Chronology
Previous model: XB Falcon
Next model: XD Falcon
Date of Introduction
The XC Falcon was introduced July, 1976, replacing the XB Falcon
Model Line Up
XC Falcon Sedan
XC Falcon 500 Sedan
Fairmont Sedan
Fairmont GXL Sedan
Station Wagon
500 Station Wagon
Fairmont Station Wagon
GS Hardtop
Fairmont Hardtop
Utility
500 Utility
500 Van
Sundowner Van
Cobra Hardtop
Cobra Hardtop Bathurst Edition (from August, 1978)
Prices at Time of Introduction
Manual XC Falcon Sedan $5 456
Fairmont GXL Sedan: $7 822
GS Hardtop: $6 337
Fairmont Hardtop: $7 216
Bathurst Edition Cobra Hardtop: $10 330
Number Built
150 707 (including Cobra)
Identification Information
Similar bodyshape to previous model with remodelled tail lights and square headlights on the higher spec variants.
Engines
Crossflow 3.3
Type: Conventional, water cooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type
Number of Cylinders: Six
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inline
Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
Capacity: 200 cubic inches (3.28 litres)
Bore and Stroke: 3.68 x 3.13 inches (93 x 80mm)
Power: 107bhp (80kw) at 4600rpm
Torque: 162lbs/ft (220Nm) at 2000rpm
Compression Ratio: 8.8:1
Fuel System: Single throat downdraft type carburettor
Crossflow 4.1 Low Compression
Type: Conventional, water cooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type
Number of Cylinders: Six
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inline
Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
Capacity: 250 cubic inches (4.10 litres)
Bore and Stroke: 3.68 x 3.91 inches (93 x 99mm)
Power: 114bhp (85kw) at 3900rpm
Torque: 201lbs/ft (272Nm) at 1900rpm
Compression Ratio: 7.9:1
Fuel System: Single throat downdraft type carburettor
Crossflow 4.1 High Compression
Type: Conventional, water cooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type
Number of Cylinders: Six
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inline
Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
Capacity: 250 cubic inches (4.10 litres)
Bore and Stroke: 3.68 x 3.91 inches (93 x 99mm)
Power: 123bhp (92kw) at 3700rpm
Torque: 213lbs/ft (289Nm) at 2400rpm
Compression Ratio: 8.9:1
Fuel System: Single throat downdraft type carburettor
4.9 4V V8
Type: Conventional, water cooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type
Number of Cylinders: Eight
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inline
Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
Capacity: 302 cubic inches (4.95 litres)
Bore and Stroke: 4.00 x 3.00 inches (102 x 76mm)
Power: 202bhp (151kw) at 4600rpm
Torque: 268lbs/ft (364Nm) at 3000rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Fuel System: Four barrel carburettor
5.8 4V V8
Type: Conventional, water cooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type
Number of Cylinders: Eight
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inline
Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
Capacity: 351 cubic inches (5.75 litres)
Bore and Stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 inches (102 x 89mm)
Power: 217bhp (162kw) at 4600rpm
Torque: 317lbs/ft (429Nm) at 2600rpm
Compression Ratio: 8.9:1
Fuel System: Two barrel carburettor
Transmission
Manual
Manual (Six)
1st: 2.95:1
2nd: 1.69:1
3rd: 1.00:1
Reverse: 3.67:1
Manual (4.9 litre V8)
1st: 2.71:1
2nd: 1.69:1
3rd: 1.00:1
Reverse: 3.37:1
Manual (4.1 Six and 4.9 litre V8)
1st: 3.06:1
2nd: 1.84:1
3rd: 1.32:1
4th: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.56:1
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
Manual (5.8 litre V8, Cobra Bathurst Special)
1st: 2.82:1
2nd: 1.84:1
3rd: 1.32:1
4th: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.09:1
Automatic
Automatic (3.3 and 4.1 litre Six)
1st: 2.39:1
2nd: 1.45:1
3rd: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.09:1
Automatic (4.9 litre V8)
1st: 2.46:1
2nd: 1.46:1
3rd: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.20:1
Automatic (5.8 litre V8)
1st: 2.40:1
2nd: 1.47:1
3rd: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.00:1
Rear Axle Ratios
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
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
Chassis
Unitary construction (Monocoque)
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
Steering
Recirculating ball, 20:1 Ratio with optional variable power steering, ratio 11.5:1 to 17.5:1
Brakes
Front: Hydraulic 11.25 inch (286mm) ventilated power assisted disc brakes standard across entire range
Rear: Hydraulic 10 inch (254mm) drums, power assisted discs on Fairmont GXL, discs on Cobra
Electrical
12 volt, coil and distributor ignition
Exhaust
Six Cylinder: Single tail-pipe
V8: Twin pipes
Wheels
Pressed steel disc wheels 6JJ with safety rims
Globe alloy wheels fitted to Cobra
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
Exterior Dimensions (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)
Kerb Weight: 3252lb (1475kg)
Fuel Tank: 17.5 Gallons (79.6 Litres)
Turning Circle: 39.4ft (12.0 Metres)
Luggage Capacity: 27.6 Cubic Ft (780 Litres)
Exterior Dimensions (Hardtop)
Total Length: 190.4 Inches (4837mm)
Total Width: 77.5 Inches (1969mm)
Height At Kerb Weight: 51.9 Inches (1318mm)
Wheelbase: 111.0 Inches (2819mm)
Front Track: 60.5 Inches (1537mm)
Rear Track: 60.0 Inches (1524mm)
Kerb Weight: Sedan: 3303lb (1475kg)
Fuel Tank: 17.5 Gallons (79.6 Litres)
Turning Circle: 39.4 Ft (12.0 Metres)
Luggage Capacity: 29.3 Litres (830 Litres)
Interior Dimensions (Sedan)
Front Headroom: 37.4 Inches (950mm)
Rear Headroom: 36.8 Inches (934mm)
Front Shoulder Room: 60 Inches (1524mm)
Rear Shoulder Room: 60 Inches (1524mm)
Front Hip Room: 60.2 Inches (1529mm)
Rear Hip Room: 60.2 Inches (1529mm)
Front Legroom: 41.5 Inches (1054mm)
Rear Legroom: 31.9 Inches (810mm)
Interior Dimensions (Hardtop)
Front Headroom: 37.2 Inches (930mm)
Rear Headroom: 35.8 Inches (922mm)
Front Shoulder Room: 60 Inches (1524mm)
Rear Shoulder Room: 60 Inches (1524mm)
Front Hip Room: 60.2 Inches (1529mm)
Rear Hip Room: 60.2 Inches (1529mm)
Front Legroom: 41.5 Inches (1054mm)
Rear Legroom: 31.9 Inches (810mm)