I remember back in 1978 being picked up at Christmas to drive home from the Midlands to Liverpool, and my friend had hired a Granada. It was the most luxurious journey, and I still remember it nearly fifty years on. Beautiful vehicle!
The first 2 generations of the Granada were beautiful cars, no matter the spec that you got, manual or auto, it didn't matter, they were a cut above. I don't think they were as exec as the Mercedes or BMW of the time but for a Ford they were top drawer. The 3.0 Coupe has always been a car I'd love to own if I could afford the fuel bills.
@@rustywreck3351 I can't imagine a Granada with a 1.6, it must have been the worst of both worlds, gutless and thirsty lol. My mate had a mk4 Cortina 1.6 with an 80's bodykit, white 8 spokes and a window louvre and well, not only did it look crap but it was slow as hell lol.
Ahhh The Swweney and The Professionals really brought these to the fore ! A local meat factory owner had one and we used to see it all the time as kids - Thanks for the memories Steph !
Quick back in the day but a 2916 1.4 corolla would leave it for dust now. How technology has come on. A friend of mine has a Granada MK 1 and is restoring it. He has fitted a Lexus V8 and gearbox. Looking forward to driving it.
@@simonw4340 Yes Simon, my dad bought a 3.0L GHIA Granada in 1981, PVP 334R, it was a monster back in the day....my mates thought my dad was a badass LOL
What an exceptional exterior paint colour on this Granada Mk I with the vinyl roof! Growing up I lived in an area with both a Ford assembly plant and a British Leyland distribution centre and occasionally us kids would be able to see the new vehicles in their respective lots. Another gem of a video.
I've always liked the Copper Bronze colour of The Sweeney's Consul. I sometimes got a lift to/from school in a friend's car which was the spitting image of NHK 295M, at the time when The Sweeney was being shown, so we imagined that we were Regan and Carter being driven to "a blagging" by Bill the Driver ;-)
great car of the period, my dad had a Ford cortina as a company car and senior staff would get the Granada, i went to a car show in May and there were two Granada on display, they were totally immaculate including the engine bay, great to see
This is the big brother of the Mk3 Cortina. Low spec models are the Consul. This one is a similar colour to the most famous Sweeney car NHK295M that still exists, but there were a few other Consuls and Granadas used. The GXL is the top of range before the Ghia came out but with no rear armrest unlike the Austin Morris 1800.
Enjoyed the video. I like that you always take time to look the car over and spend time on the controls and gages interior, engine compartment and boot . Your camera work is good. Other videos I've looked at just gloss over so quickly I hardly see what the gauge or seat pattern look like. Thanks for taking the time. Looking forward to your next video
THE SWEENEY…seriously they were a fantastic car in the mid seventies my local shopkeeper had an estate version in bright green, just beautiful…fantastic review as usual cheers.
Thanks for a great video Steph. I recall seeing that Granada when we visited the Great British Car Journey...it's a beauty. Imho Fords from the late 60s to mid 70s were the pinnacle of Ford design. The mk1 Escort and Capri, mk3 Cortina and of course the Granada. All gorgeous cars.
My dad had 4 of these back in the 70's. A 3.0 GXL and 3 x 3.0 Ghias. I have a 1977 MK1 3.0 Ghia.... probably one of the last registered (1st August 1977) as they brought the MK2 out from the 1st September!
I had a 2litre V6 left-hand drive model when I was stationed in Germany. Later type dash, sunroof and a few other bits. That Cologne engine was superb. My only Ford, but it was superb on the European roads.
My dad bought a brand new one in 1973, brilliant car which went around the clock 2 and half times. It was a 3ltr automatic. Awesome machine, came fitted with Michelin tyres and I'm fairly sure he got over forty thousand miles from the first set (very steady driver) but when he went to get them replaced with the same type he was not happy when he was told they no longer made them😢
For some reason I’ve got the theme tune to The Sweeney running through my mind. Would love to have 3.0 Ghia coupe with alloys and sunroof. Great video Steph, thanks for evoking so many memories ❤
The 2000 V4 ran in the Consul until 1974 when it was finally replaced by the Pinto OHC engine. Ford wanted to use the Pinto from the start but the Cologne engine plant just could not build enough. The Cortina had it first in 1970, the Capri in late 1973 for the beginning of Mark II production and the Consul in '74 when Pinto production was really in full swing.
Great video. So glad you enjoyed it and spreading the word of how good they are. My father had the Mk1 3.0 V6 Coupe Ghia, and it's a car I remember fondly.
The MK 1 Granada is very well designed. I love the way the bumper curves around the rear for example, so well done. The engines were sweet too, plenty of torque. A great review Steph and not a cardboard box in sight! 😉👍👍
Im glad you really enjoyed that Steph. We never had the Granada here like the Escort or Cortina because the big Ford car here was the Australian made Falcon and was a popular family car.
