Prepare to be amazed by the hidden gem that is the Aussie Falcon XC, a true automotive legend that's been lurking in the shadows!
This special edition Ford Falcon XC, crafted specifically for the Australian market in 1978, celebrates an iconic moment in racing history: Ford's remarkable 1-2 finish at the 1977 Bathurst 1000. Picture this: a challenging 3.861-mile Mount Panorama circuit, weaving through the scenic landscapes of New South Wales, where kangaroos have been known to add their own brand of chaos to the races!
The Falcon XC Cobra, with its bold blue racing stripes, recently sold for over $150,000, capturing our attention and sparking curiosity. In 1977, Ford broke GM's two-year winning streak at the Bathurst 1000 endurance race, with Allan Moffat and Jacky Ickx taking the top spot, and Colin Bond and Alan Hamilton hot on their heels. It was a triumph for Ford, and a personal victory for Moffat, who claimed his fourth win at this race, and for Ickx, who achieved this feat on his very first attempt, a record unmatched for 34 years.
But here's where it gets interesting: Ford of Australia was simultaneously transitioning from the Falcon XC to the XD model, leaving them with a surplus of around 400 XC Hardtop bodies. Edsel Ford II, the son of Henry Ford II and deputy managing director of Ford Australia, saw an opportunity to create a limited-edition car to commemorate this racing success and utilize those extra shells. He envisioned a car with bold blue racing stripes, and thus, the Cobra was born.
Despite some initial skepticism about the livery, Edsel's vision prevailed, and the Cobras sold like hotcakes. Customers even opted for expensive add-ons like power steering and air conditioning, which, surprisingly, wasn't standard in Australia at the time.
The 400 Cobras are divided into two engine groups: the first 200 with the powerful 351 Cleveland V-8, and the remaining 200 with the 302 Cleveland V-8. Of the initial batch, the first 31 cars, including #25, were homologation specials, featuring reinforced spring towers and a unique fiberglass spoiler, closely resembling Ford's Group C race cars. These are affectionately known as "Bathurst Cobras" due to their close ties to the race-winning vehicles.
Our Sale of the Week star is build #241, one of the 302 Cobras, and one of only 100 with this engine and a four-speed manual transmission. While it lacks some of the add-ons, like air conditioning and power steering, it's remarkably original, retaining its numbers-matching engine and showing signs of its authentic crazing paint. According to Collecting Cars, it's had just two registered owners, and has been garage-kept throughout its life. The only non-original part is the front spoiler, replaced early on with a Bathurst-spec version.
But the real gem lies under the hood: the signatures of Allan Moffat and Dick Johnson, who finished 1-2 at the 1977 Bathurst 1000.
241 sold for A$215,000, a testament to its value and desirability. It's a far cry from its marketing origins as a way to clear out excess inventory, and a reminder of the power of racing success and limited-edition appeal.
So, what do you think? Is the Falcon XC Cobra a hidden gem, or just a clever marketing ploy? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
