1977 Ford Fairmont XC from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Very few problems for a car of its age.

Intermittent problem with fuel pump, remedied with new pump $100.

Very minor oil leak.

Clutch needed to be replaced at 120000 - suspected to be ORIGINAL clutch!

Very faded interior/paint on roof due to previous lifetime in the desert.

Saggy seats.

For a car of its age it's an absolute monster. The rare 4 speed manual transmission gives the car a very sporty feel, and as for the 4.1L straight six, it's just unbreakable - doesn't use a drop of oil. Handling in the wet is like skating on ice however, even after lowered springs have been added. Rear visibility is poor due to high rear seats/small mirrors. Overall, it's reliable, not TOO bad on fuel considering it's weight (13L/100km on the highway) and has plenty of grunt. Hoping to get many more solid years out of her.

I have one of these, but mine is a more rare model it's the GXL version with a 351 Clveland, does any one have any idea how many of the GXL Xc Fairmont's were built if so please email me at bmfben01@yahoo.co.nz.

I own a 1979 XC Ford Fairmont and it's spotless. It cost me 10,000 and I have no regrets. It has a 302 Cleveland motor and runs on petrol and LPG. Personally I prefer petrol as it runs slightly better.

I had a 1978 XC Falcon 4.1 and my only regret was selling her, as she never missed a beat and never used any oil.

I love the XC shape and the complements I get when I take her out, which is daily.

I intend to pass this car onto my son one day, and it's neat to hear from other XC enthusiasts.

Happy cruising and regards, Malcolm Pitman.

I remember being driven to school in a 1978 Fairmont with a 4.9L V8. Unfortunately it has been in the shed since 2000 due to the need to fix some rust in it. Other than that it has never missed a beat.