Thanks Steph for giving the Granada some attention. I have a soft spot for these cars as my Late father had a mark one and a later mark two. I had the pleasure of driving both extensively, thanks for the memories.
For me, the best Granada was the facelifted mark 1 in 3.0 Ghia guise. I also feel that is the model and trim level which has aged the best. Somehow, I don't think that the later versions have faired quite so well. A true clasic. P.S. I remember the foot operated screen washer with wiper ring surround well. In some ways I prefer them to the intermittent we have today, where unless you have the sensor versions which adjusts automatically, you never seem to be able to get the interval quite right!
The only Ford that my father owned was a MK3 Cortina, and the only one that i have owned was a MK3 Escort, but this has always been my favourite Ford and in that colour too.
It's interesting to see that a lot of cars of this era look alike. Such as the Valiants, Falcons, Escorts, Granada, Holden Kingswood, etc. The Granada has quite a nice looking dashboard. Thanks for sharing Steph. 😊👍
I've always liked these. It's tidy and simplistic, yet attractive in design. It looks quite comfortable, and I was shocked that it's so quiet! I would've loved for them to be sold here. Here in the US, our Ford Granada looked like a block of cheese that Ford attempted to compare with both the Cadillac Seville (which that in of itself was created using intermediate Chevrolet Nova parts) as well as the various Mercedes models, which was odd to say the least. Heck they even made a Lincoln (Versailles) version of ours! Your version Granada seems way more appropriate.
I've owned several Granada's in my life and rightnow I drive a mk3 estate from 1982. I could not agree more with you. They are so comfortable and even for modern days they go very well in traffic.
Thanks for the nostalgia. When I was a kid, my dad and my uncle both bought copper-brown Granada GXLs just like this one. I remember going to pick them up from the dealer, parked side by side with consecutive number plates. Beautiful cars they were! I also remember the head gasket blowing on ours during a drive to Poland one year! :)
WOW Steph, what a thrill that was ! My Dad was a fan if big Fords - every Mk of Zodiac, and then a Granada 3ltr Ghia. Those big V6 engines were so free revving, and the power was instant ! My Mum, who never drove, loved being 'wafted' around in big Fords. I later had a Mk2 3ltr Ghia - everything electric, and pure Luxury, and relatively good on fuel. Thanks for provoking such good memories of these great cars. Take care 🙂
A similar modern day experience can be had in any Merc with ‘Artico’ seats - the 2013 C Class I used to have was awful on a hot summers day - took me right back to being in the back of my dad’s Mk3 Cortina estate!
I believe later Ghia packages did offer Connolly hides. Wasn't there a later coupé with Recaros as well? I reckon I've seen a few, but perhaps they were aftermarket.
Great looking car. Loved my Dad's 3.0 Gxl in metallic blue. Seen a couple recently at a motor show, a very upmarket looking car. I would be quite happy driving one of these today.
Hi Stef. New subscriber here after only recently finding your amazing channel. Brings back memories of when my Dad had to fix many of these early cars and I would sit and watch him. He was proud of his Austin Marina and Ford Cortina. Many a time he would take me with him to the local scrap yard and fill my pockets with spare bulbs and bolts and then only pay for a part he was after lol. Awesome channel and I love the presentation. Thank you
My father had one of these - also a 2.5 litre, but with a four speed manual - which was a superb car. Thanks for the memories revived! Best wishes from George.
Great video and great car! My father of blessed memory had a '76 Mk1 Granada GXL company car with a 3 L engine and a MANUAL transmission. After a few years, this was replaced by a Mk2 Granada with a 2.8 L engine and automatic transmission. I got to drive both cars. The Mk1 with manual transmission was so much more fun to drive! Powerful, refined and with impeccable roadholding, whether shifting through the gears on the hilly roads west of Birmingham, or driving down the motorway from the Midlands to Bristol. If you really want to appreciate this car, get a manual version with a 3L engine, and take it out cross-country. Its predecessor, the Ford Taunus 20m (not the Ford Zodiac) was also a great car - my own first car was a '66 Taunus 20m with a 2L V6 engine.
Sounds like you really enjoyed driving this Ford Grenada l could tell from the video it was quiet gave a very smooth ride and you comented on how comfortable the seat was what a great car
You mentioned that this was available in South Africa. With the Mk1, the Essex V6 3 litre was only engine. The Mk2 was still equipped with the the 3 litre Essex. Europe was 2.8 Koln V6. The Essex lived long there. It was cast in Port Elizabeth.
