1978 Ford Falcon Cobra GS Hardtop

When final assembly of the XC Falcon Hardtops ended in March 1978, 400 body shells were left unsold. Instead of scrapping them Ford Australian turned to Edsel Ford Junior, Managing Director of the Ford Motor Company who was in Australia at the time.

Edsel and an Australian design team attempted to capitalize on the success of the Allan Moffat, Jacky Ickx and Colin Bond, Alan Hamilton famous 1-2 finish at Bathurst in 1977 by creating a car that could be homologated for racing, while at the same time Ford enthusiasts could own a replica of Alan Moffat's race car.

The XC Ford Falcon Cobra GS Hardtop was launched in August 1978. Each of the XC Cobras were given their own serial number and a build number plaque from 1 to 400 which was placed on the dashboard. From number 2 to 31 were known as 'Option 97' {also known as Bathurst Cobras}, which were fitted with optional parts for homologation to compete in the Australian Touring Car Championship.

Including the 5.8 Litre 351ci V8, a larger radiator with twin thermo fans, transmission oil cooler, front suspension tower braces, reworked wheel housings and racing seats. They were Identified by a large rear-opening bonnet scoop.

The remaining 370 standard Cobras, 170 were equipped with the 351 (5.8-litre 162kW/429Nm) and the next 200 with the 302 (4.9-litre 151kW/364Nm). 

All featured “nostril” bonnet scoops and spoilers, Globe Bathurst 15x7 alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes and a limited slip diff.
Price when new for a 1978 XC Cobra GS 5.8 Litre 351ci V8 four speed manual Hardtop: $10.100.
Total produced: 400.
Performance: 0-100km: 9.4 seconds 0-400 metres:17.1 seconds {302 automatic} 0-100km: 8.3 seconds 0-400 metres: 16.3 seconds ]351 four speed manual.]

(Remembering Our Australian Car Industry FB)