THE STORY Introduced in 1976 the XC Falcon was a facelift for the XB Falcon and included changes to comply with the new Australian Design Rules including stronger bumpers, doors and compliance with new emissions rules. Visibility was improved with a lower dashboard, crash pad and higher front seats - the styling was softened from the previous model.
All six-cylinder engines were upgraded with a new crossflow cylinder head and the Cleveland V8s were all fitted with 4-barrel carburettors as standard.
Transmissions were 3 and 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatics.
Ford produced the XC Falcon as a sedan, wagon, station wagon, 2-door hardtop, utility and panel van.
A GS Rally Pack was fitted as standard equipment on the Falcon GS Hardtop and was available as an option on the Falcon 500. It included special paint treatment, twin bonnet scoops, bumper overriders, slotted steel wheels, enhanced instrumentation, a sports steering wheel and long-range driving lights.
The Falcon Sundowner Panel Van was based on the Falcon 500 van and it included options from the Falcon GS. It was a part of Australia’s panel van and beach culture and competed head-to-head with Holden’s Sandman.
THE CAR Manufactured in the Broadmeadows plant in Victoria, this is a Falcon 500 Ford XC Panel Van that has been optioned with the GS Rally Pack as evidenced by the buck tag on the car’s radiator support.
It is a number’s matching car that is powered by a strong 302ci (4.9 litre) V8 (code “P”) with 4-barrel carburettor, this car has excellent power and response and a great V8 exhaust note.
The car has its original 4-speed manual all synchro transmission (code “L”) and is optioned with power steering, boosted brakes and air conditioning (that needs re-gassing and hoses).
This beauty is rust free and sports its original paint (code “H” – Flame Red) which is in good condition. At some point the interior has been changed from Doeskin to Black.
The car has undergone a recent re-commissioning in December 2025 after sitting in storage for over 10 years. Work included a new battery, new tyres, fuel system repairs, brake repairs, ball joint replacement, driveshaft seal replacement, power steering pump replacement, cooling system overhaul, wiper blades and changing of oils and fluids.
This car has its original quality-control build sheet that was recently discovered under the front carpet during the restoration work.
The current owner has held the car since 2005 and is believed to be the third owner. When purchased it had 48,000kms on the clock.
A classic Aussie icon that you can chuck the surf boards into and head off to the beach!
