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Ford Australia XC range
In July 1976 Ford introduced the XC Falcon, which was the first model to comply with the new pollution regulations specified under Australian Design Rule 27A. The response to the 1st of July 1976 mandatory anti-pollution laws (ADR 27A) was to redevelop the Falcon engines with a cross-flow head for greater efficiency and created a much improved Falcon – especially compared to the inferior GM-H HX Kingswood. This led to locally produced Cleveland V8 engines and the introduction of the cross-flow (also called the X-flow) 6cyl. Versions of this engine were produced in North America and, in various guises, used in Australian Falcons through to the XF. Its long stroke and large capacity made for very good 'towing' torque, while its thick castings and relatively loose tolerances gave it a reputation for reliability in spite of abuse.

Ford also addressed the XA/XB vision problems by expensively redesigning larger windowed rear doors and installing an all-new dash with higher seats. Better flow-through ventilation was also incorporated.

A less aggressive nose had square headlights (a Falcon first) on both Fairmont models. Also giving the XC away from the outside are redesigned tail-lights with new separate reverse lights, and large (and unsightly) American-style chrome bumpers.

Finally, Ford Australia´s Falcon became Australia’s best-selling car, a feat which took some 17 years – the model was the XC Falcon during 1977 against the inferior GM-Holdens (GM-H) HX Kingswood.

The XC also introduced the country's first locally produced family sedans with a suspension designed around radial ply tyres. Known as "Touring Suspension" (or 'Sports Handling Suspension'), Initially, standard on the Fairmont GXL sedan (optional on other sedans), until it was made standard equipment on all sedans and hardtops in the 1978 Update or 'XC½ facelift´. For better handling on station wagons, owners could order the stiffer heavy duty suspension package as a no-cost option. GM-Holden´s version would be ´Radial Tuned Suspension´ (RTS) in 1978.

For some buyers, the news was not all good, the XC Fairmont GXL replaced the once-hallowed GT in the local line-up, while the Futura also vanished. The XC Fairmont GXL however, was a very refined Falcon, boosting a plush interior which was roomy and comfortable yet, it gave a firm ride and very good handling. GXL was the pick of the XC Falcon sedans, especially with the ´GT power pack option' fitted, it was basically a GT Falcon in disguise and proved favorable with insurance companies of the day, albeit, the 4.9L V8 GXL was also sought after.

Ford Australia advertised the XC rance of vehicles as “The Great Australian Road Car”, in GXL guise, a four door sedan, with its four-wheel disc brakes, lowered suspension and well-equipped interior, it was a rather convincing effort. There was never a GXL ute, GXL wagon or GXL hardtop produced by Ford Australia, it was offered in 4 door sedan form only, therefore it was unique. Part of the reason Fairmont GXL was introduced – it was the first time an Australian car manufacturer had an attempt at building a European-style sports/luxury sedan and, it worked. Sales were good and by the end of 1977 early 1978, XC had put Ford Australia on top of the sales charts for Australian passenger vehicle manufacturers.

The GXL was available with a revised 4.1 high-compression 92kW/289Nm six-cylinder engine or two V8 options – the 4.9 (2V) and 5.8 (4V manifold), developing 151kW/364Nm and 162kW/429Nm respectively.

The XC also introduced one of the country's first locally produced family sedans with a suspension designed around radial ply tyres. Known as "Touring Suspension" (or 'Sports Handling Suspension'), Initially, standard on the Fairmont GXL sedan (optional on other sedans), until it was made standard equipment on all sedans and hardtops in the 1978 Update or 'XC½ facelift´. For better handling on station wagons, owners could order the stiffer heavy duty suspension package as a no-cost option. GM-Holden´s version would be ´Radial Tuned Suspension´ (RTS). Holden’s successful “Radial Tuned Suspension” package that revitalised The HZ Kingswood sales, now in competition with the “XC Update”, with firmer suspension settings, more standard features and repositioned Ford badges.

This was the last of the overtly American design-influenced Falcons. In all, 171,082 XC Falcon varients were built, before the completely redesigned, European-style, XD Falcon took over in early 1979.

Just like the Falcon GT before it, the Fairmont GXL ceased to exist without explanation or reason after the XC range ceased production. The new XD Fairmont Ghia replaced the Fairmont GXL badge and thus, GXL entered the annuls of history.

