Built by A Goninan & Co between 1986 and 1987, they were introduced into service by the State Rail Authority, before later being operated under CityRail and Sydney Trains.

Gate turn-off thyristors (GTO) were used to control power to the traction motors, hence allowing for smoother acceleration.

The C set carriages were also the first on the suburban network to feature fixed seating (originally covered with fabric, since replaced with vinyl).

It was originally in the State Rail Authority white with orange and red candy livery stripes on the lower portion.

C3596 was the only power car to have its Candy-liveried front repainted in CityRail blue and yellow prior to its CityDecker refurbishment in 1998.

This however caused problems in service as force-ventilated cars were fitted with camshaft control and led to jerking while accelerating.

In July 2017, asbestos was found in the circuit breaker panels, which was inside the driver compartment of the C sets, with all withdrawn for inspection.

[2] A farewell to the C Sets tour by the Sydney Electric Train Society took place on 6 March 2021 visiting Mount Victoria and Hawkesbury River.