1978 Ford XC Cobra Hardtop Coupe

Described in Ford's marketing as "a spirited car for the enthusiast", the Cobra was a limited edition run of XC hardtops inspired by Ford's triumphant win at Bathurst in 1977. The brainchild of Edsel Ford, the real motivation for the Cobra's existence was far more prosaic - Ford needed to move their surplus stock of hardtop shells. In standard form, the Cobra came with the 4.9-litre V8 and four-speed manual transmission, had power-assisted brakes all round, a limited-slip diff, Bathurst Globe alloy wheels and dual exhaust system. It was the exterior where the Cobra package really made a statement, with bold white and blue graphics, front and rear spoilers and colour-coded bumpers. The aggressive appearance was complemented by quartz-halogen headlights and long-range driving lights, with plenty of scoops and ducts for keeping the brakes and engine cool. Inside, the front bucket seats and rear bench were trimmed in black and blue cloth trim, there was cut-pile carpet and a comprehensively equipped instrument panel. Brash though it may have been, the Cobra package proved a real hit with buyers, becoming the poster car for a generation of Ford fans in the late Seventies. When equipped with the optional 5.8-litre V8 and manual transmission, the Cobra was a very healthy performer and even took on the mighty A9X Toranas in the 1978 Touring Car Championship. Production was limited to 400 units and surviving examples have become cherished collector's items over the years, with a strong following in Australia.