@@patrickcannell2258- The Granada 5.0 V8 Perana as developed by Basil Green was available through the Ford dealership showrooms and carried a full Ford guarantee. It was carried as a full Ford product unlike the Meissner conversations which were only available from Willie Meissner. PS: I saw a Mk II Meissner Cortina GT yesterday - now THAT is a super rare car.
Steph a brilliant review well done have always loved the Granadas especially the mk1 they had styling which has not dated and always so comfy inside and could munch the miles looking at it now you can see how it was such a success back in the 70s looks a lovely example I have many happy memories of travelling in my uncles mk1 and 2!
Great video Stef , wow seeing you drive that old mk 1 Granada took me straight back to the seventies. Personally I preferred the mk 2 from 1977 the more sharper square lines and even more standard luxury fittings . I do agree with you , that the Granada both marks were Fords greatest cars .
@@thatfocusguy A car with two names for low and high spec of the same car, like its predecessor, Ford Zephyr and Zodiac, also the Vauxhall Viva and Magnum, Hillman Hunter and Humber Sceptre, even Jaguar and Daimler, and Wolseley/Riley, MG and Vanden Plas being posh versions of the Austin and Morris.
Had a 74 Ghia 4 door saloon, best car to sit in for a tall driver, so much legroom, also extremely comfortable and quiet. Good driveability also, light pas rack and pinion, irs, etc. Sadly, someone crashed into the rear of the Granada in Feb 2010 and was written off. Miss the car😢
You are very well informed and really know your stuff. I think that your enthusiasm for classic cars is great. My dad had a 1975 3.0 GXL, I must visit to drive dad’s car !
I've had three and they were lovely to drive, but a bit too expensive to repair, (at least here in Sweden). Makes my heart warm to see a well taken care of Granada these days. Thanks Steph!
Great car and review. Always loved that car, being an American it reminds me of our big sedans of that era, roomy, fast, easy to drive and repair. What's not to like!
I had a 2.0 Consul, a 2.0 Granada, and finally a 3.0 Granada Ghia Coupe, which I loved. Mind you, in cold weather, the door handles would freeze - once you got the door open, it wouldn't close again till it warmed up a bit. 😂
My uncle had the Consul and a friends dad, they were 2.5v6 I know the Granada tended to use the 2.0 pinto or 3.0V6 didn’t know about the V4 thought that was the Corsair and Saab used them out the transit…. Hey Steph is this your favourite because the colour matches your fabulous hair ..? 🤔
On the face lift of the mk1 Granada the clock position was moved down to the centre console just in front of the gear stick most were an oblong analogue traditional clock face but in the then top range Ghia model it was digital white on black numbers I could mention a dozen other differences to trim and equipment, how do I know? well my dad had one in the 70s and ive owned several in the 80s happy days
Just subscribed to your channel and straight away find this review. Totally agree after having had the Consul version with the awful V4 I then bought the V6 3 ltr GXL (1973/4 ) manual. Looking back it was probably one of the best all round cars I’ve owned. I exchanged it for a mk4 Cortina and regretted it very soon afterwards. Many thanks for bringing back some great memories. Just subscribed so will be an avid follower from now on!
I had the 2.5l Consul as my first car and loved it. A Mk3 Cortina estate as my second, and a Mercedes w115 200 as my third. None of these cars were particularly quick and none had power steering. Still, as nice as the Fords were, they didn't come close to that old Merc for build quality and driving pleasure.
I remember that car on "The Sweeney" with John Thaw. It was never sold in Australia as we had the Cortina and the Falcon a US car that became a local product, which was further developed and sold here after Ford (US) ended production. The Falcon had a lifespan here of almost 50 years. There is no now local car production in Australia.
Hi Steph, these Grenada's were so good that the next models, up to the square Mk4 was the same car and running gear with a different body, the were also one of the best towing vehicles on the market at the time, they were just great at what ever you wanted one for...
@@clivet3252 It does suit the later ones better, but I think it is because the later cars were more of a square design, the earlier ones were in line with the MK3 Cortina coke bottle shape and as such were more fluent and curvier than the later ones, but really both looked good and both were great cars...
@@williamknellor2027 yeah that's what I mean. I think the Escort estate was the same, although the MK2 wasn't as much of a departure as the Granada. I was born in '81 so I saw the later Granada estate first and found it strange when I saw an early estate and the rear part was the same.
Hi Steph, this episode and the car brings back loads of memories. In the 70s I worked for a company whose middle management had Granada's as company cars and so I had access to 2 ltr and 3 ltr versions and at the end of my time with the company the Ghia versions came along. They were, and good examples still are, great cars. The Granada moved on and eventually became the Scorpio and because my wife at a Ford dealer, I had access to Scorpio and Scorpio Ghi which were true luxury cars. Thanks very much for making this happen ...
