44-745: The Ford Falcon (XC) is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1976 to 1979. It was the third and last iteration of the third generation of the Falcon and also included the Ford Fairmont (XC) —the luxury-oriented version of the Falcon. The XC series was a facelift of the XB Falcon , itself an upgrade of the XA Falcon which had entered production in 1972. Introduced in July 1976,
88-617: A daily driver. In 1985 the car was disassembled for restoration following a traffic accident. The car remained that way, in boxes in Damien's garage, until February 2017 when he took it to Astill Design to be restored. Damien worked closely with Howard Astill for almost two years to restore the car to its original condition. In January 2019, Falcon Cobra 400 won the “Top Authentic” class in the Elite Division at Summernats in Canberra, and
132-759: A deeper front spoiler. In addition the Option 97 cars received a black corduroy seat material and Scheel front seats to differentiate them from the Option 96 Cobras. When final production of the XC Hardtop at the Broadmeadows Assembly Plant was ending in March 1978, more than 400 body shells were left unsold and Ford Australia faced a dilemma of how to shift them, rather than scrap them. When an original proposal to turn these cars into black and gold Playboy -themed cars (complete with "bunny" decals)
176-500: A limited number (500) of the Falcon 500 sedan were marketed as Allan Moffat Specials. These cars received XB GT-style blackouts and a sticker on the front doors consisting of Allan Moffat's signature and an Australian flag, as well as other options such as the GS Rally pack and Sports handling suspension as standard. Sundowner Van The Falcon Sundowner Van, based on the Falcon 500 Van, was introduced in 1977. It included options from
220-481: A lower cost. Into the 1970s, the same vehicles could transport up to six occupants comfortably (or eight in a station wagon), at the expense of high fuel consumption. The sales of full-size vehicles in the United States declined after the early 1970s fuel crisis. In response to the 1978 implementation of CAFE , American manufacturers implemented downsizing to improve fuel economy, with full-size vehicles as
264-859: A lower window line that had the effect of removing the coke bottle styling of the XA and XB. Visibility was further improved by an all-new, lower dashboard and crash pad, and higher front seats. The XC hardtop was the last of the two-door Australian Falcons. Total production of the XC range reached 171,082 vehicles prior to the replacement of the XC by the XD Falcon in March 1979. The XC Falcon range of passenger vehicles consisted of nine models: The Fairmont models were not badged or marketed as Falcons. The XC Falcon range of commercial vehicles consisted of five models: The contemporary Fairlane and LTD models were codenamed ZH, and P6 respectively. Fairmont GXL Unique to
308-562: A reverse bonnet scoop that supplied cool air to the engine via a circular hole in the bonnet. This homologation pack would also form the basis of the 30 Option 97 "Bathurst Cobras" the following year. Ford Falcon Cobra In August 1978, Ford Australia introduced the limited production Falcon Cobra , a high-performance version of the XC Falcon Hardtop. Only 400 were built, including 4.9-litre and 5.8-litre street versions and 30 "Bathurst Specials". Allan Moffat Special In 1977,
352-631: A sports steering wheel and long range driving lights. The driving lights were not included when the pack was fitted to Fairmont models. In December 1977, 12 special-build XC hardtops were released, all with VINs beginning JG65TE. These were based on the GS hardtop but featured an homologation pack of additional parts that Ford persuaded CAMS was now available as standard on GS hardtops, in order to include those parts on their race cars. The pack included front and rear spoilers, twin electric radiator fans, various body and steering braces for durability and stiffness, and
396-530: Is used for cars larger than mid-size cars . It is the largest size class for cars. In the United Kingdom, this class is referred to as the executive car , while in Europe, it is known as E-segment or F-segment . The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles. Based on
440-486: The 1977 Australian Touring Car Championship driving both an XB Falcon GT Hardtop and XC Falcon GS 500 Hardtop. The GS 500 Hardtop formed the basis for the Ford Falcon Cobra and a customer racing program, with a special "Evolution" (and later Evo II) package to homologate parts. Full-size car Full-size car —also known as large car —is a vehicle size class which originated in the United States and
484-478: The Chevrolet Corvair , Ford Falcon and Plymouth Valiant ), the "full-size car" designation came into wider use. In the 1960s, the term was applied to the traditional car lines of lower-price brands, including Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth. As a relative term, full-size cars were marketed by the same brands offering compact cars, with entry-level cars for buyers seeking the roominess of a luxury car at
