A rare piece of automotive history has emerged in Spokane, Washington, where a 1977 Ford Falcon XC Coupe is being sold as a project car requiring full restoration. This iconic vehicle, originally designed and built in Australia, is seldom seen outside its home country. Its legendary status was cemented by its inclusion in the “Mad Max” films, making it a coveted collector’s item for car enthusiasts worldwide.
The Ford Falcon XC Coupe is a rarity on American roads. These vehicles were central to Ford’s performance lineup in Australia during the 1970s, characterized by their distinctive fastback silhouette developed by Jack Telnack’s design team. Brian Rossi is credited with the fundamental shape of the Hardtop, which utilized familiar Falcon engineering, including a coil-sprung independent front suspension and a leaf-sprung rear axle. Engine options ranged from inline-sixes to the powerful Cleveland V8s.
The Falcon’s Motorsport Legacy
The Falcon’s reputation was solidified through its performance in motorsport. Allan Moffat’s victory at the Bathurst race in 1973 with an XA GT Hardtop and his 1976 Australian Touring Car Championship win in an XB model underscored the Falcon’s prowess on the track. The 1977 Bathurst one-two finish with GS500 Hardtops was a crowning achievement for the semi-factory XC programs, further enhancing the car’s legendary status.
In 1978, the XC Cobra was introduced, utilizing the remaining coupe shells and V8 drivetrains to create a limited-run hardtop that marked the end of the two-door Falcon era. These cars are now highly valued, often fetching six-figure sums, and are rarely seen outside Australia.
Global Recognition Through Film
The Falcon gained international fame through its appearance in the 1979 film “Mad Max.” The production team transformed a 1973 XB GT coupe into the “Pursuit Special,” featuring a distinctive nose cone, flares, side pipes, and a prominent mock blower. This cinematic exposure turned the XA/XB/XC series into a symbol of Australian muscle cars, recognized worldwide.
The car’s return in “Mad Max 2” as the “V8 Interceptor” reinforced its iconic status. The vehicle’s unique design elements and its role in the films have inspired countless replicas, making it a popular attraction at car shows globally.
The 1977 Ford Falcon XC Project Car
The 1977 Ford Falcon XC Coupe currently for sale in Spokane retains its original Hardtop body and includes original glass, panels, a transmission, and a genuine sunroof roof skin. It also features an XB GT steel hood and comes with a clean title, an essential factor for any project car. The seller offers a source for a Mad Max-style body kit, providing an opportunity for the new owner to recreate the iconic movie car.
Priced at $35,000 and listed on eBay, this project car presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to own a piece of automotive and cinematic history. The vehicle’s availability in the United States is a rare occurrence, making it a potential centerpiece for any collector’s garage.
The XA-XB-XC Falcon’s Historical Significance
The XA-XB-XC generation of the Ford Falcon marked a pivotal era in Australian automotive history. Launched in 1972, the XA Falcon was the first to be fully designed and engineered in Australia. Its design echoed contemporary Mustang and Torino styling themes, featuring a long hood and coke-bottle flanks, which were a departure from the boxier XY Ford it replaced.
The Hardtop coupe body style was a visual masterpiece, characterized by its pillarless two-door fastback design, large doors, low roofline, and sculpted rear quarters. Ford Australia design manager Brian Rossi’s sketches from the late 1960s laid the foundation for this iconic shape, which became the hallmark of the 1970s Falcon Hardtops.
Underneath, the XA retained the familiar Falcon layout with independent front suspension and a live rear axle, making it well-suited for the Australian market. Engine choices ranged from smaller inline sixes to powerful Cleveland V8s, catering to a wide range of performance preferences.
The XA GT Hardtop became Ford’s de facto homologation platform, with the covert RPO83 package incorporating high-performance parts developed for the cancelled Phase IV GTHO program. This move came after the 1972 “supercar scare” halted full production of the program.
Looking Forward
The sale of this 1977 Ford Falcon XC Coupe in the U.S. represents a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to acquire a piece of Australian automotive history. Its connection to the “Mad Max” films adds to its allure, offering a chance to own a vehicle that is not only a symbol of performance but also a cultural icon.
As interest in classic cars continues to grow, vehicles like the Falcon XC Coupe are likely to become even more sought after. For those interested in automotive restoration and the preservation of historical vehicles, this project car offers a unique challenge and the potential for significant rewards.
