01 December 2025
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The team at Diecast Collector has picked a standout new release, the Signal One Models’ NSW Police Highway Patrol XC Hardtop.
Launched in 1976, the Ford XC Falcon Hardtop represented the final chapter of Australia’s great muscle coupe era. Evolving from the earlier XA and XB lines, the XC added a more refined yet still intimidating presence, making it an ideal fit for Highway Patrol duties at a time when Ford’s V8 power was needed to keep pace with rapidly expanding road networks — and speeding motorists.
Equipped with a choice of straight-six or the more serious 5.8-litre Cleveland V8, the Hardtop’s combination of straight-line muscle, long-legged gearing and broad, purposeful stance gave it an undeniable authority on the road.
Bathurst success further cemented its legacy, with the XC platform carrying Ford to multiple 1000 victories and reinforcing its status as a true performance icon. Its later transformation into the famous XC Cobra only added to the mythology.
By the time it finished frontline service, the two-door Falcon had become a cult hero — a rare sight, instantly recognisable, and forever associated with the golden age of Aussie motoring.
Today, its motorsport pedigree and police heritage make it one of the most desirable and culturally significant Australian Fords ever produced.
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Bruce Purves joined NSW Ambulance in 1976 and noted that the Highway Patrol had two or three XC Falcon Hardtops stationed there. Instantly drawn to the shape and looks, the opportunity to go for a spin in one left a lasting impression.
Forward to the 21st century, Bruce created Signal One Models to re-tell Australian Emergency Response vehicles through 1:43 resin castings, forging a niche reputation in documenting such vehicles across the ages.
The FG Falcons and VE Commodores are heavily featured within the Signal One range, but one that really caught the Diecast Collector eye was the XC Falcon GT in NSW Police livery from 1977. Bruce’s past admiration for the car makes it a nostalgic addition to an already impressive line-up.
As with many resin models, these are static display pieces, but there is a remarkable level of detail that goes beyond typical 1:43 fare.
The haunch stance of the Falcon brings a near-utopian Mad Max vibe — unfettled power under the bonnet ready to outrun and outsmart the ‘bad guys’ on the roads. Beautiful accents of detail include neatly applied chrome-plated brightwork, while the front windscreen sports a sunscreen visor.
A full siren bar and communication antenna add convincing authenticity, showcasing the depth of research Signal One has invested into this model.
Model badging, police shield and Highway Patrol decals are all correctly placed on the body, while the NSW licence plate is font correct. In addition, the clear light lenses bring freshness to the car, while the wing mirrors, finished with a touch of silver for the reflective surface, add a hint of class.
Whilst difficult to peer into the interior, glimpses reveal the infamous tan vinyl upholstery, along with a well-replicated steering wheel and dashboard.
Generously, a portion of all sales proceeds supports NSW Police Legacy, a charitable organisation dedicated to assisting the families of officers who have fallen in the line of duty or been permanently injured — a fitting tribute built into every model.
A welcome salute to nostalgia, and a rare 1:43 Australian model outside the racing castings — this is a brilliant tribute to a much-loved police-issue Aussie icon.
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