What a fabulous car 👍. Yes, I admired the Granada to when watching 'The Sweeney' as a teenager back in the 1970's. See a lot of the same components in that Granada as those in my 1976 Ford Cortina 2000E. We never had the Granada in NZ & Australia, imagine they would of sold like hotcakes in the Oceania market.
A very good friend had a stunning whit 3.0l Ghia for many years. He kept it in excellent condition. We drove from Essex to the north of Scotland during a two week holiday and it was supremely confortable. If you think those seat are good you should try the Ghia. One of the best Ford's ever.
My dad had one new in 1975, it was a facelifted mk1. It was a beautiful metallic blue. It looked very solid and butch. As a teen I felt like a prince in this car, It had the black interior which I preferred. Such a superb car.
Such a great car. Looks and performance. The Mk1 was by far the prettiest of the versions. Strangely that seems to be the case with so many Ford cars. The Escort is another example.
That car was a Sport, rarely seen on the roads. It still exists, and was featured on an 'Old Classic Car' video taken at a Ford rally. I assume it has always been owned by Ford and is now kept as a heritage icon. As was seen in the Sweeney, its road handling was exceptional thanks to its independent semi-trailing coil spring rear suspension, and double wishbone fronts, plus beefed-up anti-roll bars. The rear suspension remained on all following Granadas, but sadly the low set wishbone front was eventually replaced by the ubiquitous McPherson Struts.
One of my favourites . As a young man I was to spend my week end washing cars and I seem to remember a certain televsion crime drama series when I see that car. Also it is a bit odd but in certain parts in reminds me of a 1972 Toyota Crown Custom
Another lovely video Steph! When I was in my late teens, I owned a 1974 Ford Gran Torino. What a gorgeous car it was. This reminds me a bit of it, just smaller ☺️
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I remember back in 1978 being picked up at Christmas to drive home from the Midlands to Liverpool, and my friend had hired a Granada. It was the most luxurious journey, and I still remember it nearly fifty years on. Beautiful vehicle!
My Dad owned the MK2 2.3GL in metallic green which he bought in 1983 new. Fond memories of listening to Cat Stevens and Roxy Music.
I had a 3.0 GXL in white with black vynal roof in the early 80s what a great car
Gorgeous car. The colour is perfect with the vinyl roof.
The first 2 generations of the Granada were beautiful cars, no matter the spec that you got, manual or auto, it didn't matter, they were a cut above. I don't think they were as exec as the Mercedes or BMW of the time but for a Ford they were top drawer. The 3.0 Coupe has always been a car I'd love to own if I could afford the fuel bills.
I did have a blue coupe 3.0 ghia lovely big velour seats
@@rustywreck3351 I've never seen a blue one, only seen the copper colour ones. They just look a nice comfy cruiser to me, a very appealing car.
@@graemew7001 it was originally light blue metallic then I had it painted royal blue JJR 816N
@@graemew7001 I’ve had at least 10 granadas even a 1.6 mk1 :)
@@rustywreck3351 I can't imagine a Granada with a 1.6, it must have been the worst of both worlds, gutless and thirsty lol. My mate had a mk4 Cortina 1.6 with an 80's bodykit, white 8 spokes and a window louvre and well, not only did it look crap but it was slow as hell lol.
Ahhh The Swweney and The Professionals really brought these to the fore ! A local meat factory owner had one and we used to see it all the time as kids - Thanks for the memories Steph !
My dad had two of them over the years a red one and a daytona yellow one beautiful cars.
They where fantastic looking cars I love the back end with the embossed Ford logo and rear lights
My dad used to own a Mark 1 Granada saloon 3 litre automatic. It was indeed a luxurious car, and quite rapid. Thanks for another great review, Steph.
Quick back in the day but a 2916 1.4 corolla would leave it for dust now. How technology has come on. A friend of mine has a Granada MK 1 and is restoring it. He has fitted a Lexus V8 and gearbox. Looking forward to driving it.
My dad had the same model in burgundy, one of the best cars I've ever driven.
My dad had a 3.0l GL estate bought new in 1976.
White with tobacco vinyl roof. OPR 594R was the reg. Never forget what a lovely car that was.
@@simonw4340 Yes Simon, my dad bought a 3.0L GHIA Granada in 1981, PVP 334R, it was a monster back in the day....my mates thought my dad was a badass LOL
Hi Stef! 🍀My Name ist Stefan. 😂From Germany.
I subscribed to your channel months ago!
I love this car!
Keep on driving!
I’ve always loved the Mark 1 Granada. Such cool 70’s styling. I’m so glad you were able to test drive one 👍🏼
Absolutely love the colour.
Steph's dress goes really well with the 1970s style of the Granada. Both has a disco vibe.
