1977 Ford XC Fairmont GXL – Today’s Tempter
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One-owner until 2019: very original and well-priced XC GXL Fairmont
The Ford XC Falcon was the final iteration of the much-loved XA-generation which first landed in showrooms in 1972.
It was an evolutionary step, the last of the series before the all-new XD Falcon arrived in 1979; but afforded buyers more power, torque, refined suspension and greater visibility.
Cleaner emissions were also an integral development target in response to new ADR regulations. The big news under the bonnet was the more efficient six-cylinders which gained new crossflow heads, bigger valves, revised cam timing and a new manifold. Despite fears that the new ADR emissions regulations would result in a power choke, Ford’s new changes actually yielded a welcome net power increase.
Visually, the XC lost some of the ‘coke bottle’ curves of the preceding XB and XAs, with a more slab-sided body with a more pronounced body line running through the rear haunches. Chunkier bumpers and a softer bonnet line rounded out the changes, while the up-market Fairmont gained the decidedly modern square headlights.
Ford controversially dropped the GT name (as well as the future) for the XC series, and hoped that the Fairmont GXL would carry on wearing the halo for the model. Of course, it never captured the same panache and magic of the big GT; but it was still a great piece of kit!
It was an up-market offering, and very pricey at the time with a sticker price of around $7,600. For that money you got the 4.1lt six as standard, T-bar auto, sports suspension, differential, disc brakes at all four corners, and extra sound insulation.
This 1977 Fairmont GXL is specified with the optional 4.9lt V8 and looks to be a fantastic surviving example of the top-spec model for the XC series.
The listing indicates that the car was purchased from its original owner in August 2019 and has covered 216,400kms since it left the showroom in 1977. The car was rust-proofed from new, and presents in very original condition with rare vinyl roof.
There aren’t much more details beyond that – though the car looks great in the attached photos. The interior is largely unmarked and free of noticeable wear, tear or rips; and the exterior looks very nicely presented and well-preserved.
On the surface, it looks to be an amazing survivor; too nice to dig in to.
If you’re after a handsome classic Aussie survivor – this XC Fairmont GXL might well be worth investigating!
The GXL is based in Queensland, and is listed for $25,000.
Check out the full listing here!
Classic Australian Family Car Value Guide home page
Muscle Car Value Guide home page
Japanese Classic Car Value Guide home page
Unique Cars magazine Value Guides
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