My mate was a Granada Nut !!.He owned about 30 of them over the years..We swapped cars one weekend as I was going to the lake District with a girl😉.I gave him my 1980 Capri 3.0S ,I took his 2.8i Ghia X with grey leather....What a car.....A Jag with a blue badge.... comfortable,quiet,fast... I remember his missus swearing we'd never swap cars again as she'd spent the weekend going sideways around roundabouts...😄😄..And I had a lovely romantic weekend floating around the lakes😊😊
What a classic and gorgeous motor. Our neighbours had a 2.8i Ghia when I was about 10 years old. I thought they were millionaires! We had an Allegro. Yeah enough said. We once went to Blackpool in the Granada (I lived in Birmingham at the time) and it was luxury sat in the back of it. Quiet, smooth and fast. Loved it! Absolute 80s classic.
Someone at school had TWO Granadas on the drive, one an estate; both had alloy wheels and metallic paint . My dad had a FIAT 131 that had plastic seat covers that stuck to my legs on hot days.
My Dad had a MK1 V6 GXL, red with black vinyl roof 👌 Always remember him letting me drive it after passing my test in 1985. Driving along he said stomp the throttle! The thing dropped down a gear and roared off. I felt like king of the road. My Dad was cool 😎x
Aahhhh... the lovely eighties. My dad had a MK1 Granada AND a Consul befor he bought one of these 2.8 Ghias in Moonlight Blue. It took us through Europe, several times. I loved every moment in it.
The Granada 2.8i Ghia X is one of my all 5ime favourites. I had a few mk5 Cortinas, in the 90s, but always wanted to Granny. There's one around the area I live, a 'Y' reg Ghia X, still looks and sounds great.
Hi and thanks for this. My dad had a string of Granada Ghia’s finishing with the Granada 2.8 Ghia X in about 1982. Complete with heated seats, fuel injection and air con, all on a car from the early 1980’s! Incredible. I got to drive the car regularity at the age of 18 after passing my driving test, and I was “king of the road”! Now 40 years later I still believe it’s the one of the best cars I’ve ever driven. I would give anything just to drive one again. Well done Ford. Thanks for the memories.
Yes I forgot he (my Dad) started with the Mk 1 3 litre Granada. Another Great car. He was a Ford man through and through but fell out with them when he traded in his beloved Granada Mk2 Ghia X for a first generation Ford Sierra 2.3 Ghia x, disappointingly underpowered, poor build quality, poor mechanicals. Shame after the brilliance of the Granada ☹️
@@acwdrivingservices9877 I think Mr Gordon (my dad) got wind of that. After the B reg 2.8 GL he switched to BMW (525e) after having bought Ford Granadas and Zodiacs previously. He never bought another Ford. After the bmer, Audi 100 and his last car was a Honda Accord coupe.
A Granada was a special car. The Ghia and Ghia X really were executive expresses. By the time of the Mk 3, there was nothing wrong with the Granada, it was a very advanced car (which had standard ABS brakes). The problem that it started to encounter was badge snobbery.
Had a '79 2.8 GL when I was 19. Fab car. Engine did 250k miles, unfortunately rust got it in the end. It is still the most comfortable car I have driven.
Those Fords were really popular in Austria, too. My Father was a Mechanic and got himself rather late a very nice used one, basic V 4 engine. It was also called the FORD "Ankara", as many Turkish Immigrants liked the realtively cheap, big, comfortable and reliable car for the long holiday drive in their holidays home to Turkey
My Father had one of these. Same colour too! He had a bit of money so over the years his car would generally be a Merc or a BM, but I have to say that this machine beat all of them into the ground. Maybe a little bit ordinary on the outside, but on comfort, quietness, acceleration, power steering etc etc .it was exceptional. In the early 80s I had just started driving so even I occasionally got a go behind the wheel.
Back in the 1980's I owned a 2.3 Ford Granada. What a comfortable car it was. Even recall the registration number: VAN 600Y. A few years after I sold her I was watching a drama on TV and blow me up she pops.....still exists today but I bet she's worth way more than the money I sold her for.....
Great classic Ford! Over here in Cologne we love them of course :) Today we produce Fiestas over here and the future of the Cologne production does not look very bright ... By the way the ribbed tail lamps were invented by Mercedes back in 1971 already for the W107 SL and W116 S-class. The way how Mercedes designed them with the deeply recessed strips, those actually were a safety feature! Cause when the lamps are covered in dirt, you'd still see the relatively clean recessed bits.
I grew up in Taiwan. My dad had a Granada. It was one speed devil. The highway police used these cars as it was a fast car then. They also used Nissan Cedric with 2.4L, but it wasn’t as fast as these Granadas. Most people drove Datsun 210, 510, Blue Birds, Cedric’s if they were well off. Fords were also very popular. Escorts 1.3L, Cortina’s had 1.6L, or fancy Ford Granada with 2.6L first, then 2.8L. German made Ford Sierra was later very popular too.
Ian you really surprised me with your comments about how smooth and quiet the Granda was. A lot of commentators at the time knocked the Cologne V6 for being rough at higher revs. Obviously, not so. Really complimentary review. Beautifully airy and comfortable looking car.
Bloke i used to work with had a 2.8 Ghia X and was always bragging about it and cleaning it and to be honest,we were all a bit jealous.One day he came out out of his house to find it up on bricks and minus all of its Ghia X goodies.Absolutely no one grinned
This was my dream car as a boy. I wished my dad could have afforded one. One of our neighbours had one in metallic blue and I would look at it with envy and look through its windows at the luxurious interior! Seems ages ago now!
I had an 83 Ghia X auto estate at the tender age of 21 in 1990! Can honestly say it was one of the best cars i ever had! Was like driving a flying carpet it was that smooth! Had a Merc 190E after it and that wasn't a patch on the Granada. Of all the cars I have owned and driven it had to be the best of them all.
the Scorpio in fact Killed the big Fords for a time it was a Bad seller possibly the worse big Ford eve made in Britain n ugly as hell, for me the Best big Ford was the MK2 low line Ford Zodiac 2553CC strait 6 up to the Granada big Ford where all good, the only V6 Essex 3 L I had was a marinized version on a bluebird jet star driving an 05 Castolti water jet No silencer of course n that sound for me was magic as every time i started it I knew it was wonderful happy times ahead had to sell it once petrol went up to 80p a gallon
I never had one a MK1 or MK2 but I owned a '91 MK3 and a '96 MK3 facelift, both saloons, they were lovely cars and very luxurious. My last one was a '98 Scorpio, one of the last of the bug-eyed models and despite its questionable styling was comfortable and rapid. It rode and handled far better than the MK3s and also benefited from a much better automatic gearbox which unlike the MK3s didn't feel like you were being kicked in the back when it shifted up!
@Borat if you can look past it's looks, (which is hard to I agree), it was a very rapid and comfortable car. We had the 24V Ultima and could wipe the floor with its competitors
polygamous1 Sozou I was working as an after sales director in a Ford dealer when Scorpio production was coming to an end and whilst you are correct that that awful bug eyed thing was not a great sales success and there was a successor planned the project was cancelled when Ford acquired Jaguar and Volvo as they didn't see the need to develop a Ford badged car that would be competing in the same market. I suppose it's the proliferation of SUVs that has killed off this market as none of the mainstream manufacturers make a large premium brand saloon, I consider Lexus, BMW, Audi et al to be very much in the Jaguar market.
