats. Notably, the XC hardtop was the last two-door Australian Falcon produced.

Production totaled 171,082 units before the XC was replaced by the XD Falcon in March 1979.

Model range

The XC Falcon passenger vehicle lineup consisted of nine different models:

Model	Body	3.3	4.1	4.9	5.8
Falcon	Sedan	●	●	●	●
	Wagon	●	●	●	●
Falcon 500	Sedan	●	●	●	●
	Wagon	●	●	●	●
Falcon GS	Hardtop	−	●	●	●
Fairmont	Sedan	−	●	●	●
	Wagon	−	●	●	●
Fairmont (GS)	Hardtop	−	●	●	●
Fairmont GXL	Sedan	−	●	●	●

Fairmont variants were marketed independently rather than under the Falcon name.

For commercial applications, the XC Falcon range included five models:

Model	Body	3.3	4.1	4.9	5.8
Falcon	Utility	●	●	●	●
	Van	●	●	●	●
Falcon 500	Utility	●	●	●	●
	Van	●	●	●	●
Falcon Sundowner	Van
● | ● |} Luxury contemporaries included the ZH Fairlane and P6 LTD: Model !Body !3.3 !4.1 !4.9 !5.8 Sedan LWB |- |- ● ● Sedan LWB |- |- ● ● Sedan XLWB |- |- - ● Sedan XLWB |- |- - ● Fairmont GXL Unique to the XC series, the Fairmont GXL was available with either a 4.1L Straight-6 or a 4.9L Cleveland V8 engine and featured an enhanced GT Power Pack option that included the 5.8L Cleveland V8. This model was later replaced by the Fairmont Ghia in the XD lineup. GS Rally Pack Included as standard equipment on the Falcon GS Hardtop and offered as an option on Falcon 500 Sedan/Wagon, Fairmont Sedan/Wagon, as well as Falcon Utility/Van and Falcon 500 Utility/Van models, the GS Rally Pack provided performance and styling upgrades such as distinctive paint schemes, bonnet scoops, bumper overriders, slotted steel wheels, improved instrumentation, a sports steering wheel, and long-range driving lights—although driving lights were not fitted on Fairmont versions. Limited edition variants In December 1977, Ford produced a batch of 12 unique XC hardtops with VINs beginning JG65TE. These vehicles were derived from the GS hardtop model but came equipped with a homologation package that included front and rear spoilers, dual electric radiator fans, reinforced body and steering components for enhanced robustness, and a reverse bonnet scoop designed to channel cooler air into the engine. Ford successfully persuaded CAMS that these features were standard on GS hardtops to secure homologation for racing purposes. This package later formed the basis for the 30 Option 97 "Bathurst Cobras" released the following year. Ford Falcon Cobra August 1978 saw the introduction of the limited-edition Falcon Cobra by Ford Australia, a high-performance variant of the XC Falcon Hardtop. Production was limited to 400 units, which included street versions powered by 4.9-litre and 5.8-litre engines, along with 30 special "Bathurst Specials." Allan Moffat Special In 1977, Ford offered 500 Falcon 500 sedans branded as Allan Moffat Specials. These models featured XB GT-style blackout treatments, Allan Moffat’s signature accompanied by an Australian flag decal on the front doors, and came standard with the GS Rally pack plus Sports handling suspension options. Sundowner Van The Falcon Sundowner Van was introduced in 1977, built upon the Falcon 500 Van platform and incorporating features typically found on GS Hardtops such as comprehensive instrumentation, bonnet scoops, sports road wheels, and driving lights. It excluded side protection mouldings and rear side windows but was distinguished by unique side and rear decals. Motorsport At the 1977 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 race, Allan Moffat and Colin Bond achieved a one-two finish piloting Group C specification Hardtops. Additionally, Moffat secured victory in the 1977 Australian Touring Car Championship driving both an XB Falcon GT Hardtop and an XC Falcon GS 500 Hardtop. The GS 500 Hardtop served as the foundation for the Ford Falcon Cobra as well as a customer racing initiative featuring specialized "Evolution" packages aimed at homologating performance components. External links The Old Car Manual Project - Ford Cars All Model Catalogue May 1978