I don't know which I admire most, the cars or Steph's dresses!
What an exceptional exterior paint colour on this Granada Mk I with the vinyl roof! Growing up I lived in an area with both a Ford assembly plant and a British Leyland distribution centre and occasionally us kids would be able to see the new vehicles in their respective lots. Another gem of a video.
I've always liked the Copper Bronze colour of The Sweeney's Consul.
I sometimes got a lift to/from school in a friend's car which was the spitting image of NHK 295M, at the time when The Sweeney was being shown, so we imagined that we were Regan and Carter being driven to "a blagging" by Bill the Driver ;-)
LOL!
Always like the rear lights on these... marvellous!
great car of the period, my dad had a Ford cortina as a company car and senior staff would get the Granada, i went to a car show in May and there were two Granada on display, they were totally immaculate including the engine bay, great to see
This is the big brother of the Mk3 Cortina. Low spec models are the Consul. This one is a similar colour to the most famous Sweeney car NHK295M that still exists, but there were a few other Consuls and Granadas used. The GXL is the top of range before the Ghia came out but with no rear armrest unlike the Austin Morris 1800.
Another great video from one of my favourite car-tubers, Thanks. I remember lusting after one of these watching the Sweeney back in the 70's.
Enjoyed the video. I like that you always take time to look the car over and spend time on the controls and gages interior, engine compartment and boot . Your camera work is good. Other videos I've looked at just gloss over so quickly I hardly see what the gauge or seat pattern look like. Thanks for taking the time. Looking forward to your next video
THE SWEENEY…seriously they were a fantastic car in the mid seventies my local shopkeeper had an estate version in bright green, just beautiful…fantastic review as usual cheers.
Loved this video. Brought back memories of my mark 2 from 1984. I had the Granada 2.8 Ghia X. It’s still one of the best cars I’ve owned.
Thanks for a great video Steph. I recall seeing that Granada when we visited the Great British Car Journey...it's a beauty. Imho Fords from the late 60s to mid 70s were the pinnacle of Ford design. The mk1 Escort and Capri, mk3 Cortina and of course the Granada. All gorgeous cars.
My uncle from the UK had this car in white & I thought it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen much less be driven in. Class. ❤
Love these old Granadas , especially the coupe.
My dad had 4 of these back in the 70's. A 3.0 GXL and 3 x 3.0 Ghias.
I have a 1977 MK1 3.0 Ghia.... probably one of the last registered (1st August 1977) as they brought the MK2 out from the 1st September!
I had a 2litre V6 left-hand drive model when I was stationed in Germany. Later type dash, sunroof and a few other bits. That Cologne engine was superb. My only Ford, but it was superb on the European roads.
My dad bought a brand new one in 1973, brilliant car which went around the clock 2 and half times. It was a 3ltr automatic. Awesome machine, came fitted with Michelin tyres and I'm fairly sure he got over forty thousand miles from the first set (very steady driver) but when he went to get them replaced with the same type he was not happy when he was told they no longer made them😢
For some reason I’ve got the theme tune to The Sweeney running through my mind. Would love to have 3.0 Ghia coupe with alloys and sunroof.
Great video Steph, thanks for evoking so many memories ❤
CARTER!
get the car...
The 2000 V4 ran in the Consul until 1974 when it was finally replaced by the Pinto OHC engine. Ford wanted to use the Pinto from the start but the Cologne engine plant just could not build enough. The Cortina had it first in 1970, the Capri in late 1973 for the beginning of Mark II production and the Consul in '74 when Pinto production was really in full swing.
Great video. So glad you enjoyed it and spreading the word of how good they are.
My father had the Mk1 3.0 V6 Coupe Ghia, and it's a car I remember fondly.
The MK 1 Granada is very well designed. I love the way the bumper curves around the rear for example, so well done. The engines were sweet too, plenty of torque. A great review Steph and not a cardboard box in sight! 😉👍👍
Or a stack of oil drums in the road.🤣
One of the best family car ford have make .
Triumph 2500 MK2 is still my favourite 70s car, but the Granada is undoubtedly an attractive car. Thanks Steph.
I had a white v6 ford granada consul in the 80s and she was smooth real smooth 😎
Im glad you really enjoyed that Steph. We never had the Granada here like the Escort or Cortina because the big Ford car here was the Australian made Falcon and was a popular family car.
Thanks Steph for giving the Granada some attention. I have a soft spot for these cars as my Late father had a mark one and a later mark two. I had the pleasure of driving both extensively, thanks for the memories.
I remember when these were brand new. A great looking car, they were used as taxis in the 1970s and 80s. Happy days.
For me, the best Granada was the facelifted mark 1 in 3.0 Ghia guise.