Just a few years later the Mercedes C class bore a very close resemblance to the Scorpio! The Scorpio has aged fairly well I think. For me though, it’s the early mk3 I like the most, followed by the mk1 - better looking but the mk3 wins on tech (the mk1 technically being a downgrade from the mk4 Zephyr in some minor respects).
I went to the launch of the MK3 Granada in 85 I was 11 and into cars they brought a inflatable pod and you walked down a tunnel all with lights and sounds and the car was at the end we spent all day playing in it I loved the electric back seats and thought it was amazing everything moved at the touch of a button so glad i was brought up with 80s tech it makes you appreciate today unlike many who take it all for granted.
I had a good used one of these when I was 19.....some 30 years ago. A good friend was an ambulance mechanic and at the time, they ran a fleet with this engine. He serviced mine and it ran sweet as a nut. I'd buy that car back in a heartbeat, although it probably doesn't exist now.
I remember my dads cousin regularly taking us to see the British super bikes at Donnington in the early 90’s in a 2.8 mk2 in white. Such a great understated Ford 💪🏻
In SA the Essex V6 was kept, and later tuned up to 110KW carb, and 117kw fuel injection, there is a new crank developed by University of Port Elizabeth. The 2,3 Cologne made an appearance in the Ford Sierra, but was soon replaced by the 3L V6.
As an apprentice, probably about 19 years old I guess, having to drive from Redditch down to Chippenham to collect a part for an induction furnace that had broken down. I had to use the company managers company car, a 1978 2.8 GL Granada. Needless to say, outside lane all the way down, and all the way back. That was a cool ride.
I just love 💕 these old Granada’s, I had a 2.3L but it had a dark brown GL interior. It was what I call arm chair driving I would sit in that lovely seat and drive with one finger on the wheel. I salute the owner for a wonderful motor.👍🏾😊😊😊😊
Remember back in the day you used to see all sorts of "custom" models, ghias with wind down windows and no wood, ghia x with no air-con, no sunroof, thing people were at it to get more sale price. I did however see a very rare 2.3 ghia x once, I think they were legit but very rare.
2.3L? I had one of those. In blue, with blue interior. Real poverty spec, manual, no rev counter, manual windows, dash covered in blanking plates. The clutch was so heavy I actually knackered my left knee from holding it on the clutch in traffic jams. I upgraded the dash to have a rev counter, and found that they'd left out the wire for it in the wiring loom!
@@caw25sha when I was a kid one of our neighbours swapped his Citroen CX Safari for a Granada Ghia-X estate in the same gold as this one. He knew how to choose the right estate car
I never quite liked that the front and the rear of the Mk2 estate quite fitted together since the rear was not facelifted. Nonetheless great cars and by the mid eighties all of them had buckets of paint in the rear... and a small ladder😂
I rented a Granada Ghia 3.0L in Scotland in 1975. It was quite nice. Responsive engine, reasonable handling, accurate steering, etc. It went quite well.
My Father owned a basic 2.0L pre facelift saloon in Hubnut beige NEV 124V. Apart from cloth seats and carpet, it was as poverty as you could get, keep fit windows, steel wheels, no rev counter and endless blanking plugs. It was however a very roomy and comfortable old bus. He eventually traded it for a mk 3 Ghia model, which although plusher, was nowhere as roomy or comfortable.
This is fantastic and brought back so many memories for me. Two of my relatives owned these cars. My late Grandfather had a pre-facelift oyster gold 2.8 Ghia (PPX174S) and my uncle a facelift 2.8 Ghia X (A129DNJ) in the same colour as yours (was it called champagne silver?). The two things that hit the memory bank were the noise when you started it and the description of the noise/whine when you stopped at traffic lights! The pre-facelift one I recall had true brown velour seats that were like armchairs, with slabs of wood across the window line and classic Ford-of-that-era dials with green lighting and yellow pointers. Within 10 years (by 1988-ish) it was rotten in the rear arches, but it soldiered on until about 1993. The facelifted one was more durable, with slightly less thickly set seats and more toys. It had air conditioning I recall that was operated by pulling out the fan switch - something that was still used in late 90's Mondeos and a radio cassette with an LCD instead of a dial, which was something I was wowed by at the time. Both had electric aerials which I think you should do a test on when you get cars that have them, a bit like you do with wipers. "Does the aerial retract fully?" "How smoothly does it go up and down" etc...! It also had a fancy trip computer that would give consumption, distance to empty and so on. A129DNJ was hit by someone at a junction and sadly written off in about 1996, but was a lovely car right up until the end. Why in the facelifted ones was the rev counter dial offset compared to the speed? Always seemed a bit odd? Both had those alloys that Ford Ghias of that time had. Another object of desire to me! Anyway, please, please can you do a similar test on a Montego or Maestro, especially if a Perkins diesel, and even better if a facelifted early 90's Countryman or similar? I'd love one of those. There can't be many left now sadly. The wipers on Montegos were mad. They were meant to park below the bonnet line I recall, but when operating they parked half way up the screen!
@Indosarnia That's correct. In Swaziland (now Eswatini), where I lived in the early 80s, Granadas were, up with the wonderful Peugeot 504, very highly regarded for their ride, roadholding and handling on the bumpy and slippery gravel roads that predominated in that country, in those days.
I seem to recall a 3 litre ghia in South Africa. We had the 2.3 litre cologne engine in the early sierras in SA but then Samcor moved to the 3 litre ,V6 throughout the range. Last Sierra and Sapphire Essex motors had fuel injection
@@arnonmus1 Back in SA, I had a Sierra company car in the mid-90s. Very good engineering design totally undermined by the bean counters. Mine had the 2.0 litre Pinto engine - rough and under-powered. Not a happy experience.
I had forgotten, if you had a mind to, you could also get a Granada (certainly the Mk 1, I'm not sure about the Mk 2) with a 5.0 V8. These were especially popular in the Mk 1 coupe version. Nice car!
The South African models from late '78 were: 2.0 GL, manual 3.0 GL, automatic 3.0 Ghia, automatic The better-equipped GLE replaced the GL ~1981, and ~1984 there was a sporty "GLS" model added with the 3.0 V6 and 5-speed. Engines were the Imported 2.0 OHC Cologne and locally-made 3.0 Essex V6 with C3 automatic transmission. ...and Ford called that particular velour "Chatsworth"...
Detective Inspector Jack Regan and Detective Sergeant George Carter in TV show The Sweeney drove a Granada. Always wanted one, but they were never sold in Canada. So, dad bought a Ford Capri 2.6 (made in Cologne) instead.
Well this was a surprise! I just landed here randomly, this post came up as suggested viewing, which is nice, because I used to have one of these. Actually it was a 2.8i GhiaX in metallic blue. It was really good to see you giving this a road test in 2020, took me right back. So thank you for the presentation. Mine was A Reg and I liked it so much I kept it for about eight years. I bought it second hand in 87 I think and I loved it. Even a head on collision with a Renault 5 didn’t put me off it. In fact it did the opposite. The Renault five turned into a Renault 2.5 and was written off and I had to have new bumpers grill and radiators and lights. I didn’t even need new front wings. Like you, I loved its comfort and space and creamy but meaty V6. I also loved the solid ‘thunk’ the door sound made when i closed them, reassuring German build. It was the first car I had where actually liked the sound of the door closing. A little thing about the front lights, I had the spotlights too, which operated with the full beam only. If I was driving with the fog lights on and I put on the full beam, the bottom fog lights would go off and the grill spotlights would come on. Doing this repeatedly had the effect of getting traffic to move out of the way immediately, which I confess to using from time to time to amuse myself. The car I had before this was a 79 T reg gold Ford Cortina 2.3 V6 Ghia with brown vinyl roof. The car I had after the Granada was a black Granada Scorpio 2.9i hatchback E reg Which was replaced by a metallic green Granada Scorpio Cosworth 24 valve saloon M reg.