Standard features XC Fairmont GXL 4 door Sedan: four-wheel disc brakes, alloy wheels, Limited Slip Differential, sports instrumentation, velour seats, reclining bucket seats, intermittent wipers, tinted glass, extra chrome and courtesy lights, rear window demister, left-hand side mirror, front folding armrest, childproof door locks, carpet, clock, AM radio with power aerial, map pockets, radial tyres, hazard flashers, halogen headlights, dual horns. Other changes included a revised dashboard layout (compared to the XA/XB series), new rear doors with a lower sill cut, air extraction vents in the rear of the c-pillars, and larger bumpers front and rear with no additional valance panel under them.

Specifications:


 * 1) clutch:

* 3.3 and 4.1 litre: Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated 9.50"   * 4.9 and 5.8 litre: Twin dry plate, hydraulically operated 9.5" face


 * 1) Rear Axle Ratio:

* 3.3 litre Six: 3.23:1 * 4.1 litre manual: 3.23:1 * 4.1 litre automatic and 4.9 litre V8: 2.92:1 * 5.8 litre manual: 3.00:1 * 5.8 litre automatic: 2.75:1


 * 1) Engine/Transmission Combinations:

* 3.3 litre Six available with 3 speed manual or automatic * 4.1 litre Six available with 3/4 speed manual orl 3 speed automatic * 4.9 litre V8 available with manual 3 or 4 speed or automatic * 5.8 litre V8 available with manual 4 speed or automatic


 * 1) 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h):

* 12.8 seconds (250ci 2V Automatic)


 * 1) Standing Quarter Mile (400 metres):

* 14.9 seconds (351ci 4V Automatic)


 * 1) 3.3 litre Six:

* Capacity: 200 cubic inches (3.28 litres) * Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 6 cylinders * Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inline * Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder * Fuel System: Single throat downdraft type carburettor * Bore and Stroke: 3.68 x 3.13 inches (93 x 80mm) * Power: 107bhp (80kw) at 4600rpm * Torque: 162lb-ft (220Nm) at 2000rpm * Compression Ratio: 8.8:1


 * 1) 4.1 litre Low Compression Six:

* Capacity: 250 cubic inches (4.10 litres) * Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 6 cylinders * Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inline * Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder * Fuel System: Single throat downdraft type carburettor * Bore and Stroke: 3.68 x 3.91 inches (93 x 99mm) * Power: 114bhp (85kw) at 3900rpm * Torque: 201lb-ft (272Nm) at 1900rpm * Compression Ratio: 7.9:1


 * 1) 4.1 litre High Compression Six:

* Capacity: 250 cubic inches (4.10 litres) * Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 6 cylinders * Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inline * Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder * Fuel System: Single throat downdraft type carburettor * Bore and Stroke: 3.68 x 3.91 inches (93 x 99mm) * Power: 123bhp (92kw) at 3900rpm * Torque: 213lb-ft (289Nm) at 1900rpm * Compression Ratio: 8.9:1


 * 1) 4.9 litre V8:

* Capacity: 302 cubic inches (4.95 litres) * Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 8 cylinders in vee * Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inline * Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder * Fuel System: Four barrel carburettor * Bore and Stroke: 4.00 x 3.00 inches (102 x 76mm) * Power: 202bhp (151kw) at 4600rpm * Torque: 268lb-ft (364Nm) at 3000rpm * Compression Ratio: 9.2:1


 * 1) 5.8 litre V8:

* Capacity: 351 cubic inches (5.75 litres) * Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 8 cylinders in vee * Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inline * Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder * Fuel System: Two barrel carburettor * Bore and Stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 inches (102 x 89mm) * Power: 217bhp (162kw) at 4600rpm * Torque: 317lb-ft (429Nm) at 2600rpm * Compression Ratio: 8.9:1


 * 1) Ignition and Electrical:

* 12 volt * Coil and alternator


 * 1) Exhaust:

* Six Cylinder: Single tail-pipe * V8: Twin pipes


 * 1) Suspension:

* Front: Independent type with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, stabiliser bar. From May 1978 onwards spring rates increased and revised mountings * Rear: Live axle, semi-elliptic springs with hydraulic shock absorbers. From May 1978 additional 18mm stabiliser bar fitted