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#1732781124447528-670: The Chrysler LH cars (Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, Chrysler Concorde/New Yorker/LHS). The same year, the Buick Roadmaster was introduced, becoming the first rear-wheel drive GM model line adopted outside of Chevrolet and Cadillac since 1985; the Chevrolet Impala was returned for the 1994 model year. The 1989 Lexus LS400 luxury sedan was the first Japanese full-size car sold in North America. Following
572-583: The Dodge Monaco ). Developed by AMC before its acquisition by Chrysler, the Premier was a version of the front-wheel drive Renault 25 adapted for North America. The Saab 9000 took a special position at the end of the 1980s, as for a long time it was the only imported car to be classified as a "large car" by the EPA. From the 1980s to the 1990s, the market share of full-size cars began to decline; along with
616-755: The H and C platforms . Only station wagons, the Chevrolet Caprice , and the Cadillac Brougham remained. Initially developed to replace the Ford LTD Crown Victoria, the 1986 Ford Taurus was produced alongside it as the Ford mid-size model line. After largely abandoning the full-size segment for compact cars and minivans, Chrysler gained reentry into the full-size segment in 1988 with the Eagle Premier (also produced as
660-517: The eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata , is classified by the EPA as full-size despite being marketed as a mid-size model. In 2018, the three highest-selling cars in the full-size sedan category in the United States were the Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Impala, and Chrysler 300. The large car segment has been declining in the United States accounting for 3.6% of new vehicle sales in 2021, down from 6.6% in 2016. The models in this category included
704-478: The six-cylinder engines with a new crossflow cylinder head with larger valves, and fitted all V8 engines with four-barrel carburettors. While quoted power outputs were lower than those claimed for the XB Falcon, this reflected a move from SAE gross to DIN methodology, which measured power of the engine as installed in the car with cooling, charging and exhaust systems installed. Ford claimed power outputs for
748-456: The 1920s to the 1950s, most manufacturers produced model lines in a single size, growing in size with each model redesign. While the length and wheelbase varied between model lines, width was a relatively constant dimension, as the American federal government required the addition of clearance lights on a width past 80 inches. In 1960, following the introduction of compact cars (such as
792-558: The 1950s, and have become increasingly common since the downsizing of full-sized cars in the 1980s. The lineage of mass-produced full-size American cars begins with the 1908 Ford Model T . In 1923, General Motors introduced the Chevrolet Superior , becoming the first vehicle to adopt a common chassis (the A-body ) for several brands. Compared to the cars of the 21st century, these vehicles are small in length and width. From
836-410: The 1960s, were affixed to the front fenders, along with a name decal at the rear. Unusually, the bodyshells were painted blue first, the intended area of blue stripes and sills then masked and the white coat painted over the top. Each of the cars was given its own individual serial number and fitted with a sequentially numbered plaque (from 001 to 400) on the dash. The first 200 Cobras produced were given
880-496: The 1996 model year, GM ended production of large rear-wheel drive sedans. By 2000, with the sole exception of the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car, full-size cars had abandoned rear-wheel drive and body-on-frame construction. Instead of model lineage, the EPA "large car" definition of over 120 interior cubic feet was widely used. Initially developed for the midsize Oldsmobile Aurora ,
924-705: The 5.8L 351 Cleveland V8 , while the other 200 received the 4.9L 302 Cleveland ... the only exceptions to this being build number 351 is a 351ci (5.8 litre) V8. (For many years it was believed #001 was built as a 302, however research has proven to show it was in fact a 351, opt 96 spec with full options, inc power windows, air con and power steering) Cobras were available with either automatic or manual transmission. Standard equipment included four-wheel disc brakes, limited slip differential, 15-inch Bathurst Globe wheels, front & rear spoilers and dual exhaust. The interiors were uniformly black, with Cobra specific cloth seat inserts in black with blue stripes that match those on
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#1732781124447968-617: The Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Avalon. They have been discontinued after the 2023 or 2024 model years. The trend in the large car market segment in United States is toward the SUV. Ford Falcon Cobra The Ford Falcon Cobra , released by Ford Australia in 1978, was a limited edition version of the Ford Falcon XC Hardtop . In 1978, Ford Australia unveiled plans for an all-new Falcon, dubbed