Likewise, Chris. My first was a 78 GHIS 2.8 injection manual in gold,similar to this. Absolutely loved it. Had to change my music from rock to classical in fairness to the car. Had 5 more Granada’s, ending up with a Cosworth 2.9 in 1993. I ran it up to 110000 miles in 4 years, then put it away until 2015 when I planned to restore it on retirement. Unfortunately 19 years of standing rendered it too far gone. The first and last were the best. Very happy memories!
Chris Pritchard Wow. You obviously really liked them too. Such a shame the latest one didn’t stand the test of time, but at least you have the memories, like you said. There used to be such a good choice of large saloon car back then, but of course everybody buys pretend SUVs now instead. I nearly bought a 3 L senator at one point, but didn’t, another time considered a Honda Legend but then didn’t.
Loved these back in the day, My dad was after one but they were just out of his price range. He ended up buying a 2.0 Cortina Ghia that had the same trim (was it called Chatsworth) lovely smooth cruisers with a surprisingly good turn of speed. Plus the concentration on the spotlight had me humming the Sweeney theme.
I've always loved de Mk2 Granada. We only got fiew of them here in Argentina, from late 79 to mid 82, when imported cars were available. Mostly 2.8 v6 ghia. There are not many left, specialy in good condition
@@johnd8892 no, it kind of replaced the argentinian Fairlane. The Falcon wasn't the up scale model. It was still in production until 1991, after a "Taunus/Cortina" inspired 1982 restyling
I actually got chlls down my spine when I heard you start that engine. I had a T reg 1978 Granadia Ghia 2.8 in champagne gold back in my late 20s. It had a highish milage when I bought it but I put another 80,000 on it until the wear and tear on the drivetrain and suspension took its toll and I was offered a company car.... It stood out the back of the house for a year until someone knocked on the door and took it off my hands. If I had to choose a car from all the cars I have had it would be either this or the Mk1 Granada Coupe - both lovely cars that effortlessly ate the miles in armchair comfort. Its a shame so many died in banger racing and they are basically collectors items now. I've also had a Mk3 Granada Scorpio and that was much the same to drive but not as pretty as its predecessors.. Than cologne V6 is beautiful,, and driven carefully not outrageously thirsty. Just don't get a lead foot....!
Just popped up so watched as been a former owner of one the memories flooded back, mine was a 2.8i ghia estate HDH 497T Used to call it the big G 🤭 Used to kick down the auto and it would take off passing all in its way, if I ever found it I'd buy it back just because I loved that car, only got rid as I had a 2yr ban for been naughty back in the day 🙄
That's a handsome looking car! Fantastic condition too. Somehow it feels like a grown-up car. The main thing that strikes me is the amazing visibility - I know it is down to thinner pillars, reduced roll protection etc, but all the same, what an exceptional view. Those fog and driving lamps really suit it too.
For someone who has a reputation for not liking blue oval, pretty much all of the Ford reviews I’ve watched have been pretty positive. This is a lovely example of a lovely car.
Changed days. Back in the 70’s and 80’s these were cars, along with the Vauxhall Carlton and Rover SD1, to aspire to. My pal’s dad had one the same colour as this, it was a corker.
The Rear light design was known as easy clean. First seen I believe on Mercs and also used on the Mk 3 Capri or as Ford called it the Mk 2 face lift Capri . Plus the Cortina “80” or Mk 5 as you wish also the Escort Mk 3 .The idea being when it rains the overlap design helps wash the road grime away in between car washes helping towards road safety. If you’d checked the drivers seat adjustment you’d of noticed the electric adjustment switches down to the right just below the bolster. On the Ghia x version both front seats were electrically adjusted and heated. On the Ghia x Executive version with the leather seat option if the seat heaters were over used they caused the leather to prematurely crack so that’s why on the later scorpios if you look closely there are lots of small holes in the leather to stop this from happening so the seat could breath. Although the Ghia version was a luxury car the Ghia X added fuel trip computer where the digital clock sat, electric sunroof, air conditioning, and as already mentioned both front seats electric and heated. Plus front under bumper fog lamps. The fuel injected versions came with uprated suspension trx alloy wheels with metric tyres, front lip splitter and on the executive version front driving lamps as factory fit. A lot of the items fitted to lesser versions would be either dealer fit or fitted by the owners later. Then of course there was the 2.8 injection version with the recaro front seats usually with a 5 speed manual box plus all the outside spoilers including one on the boot as a factory fit and the suspension and wheel upgrades. Etc etc Great test keep up the good work 👍👍
I had one as a patrol car when I was a cop in the 80's. Lovely car. When the Cavalier SRi arrived many people wanted to drive them but I stuck with my Granny, never tired of hearing that engine under hard acceleration.
Sure, the police patrolman's trusty friend. A bad lad would have to be a skilled driver of something fast to try n loose the rozzers on Devon & Cornwall roads. Many tried and failed. Wasn't me officer, honest !
I liked that noise too! Always sounded suitably meaty and reassuring under acceleration. The other noise I liked was the quality thunk noise when I closed the door. Very solid and very German. Other people noticed that too when I picked them up.
In Germany you could get a 2 door version on lower spec cars, the V4 was dropped fairly quickly . Another German only option was a 2lt V6 sold in both Taunus(Cortina to us) and lower spec Granada's. The 2 door was not the coupe style (German mk1's differed from UK models as well)but simply a 2 door saloon, it's one of those odd German quirks that lingered into the mid 80's, a liking for 2 door saloons! A lovely car and one of the few you've done which I can claim to have owned in Mk1 3lt GXL, Mk2 2.8GL and Mk2 face lift 2.8i Ghia X the one thing they all liked was a good drink, infact a replacement XJ6 was more economical, just! The Sweeney and Minder had a lot to answer for back then.
Even Cortinas were thirsty beasts. My Mk2 1600E usually did less than 20 mpg. But they were designed, and first sold, when even 5-star petrol cost less than 30p per gallon. The late 1970's fuel crisis quadrupled prices within months, and they never returned to previous levels.
A lovely car and an excellent review! The Ford 'CARS' catalgue did offer a 2.8 Ghia X Executive with rather lovely leather. Don't think I've ever seen one though.
In 1981, my mate Daz and me visited Quick's Ford in Ashton-under-Lyne to see one of these. 12 year old petrolheads aren't exactly target market fodder but the staff were very nice to us and gave us brocures. The showroom car was in Champagne gold like the one in the vid and we thought it was the coolest thing we'd seen. We always preferred executive cars to go-faster models. Hard to believe that was 39 years ago...
that was my nearest ford dealers too and I loved driving passed to look at the cars (Quicks Ashton under Lyne) A few neighbours of ours had these, 2.8 ghia 'x' models, proper cars! There was a bloke in Clayton, early 1990's who had a black one, he had all the front lights Including the spots coloured in that euro amber colour. He looked like an eighties darts player and it was quite clearly his absolute pride and joy. Whenever we saw it my mate would say "luxury car pal" as if he was the owner! great video thanks 👍
@@paulbennell3313hi mate, ha ha! no way small world! I'm from Droylsden too, did you go to Littlemoss? . That Granada was a real car, you don't see them anymore sadly, saying that I'm surprised he kept hold of that living around there.
