XC Falcon 1976-9

During the XC Falcon’s development, the government introduced tougher design rules, with ADR27A being exhaust emission regulations. So XC’s changes were predominately mechanical to comply with the new rule.

The six cylinders were redeveloped to run more efficiently and they got a new cross-flow cylinder head. Australia converted to metric measurement, so now the 3.3L had 80kW and the 4.1L had 92kW.The big 5.8L V8 was now available on all Falcons, while handling and suspension was revised. There were no GT variants in the XC range, and the closest replacement was the Fairmont GXL, the standard engine being the 4.1 six with auto, V8s optional. The Futura also didn’t make it into the XC range. In December 1976 the XC Hardtops went on sale.Listening to the complaints, Ford lowered the waistline at the rear doors and fitted lower headrests, in a bid to increase visibility. The XC got a square looking grille, new bumpers and improved tail lights. The Fairmont featured square headlights, the rest had rounded lights. A redesigned instrument panel freshened up the interior, complete with circular instruments.In May 1978, the XC was updated; this model was known as the XC 1/2, and it was a response to Holden’s new Radial Tuned Suspension. The suspension across the whole range was modified, which greatly improved the ride and handling. The XC 1/2 can be identified by the blue Ford badge in the centre of the grille.