 * 1) Steering:

* Recirculating ball, ratio 20:1 * Optional power steering, ratio 11:5 - 17.5:1


 * 1) Brakes:

* Front: Hydraulic 11.25 inch (285.75mm) ventilated power assisted disc brakes standard across entire range * Rear: Hydraulic 10 inch (254mm) drums, power assisted discs on Fairmont GXL, discs on Cobra


 * 1) Wheels:

* Pressed steel disc wheels 6JJ with safety rims * Globe alloy wheels fitted to Cobra


 * 1) Tyres:

* 7.75 L14 cross-ply tyres (standard on base model Falcon Sedan, Wagon and Commercials until May 1978) * ER78 S14 radial tyres (standard on Fairmont and Falcon 500 from May 1978) * ER70 H14 radials (standard on Sundowner Van) * 185 SR 14 Radials * Optional FR78 S14 * Optional FR70 H14

* Years of Manufacture: 1976 - 1979 * Number Built: 171,082 (including Cobra) * Price at Introduction: o Falcon Sedan: $5456 o Fairmont GXL 4.1: $7822 o GS Hardtop: $6337 o Fairmont Hardtop: $7216 o Bathurst Edition Cobra Hardtop: $10,330 * Models: o Falcon Sedan o Falcon 500 Sedan o Fairmont Sedan o Fairmont GXL Sedan o Station Wagon o 500 Station Wagon o Fairmont Station Wagon o GS Hardtop o Fairmont Hardtop o Utility o 500 Utility o Van o 500 Van o Sundowner Van o Cobra Hardtop o Cobra Hardtop Bathust Edition (from August, 1978) * Date of Introduction: o July, 1976, upgrade in May 1978 * To Identify: o Last revision of XA style, with new horizontal style grille o Circular headlights on Falcon models, Fairmont and GXL fitted with new square headlights o Limited Slip Diff standard (LSD) on 4.9L (BW 8in) or 5.8L V8 (9 in LSD), with disc brakes std. o Revised tail lights with horizontal division o Post May 1978 update models have Ford blue oval badge on centre of front grille, and right side of boot-lid or tailgate * Body: o Unitary construction (Monocoque) * Exterior Dimensions: o Sedan: + Total Length: 191.5 inches (4866mm) + Total width: 74.8 inches (1900mm) + Height at kerb weight: 53.9 inches (1369mm) + Wheelbase: 111.0 inches (2819mm) + Front Track: 60.6 inches (1539mm) + Rear Track: 60.1 inches (1527mm) o Hardtop: + Total Length: 190.4 inches (4837mm) + Total width: 77.5 inches (1969mm) + Height at kerb weight: 51.5 inches (1308mm) + Wheelbase: 111.0 inches (2819mm) + Front Track: 60.6 inches (1539mm) + Rear Track: 60.1 inches (1527mm) * Kerb Weight: o Sedan: 3252lb (1475kg) o Hardtop: 3303lb (1498kg) * Fuel Tank: o 17.5 gallons (79.6 litres) optional = (125 litres) * Turning Circle: o 39.4ft (12.0 metres) * Instruments: o Speedometer o Odometer o Tachometer (GXL/GS/Fairmont/Cobra Hardtop) o Petrol gauge o Temp gauge o Oil warning lamp o Alternator warning lamp * Transmission: o Manual (Six, 3 speed) + 1st: 2.95:1 + 2nd: 1.69:1 + 3rd: 1.00:1 + Reverse: 3.67:1 o Manual (4.9 litre V8, 3 speed) + 1st: 2.71:1 + 2nd: 1.69:1 + 3rd: 1.00:1 + Reverse: 3.37:1 o Manual (4.1 Six and 4.9 litre V8, 4 speed) + 1st: 3.06:1 + 2nd: 1.84:1 + 3rd: 1.32:1 + 4th: 1.00:1 + Reverse: 2.56:1 o Manual (5.8 litre V8, 4 speed) + 1st: 2.46:1 + 2nd: 1.78:1 + 3rd: 1.27:1 + 4th: 1.00:1 + Reverse: 2.47:1 o Manual (5.8 litre V8, Cobra Bathurst Special) + 1st: 2.82:1 to top speed of 53 mph (85 km/h) + 2nd: 1.84:1 to top speed of 70 mph (113 km/h) + 3rd: 1.32:1 to top speed of 98 mph (158 km/h) + 4th: 1.00:1 to top speed of 127 mph (204 km/h) + Reverse: n/a o Automatic (3.3 and 4.1 litre Six) + 1st: 2.39:1 + 2nd: 1.45:1 + 3rd: 1.00:1 + Reverse: 2.09:1 o Automatic (4.9 litre V8) + 1st: 2.46:1 to top speed of 52 mph (84 km/h) + 2nd: 1.46:1 to top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h) + 3rd: 1.00:1 to top speed of 109 mph (175 km/h) + Reverse: 2.20:1 o Automatic (5.8 litre V8) + 1st: 2.40:1 + 2nd: 1.47:1 + 3rd: 1.00:1 + Reverse: 2.00:1