@@ravenmaster6364 Yes indeed, I went to Littlemoss! I was there when Jackson retired and Ron Coe took over. Did you ever encounter Bob Fell? My my, what a scary chap... I imagine Granada guy must've had, ahem, "connections" to have a car like that in darkest deepest Clayton!
Hi mate, oh yes I do indeed have fond memories of Bob Fell! I started there in 87, Ronald Musgrave Coe was at the heights of his powers then! Mr Fell, was a proper 110% old school teacher wasn't it! he had eyes in the back of his head that fella and a memory like no other! Everybody was called by their surname and most of the lads in our school back then used to tell Fell that he had taught their dads! and he knew every little detail about everybody even from years gone by!. It was a great school and the staff were great, Mr Saxton, Ms Stiles, Mr Cox 👍. Talking of Clayton, we had a few ruffians from school who came from there, one of them famously drove to school in a stolen car and casually parked it in the teachers car park and waltzed off to register!!! I kid you not. whereabouts in Droylsden are you from Paul? I'm Lewis Rd myself so not too far from North Rd etc. take it easy mate 👍
Just came across this little gem! Had a 2.3L one years ago, wonderful car. Got caught speeding (96mph!) in Yorkshire, bike cop was impressed how well it handled the twisties while he was trying to catch me lol.😁
A little fun fact regarding ribbed taillights.You mention Mercedes also.....the ribbed taillights on the Mercedes is quite different,or at least more extreme,,than on the Granadas.And the reason for Mercedes making them the way they did..was that when they are ribbed...they have a larger lighting surface.....so when the whirlwind in the back of the car makes the dirt and snow and such cling on to the taillights......having the larger area ,,and the "base" of the taillight beeing different height...the tailiights are actually staying more "visible" when covered in dirt...(if that explanation makes any sense..)anyways..that is the reason why they were designed like they were :)Also a littlf funfact regarding the Ghia And Ghia X.In Norway.....the Ghia WAS the Ghia X..in a way ...The Ghia was the top of the pops in a way..and had all the equipment like Cruise control...electronic dipstick level ,etc etc...I think Ghia X was a Uk thing only?..Anyways...Thank you soooooo much for another awesome video :) Greetings from Norway ,Stefan
It brings back great memories, my father bought one like this in 1982, and it was the first serious car I drove, I was a bit scared at first but very soon started to enjoy driving it, very comfortable on the highway and it felt very solid as well. Greetings and congratulations from Spain.
Man, whenever i see one (what is not very often) i remember my first car ever, a 79 mk2 2 door, with the carburated v6, steel bumpers, the black front grill, the oldschool of the granadas.. it was such an awesome car. I remember the door was so huge and heavy, that if you parked sideways on a slope, it was almost impossible to open :D
They sold well too because they were reliable with tried and trusted underpinnings. They didn't even rust as badly as other Fords, a great car and genuinely hard to fault. The only negative was that the cologne did not have the diesel-like low end torque of the Essex engine and it was pretty damn thirsty for its modest power. A Carb fed auto 2.8 in my experience would get about 19mpg.
My own proper granada memory is from my sisters friends mum in the early 90s, they owned a sky blue 2.8 ghia x b reg one of these before they sold it. My parents didnt drive at the time. Even though it was getting on a bit in 1993 it retained a sense of luxury and grandeur. I loved getting in the thing for a lift home each week as i had to go and wait with my mum at my sisters after school dance class. The big soft velour seats, chrome and rear electric windows made me think it was the nuts. Even though my uncle had a newer sierra sapphire ghia at the time then a brand new scorpio k reg. I had a soft spot for this big old barge.
I had the 2.3GL 5 speed manual. Inside it was almost exactly the same as this Ghia best trim of any car ever. BTW you were not high enough on the company ladder if you needed more boot space. Only the company rep`s needed more space LOL. My 2.GL had very long legs on the motorway from what I remember, much better than the Carlton`s 2200i we had on the fleet. It was one of the only company car I had that I really , really, really hated other staff driving, I wanted all to myself. Except when I could use the boss`s Cartlon 3000GSI.. tuff call that.
My mate was a Granada Nut !!.He owned about 30 of them over the years..We swapped cars one weekend as I was going to the lake District with a girl😉.I gave him my 1980 Capri 3.0S ,I took his 2.8i Ghia X with grey leather....What a car.....A Jag with a blue badge.... comfortable,quiet,fast... I remember his missus swearing we'd never swap cars again as she'd spent the weekend going sideways around roundabouts...😄😄..And I had a lovely romantic weekend floating around the lakes😊😊
What a classic and gorgeous motor. Our neighbours had a 2.8i Ghia when I was about 10 years old. I thought they were millionaires! We had an Allegro. Yeah enough said. We once went to Blackpool in the Granada (I lived in Birmingham at the time) and it was luxury sat in the back of it. Quiet, smooth and fast. Loved it! Absolute 80s classic.
Someone at school had TWO Granadas on the drive, one an estate; both had alloy wheels and metallic paint .
My dad had a FIAT 131 that had plastic seat covers that stuck to my legs on hot days.
There's one of these down my road. They still look the absolute business!
villarule I couldn't agree more. it is, as you so rightly say, the business.
Is there really, or is this an attempt ( turned epic fail ) to get multiple likes ? 🤔
There is one of these down my road.
Lovely car, my dad used to drive Ghia’s and Ghia X’s in the mid 80’s. So glad they haven’t all been destroyed on the banger circuit! 👍
Oh yeah , I remember the X Pack - full electric everything! Brilliant .
The banger boys are paying big money for these. Keep 'em locked up! (the cars,not the banger boys,maybe...😄)
my Dad had three between 1979 and 1988. 2.3 and 2.8 V6s. Very smooth. The newer Scorpio (2.4 V6) was actually noisier !
My Dad had a MK1 V6 GXL, red with black vinyl roof 👌
Always remember him letting me drive it after passing my test in 1985.
Driving along he said stomp the throttle! The thing dropped down a gear and roared off. I felt like king of the road.
My Dad was cool 😎x
Aahhhh... the lovely eighties. My dad had a MK1 Granada AND a Consul befor he bought one of these 2.8 Ghias in Moonlight Blue. It took us through Europe, several times. I loved every moment in it.
Up there as one of my all time favourites, this particular example looks especially nice!
The Granada 2.8i Ghia X is one of my all 5ime favourites. I had a few mk5 Cortinas, in the 90s, but always wanted to Granny.
There's one around the area I live, a 'Y' reg Ghia X, still looks and sounds great.
Hi and thanks for this. My dad had a string of Granada Ghia’s finishing with the Granada 2.8 Ghia X in about 1982. Complete with heated seats, fuel injection and air con, all on a car from the early 1980’s! Incredible. I got to drive the car regularity at the age of 18 after passing my driving test, and I was “king of the road”! Now 40 years later I still believe it’s the one of the best cars I’ve ever driven. I would give anything just to drive one again. Well done Ford.
Thanks for the memories.
That's a great story and your dad had taste! My dad had two Mk1 3.0 Ghias followed by a Mk2 2.8 GLS and finally two Mk2 face-lift 2.8 GLs
Yes I forgot he (my Dad) started with the Mk 1 3 litre Granada. Another Great car. He was a Ford man through and through but fell out with them when he traded in his beloved Granada Mk2 Ghia X for a first generation Ford Sierra 2.3 Ghia x, disappointingly underpowered, poor build quality, poor mechanicals. Shame after the brilliance of the Granada ☹️
@@acwdrivingservices9877 I think Mr Gordon (my dad) got wind of that. After the B reg 2.8 GL he switched to BMW (525e) after having bought Ford Granadas and Zodiacs previously. He never bought another Ford. After the bmer, Audi 100 and his last car was a Honda Accord coupe.
