1978 Ford XC Falcon 'Cobra' 2-Door Hardtop Coupe (#349) powered by a 4.9L 302cui-4v V8 Ford Cleveland small block engine matched to a C4 3-speed floor-shift automatic transmission and driven through a limited slip rear differential with 2.92:1 gearing.

Genuine XC Cobra #349
Original Survivor
No Matching 4.9L 302-4v V8
C4 3-spd Auto Transmission
Limited Slip Differential
Power Steering
Power-Assisted Front Disc Brakes
Air Conditioning

Background: In 1978, Ford Australia unveiled plans for an all-new Falcon, dubbed the XD, that would be released in 1979. Unlike the current XC, the new model would be offered only as a 4-dr sedan or station wagon, meaning the two-door XC Hardtops of 1978 would be the last of that design. When final production of the XC Hardtop at the Broadmeadows Assembly Plant was ending in March 1978, more than 400 body shells were left unsold and Ford Australia faced a dilemma of how to shift them. The Ford design team elected to capitalise on Allan Moffat and Colin Bonds crushing 1-2 finish at the 1977 Bathurst 1000 by creating a road car with a "Shelby Mustang" look that could be homologated for racing, while at the same time offering enthusiasts the opportunity to own a street-legal version of Moffats race car. The first prototype Falcon Cobra was built in late April 1978 and production began that same July. The rest is history, as they say the Cobra package proved to be a real hit with buyers and all 400 cars sold out within days of their release to the Ford selling dealer network. These XC Cobra's became a poster car for that generation of Ford fans in the late seventies.

All Falcon Cobra's were based on the Falcon "GS Rally Pack" and fitted with twin exhaust, tinted rear window, clock, tinted band laminated windscreen, special seat trim, front and rear spoilers, 'Bathurst Globe' (15" x 7") alloy wheels and the obvious paint and decal set. Other RPO items fitted as standard equipment included power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering, 4-bbl carburetor, 4v heads and limited slip differential.

To this base specification for the Cobra, there was also non-RPO equipment that was unique to the 400 Cobra's built that was called 'Option 96' and included the following:

• Front spoiler (vacuum formed)
• Rear spoiler (fibreglass)
• Paint code Z605, 'Sno White' exterior colour with 'Bold Blue' accent coloured stripes and with Blaze Blue pinstripe tape ½" wide between the Sno White and Bold Blue accent colour
• Colour-keyed bumper bars to match the exterior striping
• Bodyside protection moulding were deleted
• Quarter panel (dummy) air scoops were deleted
• Tinted backlight (rear window)
• New tyre placard
• Interior trim code B - Black/Blue woollen cloth seat trim striped to match exterior paint/stripe treatment (blackwood style Onkaparinga cloth) using existing seat trim style
• Cobra name decal mounted on the boot lid ('Falcon' badge above RH tail light)
• Cobra snake decal fender mounted
• Die-cast plinth carrying Cobra name decal mounted on glove box door. Plinth identical to that used with the Ride and Handling badge. The Cobra name decal for the glove box door is sequentially numbered between 001 and 400

This Cobra was build #349 and also featured factory air conditioning and was exported to the US in 2004 and resides near Seattle in Washington State on the Pacific North-West of the US, and has always been garaged. The car is unrestored and in original condition with all body panels intact apart from minor paint work on the drivers side panels, which was a result of being "keyed" early in its life. The interior is original and is in flawless condition. The car is totally rust free, with clean floors and plenum.

The car runs and drives well with zero issues. The original cam, intake manifold, valve covers and carburetor were replaced and are included in the sale. The car is currently rolling on 16" Simmons 3-piece alloy wheels. The original Globe 15" x 7" alloys are included, and the original spare wheel & tyre are still in the trunk. Also in the trunk is the original jack, rare jack bag and floor mat, all of which are in excellent condition. The original factory headlight covers, although not shown in the photos, are also included.

This Cobra is still wearing its original NSW registration plates from 1978 together with the original Owner's Manual and Build Sheet. Current odometer mileage shows only 120,808 kms.

So, there you have it, an original unmolested surviving Cobra with its no's matching driveline a rare opportunity indeed!! Expressions of interest are sought to bring this car home to Australia.

Features include: -
- 4.9L 302cui-4v V8 Ford Cleveland small block engine (No's Matching)
- C4 3-speed console-shift automatic transmission
- 4-barrel carburetor
- Power steering
- Power assisted 4-wheel disc brakes
- Limited slip diff w/ 2.92 gears
- Factory 'SelectAir' air conditioning
- Front bucket seats w/ centre console
- Dual bonnet scoops
- Front & rear spoiler
- Dual exhaust system
- Sports side mounted mirrors
- Tinted rear windscreen
- Thematic fan
- All Ford 'Option 96' inclusions
- Simmons 16" 3-piece alloy wheels
- Original factory Globe 15" x 7" alloy wheels (included)
- BF Goodrich Radial T/A (rear) & Toyo (front) tyres
- Original AM/FM push-button radio
- Clock

This XC Cobra is currently residing in the Pacific North-West of the US, and if a suitable offer price is negotiated it will be imported back into Australia. Although not registered, it will come with the relevant Vehicle Import Approval.
Viewing on all our cars in stock is by appointment only.

Please note:- Our price is an ALL inclusive landed price in Australia including GST.
This XC Cobra can be shipped to your closest port of choice if you are not based in NSW. Please call us to discuss these logistics.

For more details, pictures & VIDEO's of this vehicle, call Brad on (02) 8315 0023 or view a link to this car on our website :- https://apexamericanautos.com.au/ford-xc-falcon-cobra-2-dr-hardtop-coupe-1978/