Falcon (XA-XC) / GT / Coupe
1972-1979 / Coupe / Sedan / Australia
The Ford Falcon XA through XC generation represents a golden era of Australian automotive manufacturing and performance. Built from 1972 to 1979, these cars were developed specifically for the Australian market and became iconic symbols of locally-made muscle and character. The GT and Coupe variants, in particular, captured the spirit of the era with their aggressive styling, capable engines, and honest engineering that appealed to everyday Australians who wanted genuine performance without pretension.
These Falcons mattered deeply to Australia's motorsport culture and street scene. They dominated touring car racing, with the GTHO Phase variants earning legendary status in Australian motorsport history. The 351C V8 powered examples were particularly formidable, offering real grunt and a distinctive character that separated them from imported competitors. On the road, they represented affordable access to V8 performance for working Australians, becoming the car you'd see at the drive-in, the drag strip, and weekend cruises in equal measure.
Today, the XA-XC Falcons occupy a special place in the Australian classic car community. They're straightforward to own and maintain, mechanically honest machines that reward hands-on attention. Whether it's a base model or a full-blooded GT, these cars carry genuine Australian DNA and represent a time when Ford's local operation built cars with real purpose and performance credentials that could stand alongside anything from the Northern Hemisphere.
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Common questions.
General
They are three successive model updates on the same platform. The XA (1972-73) was the all-new car that introduced the hardtop coupe body and replaced the XY.
Engine and Mechanical
It is a magnificent engine that demands respect. The Cleveland was designed as a performance engine with high-flow ports, canted valves, and the ability to make serious power.
Body and Restoration
The hardtop coupe has two doors (the sedan has four), no B-pillar (the sedan has a fixed pillar between the front and rear doors), frameless door glass, and a fastback roofline. The hardtop also has unique quarter panels, a different roof pressing, and a different boot lid.
Buying and Ownership
- **Club networks:** State Falcon clubs and the GT Owners Club are the best source for genuine, well-documented cars. Members often sell within the community first.
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