I had a black 2.8i ghia x back in the day.
Grey leather.
Penta alloys.
What a motor.
Back in the days when cars were proper, memories.
A Granada was a special car. The Ghia and Ghia X really were executive expresses. By the time of the Mk 3, there was nothing wrong with the Granada, it was a very advanced car (which had standard ABS brakes). The problem that it started to encounter was badge snobbery.
It’s the memories…I can remember my dad’s Granada inside and out much more clearly than yesterday!
Yes I can't see people in 20 years time doing reviews on Nissan Tiidas or Mitsubishi Outlanders 😅
@@matthewwhitelow5209 My Dad had a 1975 Capri GT in 1980, still remember it vividly, even the smell. Todays cars are just boring appliances.
Loved my Dads 2.8i Ghia X in glacier blue an 84 ‘A’ reg. Great memories.
Whenever I see a Granada , my mind goes back to the Sweeny , and Mr Cowley in the Professionals
Sweeney todd flying squad
@@ianmangham4570 yup ,
Definitely the Sweeney !
The Sweeney drove a Consul GT
Had a '79 2.8 GL when I was 19. Fab car. Engine did 250k miles, unfortunately rust got it in the end. It is still the most comfortable car I have driven.
My father had a Mk2 Ford Granada when I was a young lad in the 90's, fond memories of that car
Same. I don't think my dad has had a nicer looking car since.
Same here too! It was sky blue on an A reg.
Those Fords were really popular in Austria, too. My Father was a Mechanic and got himself rather late a very nice used one, basic V 4 engine. It was also called the FORD "Ankara", as many Turkish Immigrants liked the realtively cheap, big, comfortable and reliable car for the long holiday drive in their holidays home to Turkey
The last time Ford had styling better than the price point.
This car is perfect for someone who wants to go retro.
My Father had one of these. Same colour too! He had a bit of money so over the years his car would generally be a Merc or a BM, but I have to say that this machine beat all of them into the ground. Maybe a little bit ordinary on the outside, but on comfort, quietness, acceleration, power steering etc etc .it was exceptional. In the early 80s I had just started driving so even I occasionally got a go behind the wheel.
Luvvvverly😊😊😊
Don't forget about the Ghia X Executive, ultimate Ford luxury! I used to have the brochure as a kid and used to lust over it!
I took one on a tour of Germany in the early 80s 5 people and full of luggage, it went like a dream never a problem so comfortable too
Back in the 1980's I owned a 2.3 Ford Granada. What a comfortable car it was. Even recall the registration number: VAN 600Y.
A few years after I sold her I was watching a drama on TV and blow me up she pops.....still exists today but I bet she's worth way more than the money I sold her for.....
Great classic Ford! Over here in Cologne we love them of course :) Today we produce Fiestas over here and the future of the Cologne production does not look very bright ...
By the way the ribbed tail lamps were invented by Mercedes back in 1971 already for the W107 SL and W116 S-class. The way how Mercedes designed them with the deeply recessed strips, those actually were a safety feature! Cause when the lamps are covered in dirt, you'd still see the relatively clean recessed bits.
and snow would not block the lights
Ford are too late to the EV market. Give them 5 years left until they are just re badged chinese BEV cars.
You taught me something about ribbed tail lights. Thank-you, Tom. 🙂 👍
@@RWBHere I read too many Mercedes brochures in my childhood! :)
I grew up in Taiwan. My dad had a Granada. It was one speed devil. The highway police used these cars as it was a fast car then. They also used Nissan Cedric with 2.4L, but it wasn’t as fast as these Granadas. Most people drove Datsun 210, 510, Blue Birds, Cedric’s if they were well off. Fords were also very popular. Escorts 1.3L, Cortina’s had 1.6L, or fancy Ford Granada with 2.6L first, then 2.8L. German made Ford Sierra was later very popular too.
Ian you really surprised me with your comments about how smooth and quiet the Granda was. A lot of commentators at the time knocked the Cologne V6 for being rough at higher revs. Obviously, not so. Really complimentary review. Beautifully airy and comfortable looking car.
My Dad once owned a white one that apparently belonged to an Essex police chief, a 2.8 with a manual gearbox, great car!
I'm impressed! I wasn't expecting that kind of ride quality and engine smoothness from a car of that vintage.
Bloke i used to work with had a 2.8 Ghia X and was always bragging about it and cleaning it and to be honest,we were all a bit jealous.One day he came out out of his house to find it up on bricks and minus all of its Ghia X goodies.Absolutely no one grinned
This was my dream car as a boy. I wished my dad could have afforded one. One of our neighbours had one in metallic blue and I would look at it with envy and look through its windows at the luxurious interior! Seems ages ago now!
I had an 83 Ghia X auto estate at the tender age of 21 in 1990! Can honestly say it was one of the best cars i ever had! Was like driving a flying carpet it was that smooth! Had a Merc 190E after it and that wasn't a patch on the Granada. Of all the cars I have owned and driven it had to be the best of them all.
My Dad had one of these, brilliant thing. He later owned a Granada Scorpio and a Scorpio. All fantastic cars!
the Scorpio in fact Killed the big Fords for a time it was a Bad seller possibly the worse big Ford eve made in Britain n ugly as hell, for me the Best big Ford was the MK2 low line Ford Zodiac 2553CC strait 6 up to the Granada big Ford where all good, the only V6 Essex 3 L I had was a marinized version on a bluebird jet star driving an 05 Castolti water jet No silencer of course n that sound for me was magic as every time i started it I knew it was wonderful happy times ahead had to sell it once petrol went up to 80p a gallon
I never had one a MK1 or MK2 but I owned a '91 MK3 and a '96 MK3 facelift, both saloons, they were lovely cars and very luxurious. My last one was a '98 Scorpio, one of the last of the bug-eyed models and despite its questionable styling was comfortable and rapid. It rode and handled far better than the MK3s and also benefited from a much better automatic gearbox which unlike the MK3s didn't feel like you were being kicked in the back when it shifted up!
@Borat if you can look past it's looks, (which is hard to I agree), it was a very rapid and comfortable car. We had the 24V Ultima and could wipe the floor with its competitors
polygamous1 Sozou I was working as an after sales director in a Ford dealer when Scorpio production was coming to an end and whilst you are correct that that awful bug eyed thing was not a great sales success and there was a successor planned the project was cancelled when Ford acquired Jaguar and Volvo as they didn't see the need to develop a Ford badged car that would be competing in the same market. I suppose it's the proliferation of SUVs that has killed off this market as none of the mainstream manufacturers make a large premium brand saloon, I consider Lexus, BMW, Audi et al to be very much in the Jaguar market.
Just a few years later the Mercedes C class bore a very close resemblance to the Scorpio! The Scorpio has aged fairly well I think.
For me though, it’s the early mk3 I like the most, followed by the mk1 - better looking but the mk3 wins on tech (the mk1 technically being a downgrade from the mk4 Zephyr in some minor respects).
I went to the launch of the MK3 Granada in 85 I was 11 and into cars they brought a inflatable pod and you walked down a tunnel all with lights and sounds and the car was at the end we spent all day playing in it I loved the electric back seats and thought it was amazing everything moved at the touch of a button so glad i was brought up with 80s tech it makes you appreciate today unlike many who take it all for granted.