1012-519: 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. At the 1977 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 , Allan Moffat and Colin Bond drove Group C specification Hardtops to a "1, 2" formation finish. Moffat later went on to win
1056-818: The Five Hundred was renamed the Taurus. After the 2011 model year, Ford ended production of the Panther platform, shifting to the Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS; in 2017, the latter was replaced by the Lincoln Continental . In 2011, General Motors ended production of the G-body for several chassis (with Cadillac later shifting its largest sedans to rear-wheel drive). In 2012, the Tesla Model S became
1100-744: The GM G-body chassis was expanded into the full-size segment for Cadillac in 2000 (for the Deville, later the DTS) and adapted by Buick (the Lucerne) in 2006. For the 2005 model year, Chrysler replaced the LH cars with the LX cars (returning to rear-wheel drive). The same year, Ford introduced the Five Hundred, its first front-wheel drive full-size car (the first American full-size car offered with all-wheel drive); in 2008,
1144-572: The XC Falcon was given a restyle treatment that softened its appearance from its predecessors. The XC had a less aggressive nose which incorporated two round headlights on Falcon models and two rectangular headlights on Fairmont models. On sedan and wagon models, Ford also addressed the vision problems of the XA and XB by utilising redesigned rear doors, which debuted in May 1976 with the ZH series Fairlane , with
1188-443: The XC included significant changes to comply with new Australian Design Rules . ADR27A set limits for the emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen. To meet the new requirements, engine compression ratios were dropped, and the engines now featured an exhaust gas recirculation valve and positive crankcase ventilation . In order to offset power losses as a result of implementing emissions controls, Ford upgraded
1232-873: The XC model was the GXL version of the Fairmont, Available in 4.1L Straight 6 , or 4.9L Cleveland V8 . An upgraded engine package, the GT Power Pack, used the larger 5.8L Cleveland v8 . The Fairmont GXL was replaced in the following XD range with the Fairmont Ghia model. GS Rally Pack A GS Rally Pack was fitted as standard equipment on the Falcon GS Hardtop and was available as an option on Falcon 500 Sedan and Wagon, Fairmont Sedan and Wagon, Falcon Utility and Van and on Falcon 500 Utility and Van. The pack included special paint treatment, bonnet scoops, bumper overriders, slotted steel wheels, enhanced instrumentation,
1276-696: The XD, that would be released in 1979. Unlike the current XC, the new model would be offered only as a four-door sedan or station wagon , meaning the two-door XC Hardtops of 1978 would be the last of that design. In December 1977 Ford built 13 special order XC Falcon GS Hardtops with VINs beginning JG65TE. These cars were specially modified in the P&;A (Parts and Accessories) workshop at Ford's Campbellfield factory. All vehicles were modified to accord with 'evolution' upgrades that had been approved by CAMS for homologation to Australian Group C touring car racing Falcons ...
1320-456: The changes were mostly designed to enhance race durability; these vehicles, often referred to as "Pre-Cobras", were intended to be raced by teams at Bathurst in 1977. The homologation modifications included rear wheel wells that were deepened inboard by 1 inch to accommodate larger racing wheels and tyres, a reverse bonnet scoop to allow the race car engines to draw cool air from the base of the windscreen, twin electric fans that were switchable from
1364-574: The combined passenger and cargo volume, large cars (full-size cars) are defined as having an interior volume index of more than 120 cu ft (3.4 m ) for sedan models, or 160 cu ft (4.5 m ) for station wagons. From the introduction of the Ford Flathead V8 in the 1930s until the 1980s, most North American full-size cars were powered by V8 engines . However, V6 engines and straight-six engines have also been available on American full-size cars, especially until
Ford Falcon (XC) - Misplaced Pages Continue
1408-425: The dash (replacing the single engine-driven fan), a front shocker tower brace ("K brace") that stiffened the front end, an idler arm brace, and an aero package including a rear "blade" spoiler (similar to that used on the 2-door Holden Torana A9X) and a front air dam. The 13 cars were available in standard body and interior colours and retained the side trim strips, dummy rear brake scoops and unpainted chrome bumpers of
1452-513: The first fully electric full-size car sold in North America. For the 2013 model year, the Chevrolet Impala became the final American-market full-size sedan sold with a front bench seat . By the mid-2010s, full-size cars began seeing a steep decline in sales in North America, with SUVs replacing much of the full-size segment. At the end of the decade, demand for sedans (of all sizes) shifted towards vehicles of other layouts, reducing or shuttering production of sedans entirely. In 2018, Ford announced