I also feel that is the model and trim level which has aged the best.
Somehow, I don't think that the later versions have faired quite so well.
A true clasic.
P.S. I remember the foot operated screen washer with wiper ring surround well. In some ways I prefer them to the intermittent we have today, where unless you have the sensor versions which adjusts automatically, you never seem to be able to get the interval quite right!
That was one good looking car! Loved them back in the day!
Such a great looking car and one I always remember from my childhood in the late 70's/early 80's.
The only Ford that my father owned was a MK3 Cortina, and the only one that i have owned was a MK3 Escort, but this has always been my favourite Ford and in that colour too.
It's interesting to see that a lot of cars of this era look alike. Such as the Valiants, Falcons, Escorts, Granada, Holden Kingswood, etc. The Granada has quite a nice looking dashboard. Thanks for sharing Steph. 😊👍
From the front 3/4 view it looks a bit like an XC Fairmont with those rectangular headlights.
We're Are the head Rests
No.head.rests.they.missing😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅
I've always liked these. It's tidy and simplistic, yet attractive in design. It looks quite comfortable, and I was shocked that it's so quiet! I would've loved for them to be sold here.
Here in the US, our Ford Granada looked like a block of cheese that Ford attempted to compare with both the Cadillac Seville (which that in of itself was created using intermediate Chevrolet Nova parts) as well as the various Mercedes models, which was odd to say the least. Heck they even made a Lincoln (Versailles) version of ours! Your version Granada seems way more appropriate.
I've owned several Granada's in my life and rightnow I drive a mk3 estate from 1982. I could not agree more with you. They are so comfortable and even for modern days they go very well in traffic.
Thanks for the nostalgia. When I was a kid, my dad and my uncle both bought copper-brown Granada GXLs just like this one. I remember going to pick them up from the dealer, parked side by side with consecutive number plates. Beautiful cars they were! I also remember the head gasket blowing on ours during a drive to Poland one year! :)
WOW Steph, what a thrill that was ! My Dad was a fan if big Fords - every Mk of Zodiac, and then a Granada 3ltr Ghia. Those big V6 engines were so free revving, and the power was instant ! My Mum, who never drove, loved being 'wafted' around in big Fords. I later had a Mk2 3ltr Ghia - everything electric, and pure Luxury, and relatively good on fuel. Thanks for provoking such good memories of these great cars. Take care 🙂
The number of times on a hot day I burned my bottom on what's referred to today as 'vegan leather' seats.
A similar modern day experience can be had in any Merc with ‘Artico’ seats - the 2013 C Class I used to have was awful on a hot summers day - took me right back to being in the back of my dad’s Mk3 Cortina estate!
I believe later Ghia packages did offer Connolly hides. Wasn't there a later coupé with Recaros as well? I reckon I've seen a few, but perhaps they were aftermarket.
Great looking car. Loved my Dad's 3.0 Gxl in metallic blue. Seen a couple recently at a motor show, a very upmarket looking car. I would be quite happy driving one of these today.
And then stuck to it.
3.0lt ghia or the ghia coupe what a beautiful car, auto of course
Hi Stef. New subscriber here after only recently finding your amazing channel. Brings back memories of when my Dad had to fix many of these early cars and I would sit and watch him. He was proud of his Austin Marina and Ford Cortina. Many a time he would take me with him to the local scrap yard and fill my pockets with spare bulbs and bolts and then only pay for a part he was after lol. Awesome channel and I love the presentation. Thank you
Great review as always Steph .I half expected the soundtrack "The Sweeney" TV show to play on the radio .
My uncle always had top spec Granada‘s. Brings back many 70‘s for me
A/C was available as was a sunroof and headlamp wash/wipe.
I had a my 1 estate , probably the best car ever built by ford , it towed a caravan with ease , loved it
My father had one of these - also a 2.5 litre, but with a four speed manual - which was a superb car.
Thanks for the memories revived!
Best wishes from George.
Had an estate version excellent the largest capacity of any estate in the day, very functional and comfortable to use.
Great video and great car! My father of blessed memory had a '76 Mk1 Granada GXL company car with a 3 L engine and a MANUAL transmission. After a few years, this was replaced by a Mk2 Granada with a 2.8 L engine and automatic transmission. I got to drive both cars. The Mk1 with manual transmission was so much more fun to drive! Powerful, refined and with impeccable roadholding, whether shifting through the gears on the hilly roads west of Birmingham, or driving down the motorway from the Midlands to Bristol.
If you really want to appreciate this car, get a manual version with a 3L engine, and take it out cross-country. Its predecessor, the Ford Taunus 20m (not the Ford Zodiac) was also a great car - my own first car was a '66 Taunus 20m with a 2L V6 engine.