I had a good used one of these when I was 19.....some 30 years ago. A good friend was an ambulance mechanic and at the time, they ran a fleet with this engine. He serviced mine and it ran sweet as a nut. I'd buy that car back in a heartbeat, although it probably doesn't exist now.
For someone who’s never been around these. I absolutely love the creamy V6 thrum! Sounds soo satisfying!
I remember my dads cousin regularly taking us to see the British super bikes at Donnington in the early 90’s in a 2.8 mk2 in white. Such a great understated Ford 💪🏻
In SA the Essex V6 was kept, and later tuned up to 110KW carb, and 117kw fuel injection, there is a new crank developed by University of Port Elizabeth. The 2,3 Cologne made an appearance in the Ford Sierra, but was soon replaced by the 3L V6.
As an apprentice, probably about 19 years old I guess, having to drive from Redditch down to Chippenham to collect a part for an induction furnace that had broken down. I had to use the company managers company car, a 1978 2.8 GL Granada. Needless to say, outside lane all the way down, and all the way back. That was a cool ride.
Lovely car the spotlights are an absolute must. Always makes me think of George Crowley in the professionals
I just love 💕 these old Granada’s, I had a 2.3L but it had a dark brown GL interior.
It was what I call arm chair driving I would sit in that lovely seat and drive with one finger on the wheel.
I salute the owner for a wonderful motor.👍🏾😊😊😊😊
Remember back in the day you used to see all sorts of "custom" models, ghias with wind down windows and no wood, ghia x with no air-con, no sunroof, thing people were at it to get more sale price. I did however see a very rare 2.3 ghia x once, I think they were legit but very rare.
2.3L? I had one of those. In blue, with blue interior. Real poverty spec, manual, no rev counter, manual windows, dash covered in blanking plates.
The clutch was so heavy I actually knackered my left knee from holding it on the clutch in traffic jams.
I upgraded the dash to have a rev counter, and found that they'd left out the wire for it in the wiring loom!
I had one of these in 1988 whilst based in Germany. Brilliant autobahn cruiser.
Hi Ian. I'm grandad had a Ford granada mk2 ghia. I remember sitting in the back with my big sister and going for drivers in the countryside!
That is beautiful.
All hazard light switches should be placed where that one is. Easy to find without taking your eyes off the road.
Loved my ghia x back in the 90s.
Electric everything and some of it even worked. Lol.
I am betting that you had low expectations after a series of Italian cars!😀
@@arnonmus1 I know it didnt rust do bad. Lol.
This is impressive for a Ford of this age.
Love a old skool ford and perfect lunchtime viewing, thanks Hubnut
I owned a 2.0l mk 2,most comfortable car I've ever been in! One of my all time favourites.
I always loved the estate versions
One of the few cars that looked better as an estate.
@@caw25sha when I was a kid one of our neighbours swapped his Citroen CX Safari for a Granada Ghia-X estate in the same gold as this one. He knew how to choose the right estate car
I never quite liked that the front and the rear of the Mk2 estate quite fitted together since the rear was not facelifted. Nonetheless great cars and by the mid eighties all of them had buckets of paint in the rear... and a small ladder😂
My dad had one in white, very nice looking car.👍
I had one, lots of room with the back seat down an roof rack too.
I rented a Granada Ghia 3.0L in Scotland in 1975. It was quite nice. Responsive engine, reasonable handling, accurate steering, etc. It went quite well.
See, there is a UK Ford that Ian genuinely likes!
Probably because it's German.
Constantly trying to pick holes
My Father owned a basic 2.0L pre facelift saloon in Hubnut beige NEV 124V. Apart from cloth seats and carpet, it was as poverty as you could get, keep fit windows, steel wheels, no rev counter and endless blanking plugs. It was however a very roomy and comfortable old bus. He eventually traded it for a mk 3 Ghia model, which although plusher, was nowhere as roomy or comfortable.
"Do you want to look at the wiper linkage as much as I do?"...No one wants to look at the wiper linkage as much as YOU do!
Had a 1979 2.8 Ghia non injected with solex carb. Fantastic luxury motor with air con in the day.
This is fantastic and brought back so many memories for me. Two of my relatives owned these cars. My late Grandfather had a pre-facelift oyster gold 2.8 Ghia (PPX174S) and my uncle a facelift 2.8 Ghia X (A129DNJ) in the same colour as yours (was it called champagne silver?). The two things that hit the memory bank were the noise when you started it and the description of the noise/whine when you stopped at traffic lights! The pre-facelift one I recall had true brown velour seats that were like armchairs, with slabs of wood across the window line and classic Ford-of-that-era dials with green lighting and yellow pointers. Within 10 years (by 1988-ish) it was rotten in the rear arches, but it soldiered on until about 1993. The facelifted one was more durable, with slightly less thickly set seats and more toys. It had air conditioning I recall that was operated by pulling out the fan switch - something that was still used in late 90's Mondeos and a radio cassette with an LCD instead of a dial, which was something I was wowed by at the time. Both had electric aerials which I think you should do a test on when you get cars that have them, a bit like you do with wipers. "Does the aerial retract fully?" "How smoothly does it go up and down" etc...! It also had a fancy trip computer that would give consumption, distance to empty and so on.
A129DNJ was hit by someone at a junction and sadly written off in about 1996, but was a lovely car right up until the end.
Why in the facelifted ones was the rev counter dial offset compared to the speed? Always seemed a bit odd?
Both had those alloys that Ford Ghias of that time had. Another object of desire to me!
Anyway, please, please can you do a similar test on a Montego or Maestro, especially if a Perkins diesel, and even better if a facelifted early 90's Countryman or similar? I'd love one of those. There can't be many left now sadly. The wipers on Montegos were mad. They were meant to park below the bonnet line I recall, but when operating they parked half way up the screen!
These were amongst the best cars ever built.
What a truly classic motorcar - my grandad had a few of these in South Africa- 3.0 GXL as they badged the 2.8 Ghia over there. Fab video Ian
@Indosarnia That's correct. In Swaziland (now Eswatini), where I lived in the early 80s, Granadas were, up with the wonderful Peugeot 504, very highly regarded for their ride, roadholding and handling on the bumpy and slippery gravel roads that predominated in that country, in those days.
I seem to recall a 3 litre ghia in South Africa. We had the 2.3 litre cologne engine in the early sierras in SA but then Samcor moved to the 3 litre ,V6 throughout the range. Last Sierra and Sapphire Essex motors had fuel injection
@@arnonmus1 Back in SA, I had a Sierra company car in the mid-90s. Very good engineering design totally undermined by the bean counters. Mine had the 2.0 litre Pinto engine - rough and under-powered. Not a happy experience.
I had forgotten, if you had a mind to, you could also get a Granada (certainly the Mk 1, I'm not sure about the Mk 2) with a 5.0 V8. These were especially popular in the Mk 1 coupe version. Nice car!
The South African models from late '78 were:
2.0 GL, manual
3.0 GL, automatic
3.0 Ghia, automatic
The better-equipped GLE replaced the GL ~1981, and ~1984 there was a sporty "GLS" model added with the 3.0 V6 and 5-speed.
Engines were the Imported 2.0 OHC Cologne and locally-made 3.0 Essex V6 with C3 automatic transmission.
...and Ford called that particular velour "Chatsworth"...
Detective Inspector Jack Regan and Detective Sergeant George Carter in TV show The Sweeney drove a Granada.
Always wanted one, but they were never sold in Canada. So, dad bought a Ford Capri 2.6 (made in Cologne) instead.
The Granada was THE executive car back in the early 80's, BMW and Mercedes weren't getting a real look in back then.