The Falcon Sundowner Van, based on the Falcon 500 Van, was introduced in 1977. It included options from the Falcon GS Hardtop, such as comprehensive instrumentation, bonnet scoops, slotted sports road wheels and driving lights, with side protection moulding´s and rear side glass deleted. Side and rear decals were included in the package, as was the "sedan ride" 500kg (10cwt) suspension package and ER70H14 radial ply tyres.

XC hardtops from behind, can be distinguished from earlier models by the tail lights, which have flat lenses with black bezels. In December 1977 Ford built 13 special order XC Falcon GS Hardtops. These Vehicles carried chassis numbers commencing with JG65TE(Verified by Ford). These cars were specially modified in the "parts and accessories" or P&A workshop at Ford's Broadmeadows factory. They were all modified and fitted with the body and mechanical specifications approved in the September 1977 and October 1977 evolution race homologation. These changes were mostly designed to enhance race durability, the vehicles, often referred to as "Pre-Cobras" formed the basis to the special build of 30 Bathurst Cobras (Build Numbers 02-31) that were built six months later in July 1978. It is believed, due to the small production numbers of these Homologated GS Falcon Hardtops.

The timing of manufacture was critical, the batch of 13 cars were built as a one off special order specifically for Ford and privateer race teams which planned to race them in the 1978 Australian Touring Car Championship season. They were also needed to satisfy CAMS, (Confederation of Australian Motor Sport) regulators, for minimum production numbers to allow the modifications to be legal for racing. It is understood that seven were raced and 6 where sold to dealers that marketed them as "Homologation Packs".

The GS Homologation Pack Included the following:
 * New Front Spoiler
 * New Rear Spoiler
 * Reverse Bonnet Scoop
 * Spring Tower Brace or K bar
 * Spring Tower Reinforcement Bracket
 * Steering Idler Arm Support Bracket
 * Twin Row Water Pump Pulley with additional drive belt to Crankshaft Pulley
 * Transmission Oil Cooler with Braided Lines and pump.
 * Long Range Tank with larger filler
 * 25 mm Larger Rear wheel Housing
 * Twin Thermatic Fans each consisting of 10 Blades

In 1978 — inspired by a dominating 1-2 finish for Falcon hardtops at the 1977 Hardie Ferodo 1000 — Edsel Ford II, visiting Australia, introduced the limited-edition Cobra which used the last 400 Hardtop bodyshells; each Cobra being individually numbered. Based on the Falcon GS Hardtop, it featured highlights such as Globe 15" alloy road wheels copied from Ferrari intended to aid brake disc cooling, ER70H radial ply tyres, comprehensive instrumentation, bonnet scoops, driving lights, dual exhaust, 4-wheel disc brakes and a distinctive white and blue colour scheme. The 5.8-litre engines were installed in cars numbered 002 through 199 and No 351, and the 4.9-litre engines were installed in the rest (001, plus 200 through 400 except for No 351).

The Falcon, while popular, was usually outsold in Australia by GM Holden's Kingswood until 1978, when it started to gain ground after Holden decided to replace the Kingswood with a smaller model called the Commodore, based on the European Opel models.

Holden gambled that predicted increase of oil prices during this era would drive consumers to choose smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, but the oil price rise never materialised, whilst Ford dealers aggressively pitched the Cortina 6 against the Commodore alternative until the XD Falcon arrived in 1979.