I had a 3L GXL Granada back in the 1980s and loved it, although I must say it was very thirsty with that V6 engine.
Sounds like you really enjoyed driving this Ford Grenada l could tell from the video it was quiet gave a very smooth ride and you comented on how comfortable the seat was what a great car
You mentioned that this was available in South Africa. With the Mk1, the Essex V6 3 litre was only engine. The Mk2 was still equipped with the the 3 litre Essex. Europe was 2.8 Koln V6. The Essex lived long there. It was cast in Port Elizabeth.
But you also had the V8 Perana in SA, the best of the bunch
South Africa also had the Mk I Granada L with the 2.5 liter Essex engine...
And of course the 5.0 liter Windsor V8.
@cossieboa5717 the V8 Peranah was a special build by the Basil Green in Johannesburg. Made in limited numbers.
@@patrickcannell2258- The Granada 5.0 V8 Perana as developed by Basil Green was available through the Ford dealership showrooms and carried a full Ford guarantee.
It was carried as a full Ford product unlike the Meissner conversations which were only available from Willie Meissner.
PS: I saw a Mk II Meissner Cortina GT yesterday - now THAT is a super rare car.
Steph a brilliant review well done have always loved the Granadas especially the mk1 they had styling which has not dated and always so comfy inside and could munch the miles looking at it now you can see how it was such a success back in the 70s looks a lovely example I have many happy memories of travelling in my uncles mk1 and 2!
The styling inside and out is very of its time but it also looks modern - like a much newer vehicle built to a retro design.
Great video Stef , wow seeing you drive that old mk 1 Granada took me straight back to the seventies.
Personally I preferred the mk 2 from 1977 the more sharper square lines and even more standard luxury fittings .
I do agree with you , that the Granada both marks were Fords greatest cars .
They used it in The Sweeney, loads of high speed police chases, made it super cool to me.
It was a Consul GT not a Granada
@@thatfocusguy A car with two names for low and high spec of the same car, like its predecessor, Ford Zephyr and Zodiac, also the Vauxhall Viva and Magnum, Hillman Hunter and Humber Sceptre, even Jaguar and Daimler, and Wolseley/Riley, MG and Vanden Plas being posh versions of the Austin and Morris.
Had a 74 Ghia 4 door saloon, best car to sit in for a tall driver, so much legroom, also extremely comfortable and quiet. Good driveability also, light pas rack and pinion, irs, etc. Sadly, someone crashed into the rear of the Granada in Feb 2010 and was written off. Miss the car😢
An interesting video and commentary on this lovely car. I recognised the industrial estate your were on almost straight away.
Mk1 Granada lovely early 70's Ford Steph a great cruiser 😎
Lovely car and a joy to drive. I had a Mk1 saloon and 2 Mk1 coupes. All 3 ltr V6s.The saloon was manual but the coupes were autos. Wish I had one now.
You are very well informed and really know your stuff. I think that your enthusiasm for classic cars is great. My dad had a 1975 3.0 GXL, I must visit to drive dad’s car !
Wouldn't be surprised if that Granada was brought new from "Hangers" Welford Rd Leicester looking at the JJF number plate!
I've had three and they were lovely to drive, but a bit too expensive to repair, (at least here in Sweden). Makes my heart warm to see a well taken care of Granada these days. Thanks Steph!
Great car and review. Always loved that car, being an American it reminds me of our big sedans of that era, roomy, fast, easy to drive and repair. What's not to like!
I had a 2.0 Consul, a 2.0 Granada, and finally a 3.0 Granada Ghia Coupe, which I loved.
Mind you, in cold weather, the door handles would freeze - once you got the door open, it wouldn't close again till it warmed up a bit. 😂
Used to freeze on our Cortinas too
@@pauldavies6037the MK2 was bad for it
I had a 2.8 Ford Granada.. luved it
My uncle had the Consul and a friends dad, they were 2.5v6 I know the Granada tended to use the 2.0 pinto or 3.0V6 didn’t know about the V4 thought that was the Corsair and Saab used them out the transit….
Hey Steph is this your favourite because the colour matches your fabulous hair ..? 🤔
I admire you.Greetings from Olympus...
On the face lift of the mk1 Granada the clock position was moved down to the centre console just in front of the gear stick most were an oblong analogue traditional clock face but in the then top range Ghia model it was digital white on black numbers I could mention a dozen other differences to trim and equipment, how do I know? well my dad had one in the 70s and ive owned several in the 80s happy days
Great review Steph, such an elegant car for the money, The car featured in the Sweeney was a mk 1 Ford Consul. Lovely smooth transmission too .
My dad had 1 in signal red, but it was badged as a Ford consul, it was a 2 5 v4 from memory with a brown interior.....so cool ❤
The 2 litre was a V4 so if it was a 2.5 it was a V6.