Exactly! I think they donw themselves out of business, bang for buck etc.
We had one in my family it was midnight blue with velour interior
Lovely smooth ride x
Very true 👍👍
There was a more formal/executive looking version in Korea. Quite tasteless actually but cool now.
The granados started off with the old c3 auto transmissions then moved onto the a4ld boxes
I used to own one, one of the best cars i have ever owned
Well this was a surprise!
I just landed here randomly, this post came up as suggested viewing, which is nice, because I used to have one of these. Actually it was a 2.8i GhiaX in metallic blue.
It was really good to see you giving this a road test in 2020, took me right back. So thank you for the presentation.
Mine was A Reg and I liked it so much I kept it for about eight years. I bought it second hand in 87 I think and I loved it.
Even a head on collision with a Renault 5 didn’t put me off it. In fact it did the opposite. The Renault five turned into a Renault 2.5 and was written off and I had to have new bumpers grill and radiators and lights. I didn’t even need new front wings.
Like you, I loved its comfort and space and creamy but meaty V6. I also loved the solid ‘thunk’ the door sound made when i closed them, reassuring German build. It was the first car I had where actually liked the sound of the door closing.
A little thing about the front lights, I had the spotlights too, which operated with the full beam only. If I was driving with the fog lights on and I put on the full beam, the bottom fog lights would go off and the grill spotlights would come on. Doing this repeatedly had the effect of getting traffic to move out of the way immediately, which I confess to using from time to time to amuse myself.
The car I had before this was a 79 T reg gold Ford Cortina 2.3 V6 Ghia with brown vinyl roof.
The car I had after the Granada was a black Granada Scorpio 2.9i hatchback E reg
Which was replaced by a metallic green Granada Scorpio Cosworth 24 valve saloon M reg.
Likewise, Chris. My first was a 78 GHIS 2.8 injection manual in gold,similar to this. Absolutely loved it. Had to change my music from rock to classical in fairness to the car. Had 5 more Granada’s, ending up with a Cosworth 2.9 in 1993. I ran it up to 110000 miles in 4 years, then put it away until 2015 when I planned to restore it on retirement. Unfortunately 19 years of standing rendered it too far gone. The first and last were the best. Very happy memories!
Chris Pritchard
Wow. You obviously really liked them too.
Such a shame the latest one didn’t stand the test of time, but at least you have the memories, like you said.
There used to be such a good choice of large saloon car back then, but of course everybody buys pretend SUVs now instead.
I nearly bought a 3 L senator at one point, but didn’t, another time considered a Honda Legend but then didn’t.
Ford Granadas are awesome cars in billions of ways
Loved these back in the day, My dad was after one but they were just out of his price range. He ended up buying a 2.0 Cortina Ghia that had the same trim (was it called Chatsworth) lovely smooth cruisers with a surprisingly good turn of speed. Plus the concentration on the spotlight had me humming the Sweeney theme.
I've always loved de Mk2 Granada. We only got fiew of them here in Argentina, from late 79 to mid 82, when imported cars were available. Mostly 2.8 v6 ghia. There are not many left, specialy in good condition
We're these sold at the same time as the local Argentina Falcon or to replace the Falcon?
@@johnd8892 no, it kind of replaced the argentinian Fairlane. The Falcon wasn't the up scale model. It was still in production until 1991, after a "Taunus/Cortina" inspired 1982 restyling
I actually got chlls down my spine when I heard you start that engine. I had a T reg 1978 Granadia Ghia 2.8 in champagne gold back in my late 20s. It had a highish milage when I bought it but I put another 80,000 on it until the wear and tear on the drivetrain and suspension took its toll and I was offered a company car.... It stood out the back of the house for a year until someone knocked on the door and took it off my hands. If I had to choose a car from all the cars I have had it would be either this or the Mk1 Granada Coupe - both lovely cars that effortlessly ate the miles in armchair comfort. Its a shame so many died in banger racing and they are basically collectors items now. I've also had a Mk3 Granada Scorpio and that was much the same to drive but not as pretty as its predecessors.. Than cologne V6 is beautiful,, and driven carefully not outrageously thirsty. Just don't get a lead foot....!
Just popped up so watched as been a former owner of one the memories flooded back, mine was a 2.8i ghia estate HDH 497T
Used to call it the big G 🤭
Used to kick down the auto and it would take off passing all in its way, if I ever found it I'd buy it back just because I loved that car, only got rid as I had a 2yr ban for been naughty back in the day 🙄
I like the styling of the Mk1, more character
I agree mk1 has more curves and more soul
Velour seats and furry dice. Tasty motor.
That's a handsome looking car! Fantastic condition too. Somehow it feels like a grown-up car. The main thing that strikes me is the amazing visibility - I know it is down to thinner pillars, reduced roll protection etc, but all the same, what an exceptional view. Those fog and driving lamps really suit it too.
Gorgeous , I had a v8 Rover P6 , my mate had one of these which I borrowed and so wanted one
For someone who has a reputation for not liking blue oval, pretty much all of the Ford reviews I’ve watched have been pretty positive.
This is a lovely example of a lovely car.
I have a Mk1 1979 3,0lt Essex V6 Granada Ghia, it has 67000km on the clock. My dad had it from New. Mint condition.
I had one these cars, an auto in gold. The German build quality showed!
Oyster Gold. 😎
You made us all want one,well shown boss
WOW! what fantastic condition.
ribbed lights existed to reduce dirt build light blackout up due to the trailing vortex
Ever seen the world's end? Brilliant film and brilliant car
Changed days. Back in the 70’s and 80’s these were cars, along with the Vauxhall Carlton and Rover SD1, to aspire to. My pal’s dad had one the same colour as this, it was a corker.
The Rear light design was known as easy clean. First seen I believe on Mercs and also used on the Mk 3 Capri or as Ford called it the Mk 2 face lift Capri . Plus the Cortina “80” or Mk 5 as you wish also the Escort Mk 3 .The idea being when it rains the overlap design helps wash the road grime away in between car washes helping towards road safety. If you’d checked the drivers seat adjustment you’d of noticed the electric adjustment switches down to the right just below the bolster. On the Ghia x version both front seats were electrically adjusted and heated. On the Ghia x Executive version with the leather seat option if the seat heaters were over used they caused the leather to prematurely crack so that’s why on the later scorpios if you look closely there are lots of small holes in the leather to stop this from happening so the seat could breath. Although the Ghia version was a luxury car the Ghia X added fuel trip computer where the digital clock sat, electric sunroof, air conditioning, and as already mentioned both front seats electric and heated. Plus front under bumper fog lamps. The fuel injected versions came with uprated suspension trx alloy wheels with metric tyres, front lip splitter and on the executive version front driving lamps as factory fit. A lot of the items fitted to lesser versions would be either dealer fit or fitted by the owners later. Then of course there was the 2.8 injection version with the recaro front seats usually with a 5 speed manual box plus all the outside spoilers including one on the boot as a factory fit and the suspension and wheel upgrades. Etc etc Great test keep up the good work 👍👍
Cortina 80 👌
I had one as a patrol car when I was a cop in the 80's. Lovely car. When the Cavalier SRi arrived many people wanted to drive them but I stuck with my Granny, never tired of hearing that engine under hard acceleration.
Sure, the police patrolman's trusty friend. A bad lad would have to be a skilled driver of something fast to try n loose the rozzers on Devon & Cornwall roads. Many tried and failed. Wasn't me officer, honest !
I liked that noise too! Always sounded suitably meaty and reassuring under acceleration.