1496-400: The first model lines to see major change. While General Motors and Ford would reduce the exterior footprint of their full-size lines to that of their intermediates, AMC withdrew its Ambassador and Matador full-size lines (to concentrate on production of mid-size vehicles). To save production costs, Chrysler repackaged its intermediates using the erstwhile full-size names, moving on to exiting
1540-511: The increased use of mid-size cars, vans, and SUVs grew in use as family vehicles. Between 1960 and 1994, the market share of full-size cars declined from 65 to only 8.3 percent. From 1990 until 1992, both GM and Ford redesigned its full-size car lines for the first time since the late 1970s. For the 1992 model year, Chrysler introduced a new front-wheel drive full-size car line, replacing the Eagle Premier/Dodge Monaco with
1584-509: The outside body. Cars numbered from 002 to 0031 were known as Option 97 specification, the so-called "Bathurst Cobras", fitted with parts to allow homologation for racing, including twin radiator fans switchable from the dash, a gearbox oil cooler, suspension bracing and reworked rear wheel body housings. They were most easily identified from the other 370 Option 96 Cobras via their large (and functional) rear-opening bonnet bulge. Allan Moffat's "Moffat Ford Dealers" race cars of late 1978 shared
1628-578: The sales of all Ford-branded passenger cars (except for the Mustang ) would end in North America by 2022. General Motors announced the closure of several manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada, with the production of the Chevrolet Impala and Buick LaCrosse ending in 2020. As of 2022, full-size cars from Asian manufacturers include the Lexus LS , Genesis G80 / G90 , Nissan Maxima , and Toyota Avalon . Another car from an Asian manufacturer,
1672-400: The same body paint decoration as the road cars. Falcon Cobras have become increasingly revered by collectors across Australia and a mint example might be worth upwards of $ 100,000 ... with Option 97 cars (rarely offered up for sale) likely to fetch a further premium. Cobra 400, the last numbered Falcon Cobra off the production line, was bought in 1985 by Damien Lowry for $ 10,990 and used as
1716-401: The same time offering enthusiasts the opportunity to own a street-legal version of Moffat's race car. The first prototype Falcon Cobra was built in late April 1978 and production began that same July. The cars were painted Bold Blue with an overlay of Sno White, with Olympic Blue accent stripes separating the two colours ... "Cobra" emblem decals, a throwback to Carroll Shelby 's Mustangs of
1760-535: The segment in 1981. During the 1980s, manufacturers further reduced the exterior footprint of several model lines from the full-size segment into the mid-size class to comply with more stringent CAFE standards. With the 1982 model year, Chrysler exited the full-size segment entirely, with the mid-size Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Gran Fury serving as its largest sedan lines. Following the 1985 model year, General Motors replaced most of its full-size rear-wheel-drive model lines with smaller front-wheel drive sedans on
1804-450: The standard GS hardtops. The race cars did complete the 1977 Endurance Series in their new specification and then participated in the 1978 ATCC season . The modifications that featured in these 13 GS Hardtops formed the basis of the specification for the 30 specific Option 97 Cobra Hardtops built in 1978, although there were minor differences as the Option 97 cars also incorporated further evolution parts such as reinforced fan brackets and
Ford Falcon (XC) - Misplaced Pages Continue
1848-425: The upgraded engines were around ten per cent higher than those of their XB predecessors. Weight also increased significantly, from 1,385 to 1,478 kilograms (3,053 to 3,258 lb). The increase was in part due to the fitting of much larger, stronger front and rear bumpers, and strengthening of the doors to comply with ADR29, which introduced strength and stiffness requirements for side-impact protection. Visually,
1892-463: Was featured in the April 2, 2020 edition of Unique Cars magazine. The car was subsequently sold for an undisclosed sum. It can be distinguished by the incorrect sill stripe, which follows the sloping body crease instead of being parallel to the ground. At the 2007 Bathurst 1000, Ford Performance Vehicles unveiled a new limited edition Cobra, celebrating 30 years since Moffat and Bond's 1-2 finish. Like
1936-538: Was rejected as sending the wrong image for a family car company, Ford turned to Edsel Ford II , then the Deputy Managing Director of Ford Motor Company who was also M.D. of Ford Australia at that time (from 1978 to 1980). He and a local design team elected to capitalise on Allan Moffat and Colin Bond 's crushing 1-2 finish at the 1977 Bathurst 1000 by creating a road car with a "Shelby Mustang" look that could be homologated for racing, while at
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