The other noise I liked was the quality thunk noise when I closed the door. Very solid and very German. Other people noticed that too when I picked them up.
In Germany you could get a 2 door version on lower spec cars, the V4 was dropped fairly quickly . Another German only option was a 2lt V6 sold in both Taunus(Cortina to us) and lower spec Granada's. The 2 door was not the coupe style (German mk1's differed from UK models as well)but simply a 2 door saloon, it's one of those odd German quirks that lingered into the mid 80's, a liking for 2 door saloons! A lovely car and one of the few you've done which I can claim to have owned in Mk1 3lt GXL, Mk2 2.8GL and Mk2 face lift 2.8i Ghia X the one thing they all liked was a good drink, infact a replacement XJ6 was more economical, just! The Sweeney and Minder had a lot to answer for back then.
Even Cortinas were thirsty beasts. My Mk2 1600E usually did less than 20 mpg. But they were designed, and first sold, when even 5-star petrol cost less than 30p per gallon. The late 1970's fuel crisis quadrupled prices within months, and they never returned to previous levels.
I recall seeing lots of 2 door cars in Denmark in the early 80s - there was a luxury tax there on having rear doors.
I had a W reg Granada 2.8i Ghia S, manual box, loved it
I had a 2L GL manual in the early 90s. Such a lurvly car to drive
One of my ex's grandfather had the same model as yours, such a comfy car and easy to drive smoothly
In the 80s I worked as an assistant to a photographer and had the pleasure of driving a 2.8Ghia x injection estate. What a car.
A proper guvnor car! Always liked these, although the 2.8 Injection estate is my all time favourite!
A lovely car and an excellent review! The Ford 'CARS' catalgue did offer a 2.8 Ghia X Executive with rather lovely leather. Don't think I've ever seen one though.
In 1981, my mate Daz and me visited Quick's Ford in Ashton-under-Lyne to see one of these. 12 year old petrolheads aren't exactly target market fodder but the staff were very nice to us and gave us brocures.
The showroom car was in Champagne gold like the one in the vid and we thought it was the coolest thing we'd seen. We always preferred executive cars to go-faster models.
Hard to believe that was 39 years ago...
that was my nearest ford dealers too and I loved driving passed to look at the cars (Quicks Ashton under Lyne)
A few neighbours of ours had these, 2.8 ghia 'x' models, proper cars!
There was a bloke in Clayton, early 1990's who had a black one, he had all the front lights Including the spots coloured in that euro amber colour. He looked like an eighties darts player and it was quite clearly his absolute pride and joy. Whenever we saw it my mate would say "luxury car pal" as if he was the owner!
great video thanks 👍
@@ravenmaster6364 Yes, I remember the one in Clayton (we lived in Droylsden when I was a kid). I went out with a girl who lived near him.
@@paulbennell3313hi mate, ha ha! no way small world! I'm from Droylsden too, did you go to Littlemoss? .
That Granada was a real car, you don't see them anymore sadly, saying that I'm surprised he kept hold of that living around there.
@@ravenmaster6364 Yes indeed, I went to Littlemoss! I was there when Jackson retired and Ron Coe took over. Did you ever encounter Bob Fell? My my, what a scary chap...
I imagine Granada guy must've had, ahem, "connections" to have a car like that in darkest deepest Clayton!
Hi mate, oh yes I do indeed have fond memories of Bob Fell!
I started there in 87, Ronald Musgrave Coe was at the heights of his powers then!
Mr Fell, was a proper 110% old school teacher wasn't it! he had eyes in the back of his head that fella and a memory like no other!
Everybody was called by their surname and most of the lads in our school back then used to tell Fell that he had taught their dads! and he knew every little detail about everybody even from years gone by!.
It was a great school and the staff were great, Mr Saxton, Ms Stiles, Mr Cox 👍.
Talking of Clayton, we had a few ruffians from school who came from there, one of them famously drove to school in a stolen car and casually parked it in the teachers car park and waltzed off to register!!! I kid you not.
whereabouts in Droylsden are you from Paul? I'm Lewis Rd myself so not too far from North Rd etc.
take it easy mate 👍
Had 3 of these Mk 2 Granada’s in the 80’s. First a pauper spec 2.3L then a 2.8GL and last and best a 2.8 Ghia X. Great comfortable cars
We had a white ex-police 2.8i when I was a kid, I remember it being very quick!!
What a beautiful model of granada.
The Professionals - One going through a plate glass window.
I had a Belgium built 2'3 mk1 with velour trim and winding sunroof. Good car.
I had one of these.. Was like driving a sofa.
Just came across this little gem! Had a 2.3L one years ago, wonderful car. Got caught speeding (96mph!) in Yorkshire, bike cop was impressed how well it handled the twisties while he was trying to catch me lol.😁
A little fun fact regarding ribbed taillights.You mention Mercedes also.....the ribbed taillights on the Mercedes is quite different,or at least more extreme,,than on the Granadas.And the reason for Mercedes making them the way they did..was that when they are ribbed...they have a larger lighting surface.....so when the whirlwind in the back of the car makes the dirt and snow and such cling on to the taillights......having the larger area ,,and the "base" of the taillight beeing different height...the tailiights are actually staying more "visible" when covered in dirt...(if that explanation makes any sense..)anyways..that is the reason why they were designed like they were :)Also a littlf funfact regarding the Ghia And Ghia X.In Norway.....the Ghia WAS the Ghia X..in a way ...The Ghia was the top of the pops in a way..and had all the equipment like Cruise control...electronic dipstick level ,etc etc...I think Ghia X was a Uk thing only?..Anyways...Thank you soooooo much for another awesome video :) Greetings from Norway ,Stefan
It brings back great memories, my father bought one like this in 1982, and it was the first serious car I drove, I was a bit scared at first but very soon started to enjoy driving it, very comfortable on the highway and it felt very solid as well. Greetings and congratulations from Spain.
Man, whenever i see one (what is not very often) i remember my first car ever, a 79 mk2 2 door, with the carburated v6, steel bumpers, the black front grill, the oldschool of the granadas.. it was such an awesome car. I remember the door was so huge and heavy, that if you parked sideways on a slope, it was almost impossible to open :D
They sold well too because they were reliable with tried and trusted underpinnings. They didn't even rust as badly as other Fords, a great car and genuinely hard to fault. The only negative was that the cologne did not have the diesel-like low end torque of the Essex engine and it was pretty damn thirsty for its modest power. A Carb fed auto 2.8 in my experience would get about 19mpg.
My own proper granada memory is from my sisters friends mum in the early 90s, they owned a sky blue 2.8 ghia x b reg one of these before they sold it. My parents didnt drive at the time. Even though it was getting on a bit in 1993 it retained a sense of luxury and grandeur. I loved getting in the thing for a lift home each week as i had to go and wait with my mum at my sisters after school dance class. The big soft velour seats, chrome and rear electric windows made me think it was the nuts. Even though my uncle had a newer sierra sapphire ghia at the time then a brand new scorpio k reg. I had a soft spot for this big old barge.
I had the 2.3GL 5 speed manual. Inside it was almost exactly the same as this Ghia best trim of any car ever. BTW you were not high enough on the company ladder if you needed more boot space. Only the company rep`s needed more space LOL. My 2.GL had very long legs on the motorway from what I remember, much better than the Carlton`s 2200i we had on the fleet. It was one of the only company car I had that I really , really, really hated other staff driving, I wanted all to myself. Except when I could use the boss`s Cartlon 3000GSI.. tuff call that.
You missed the classic coin holder under the hand brake! Love it…… great video