20 B&H and a Zippo fit perfectly in the drivers dash pod 😉
Always liked the Coupe version of these.
Just subscribed to your channel and straight away find this review. Totally agree after having had the Consul version with the awful V4 I then bought the V6 3 ltr GXL (1973/4 ) manual. Looking back it was probably one of the best all round cars I’ve owned. I exchanged it for a mk4 Cortina and regretted it very soon afterwards.
Many thanks for bringing back some great memories. Just subscribed so will be an avid follower from now on!
Another great video! And that parking lot had a lot of interesting visitors’ vehicles, too.
Those are probably the rental fleet of the company who own the car - Drive Dad's Car.
Being waiting for this video for a long time thank you❤
I loved the Granada Mark 1. It was a great design and beautiful soft suspension.
I had the 2.5l Consul as my first car and loved it. A Mk3 Cortina estate as my second, and a Mercedes w115 200 as my third. None of these cars were particularly quick and none had power steering. Still, as nice as the Fords were, they didn't come close to that old Merc for build quality and driving pleasure.
We had one - 3 litre - very smooth ride. I do think Ford's brochure acceleration & top speed were rather optimist at the time
Love how 70's it looks; especially the interior. 😃
I remember that car on "The Sweeney" with John Thaw. It was never sold in Australia as we had the Cortina and the Falcon a US car that became a local product, which was further developed and sold here after Ford (US) ended production. The Falcon had a lifespan here of almost 50 years. There is no now local car production in Australia.
Hi Steph, these Grenada's were so good that the next models, up to the square Mk4 was the same car and running gear with a different body, the were also one of the best towing vehicles on the market at the time, they were just great at what ever you wanted one for...
Didn't the estate keep the same body?
The estate models used the rear quarter back panels and tailgate, etc...
@@williamknellor2027 yes that's what I thought. It's strange because the square design matches the later Granada better.
@@clivet3252 It does suit the later ones better, but I think it is because the later cars were more of a square design, the earlier ones were in line with the MK3 Cortina coke bottle shape and as such were more fluent and curvier than the later ones, but really both looked good and both were great cars...
@@williamknellor2027 yeah that's what I mean. I think the Escort estate was the same, although the MK2 wasn't as much of a departure as the Granada. I was born in '81 so I saw the later Granada estate first and found it strange when I saw an early estate and the rear part was the same.
Hi Steph, this episode and the car brings back loads of memories.
In the 70s I worked for a company whose middle management had Granada's as company cars and so I had access to 2 ltr and 3 ltr versions and at the end of my time with the company the Ghia versions came along. They were, and good examples still are, great cars.
The Granada moved on and eventually became the Scorpio and because my wife at a Ford dealer, I had access to Scorpio and Scorpio Ghi which were true luxury cars.
Thanks very much for making this happen ...
What a fabulous car 👍. Yes, I admired the Granada to when watching 'The Sweeney' as a teenager back in the 1970's. See a lot of the same components in that Granada as those in my 1976 Ford Cortina 2000E. We never had the Granada in NZ & Australia, imagine they would of sold like hotcakes in the Oceania market.
I actually learned to drive in my dads new 2.5 consul estate in 1976. Big car to learn on for sure!
A very good friend had a stunning whit 3.0l Ghia for many years. He kept it in excellent condition. We drove from Essex to the north of Scotland during a two week holiday and it was supremely confortable. If you think those seat are good you should try the Ghia. One of the best Ford's ever.
My dad had one new in 1975, it was a facelifted mk1. It was a beautiful metallic blue. It looked very solid and butch. As a teen I felt like a prince in this car, It had the black interior which I preferred. Such a superb car.
My Dad actually had one of these haha he later had the Mk 2 as well a great drive both of them (:
Such a great car. Looks and performance. The Mk1 was by far the prettiest of the versions. Strangely that seems to be the case with so many Ford cars. The Escort is another example.
mk1 focus also
The Sweeney, Regan and Carter. After them Bill!. Mark 1, Reg NHK 295M
That car was a Sport, rarely seen on the roads. It still exists, and was featured on an 'Old Classic Car' video taken at a Ford rally. I assume it has always been owned by Ford and is now kept as a heritage icon. As was seen in the Sweeney, its road handling was exceptional thanks to its independent semi-trailing coil spring rear suspension, and double wishbone fronts, plus beefed-up anti-roll bars. The rear suspension remained on all following Granadas, but sadly the low set wishbone front was eventually replaced by the ubiquitous McPherson Struts.
Great cars. I have own a 1973 4d gxl, a 1975 4d ghia and a 1975 ghia coupe, all 3,0 automatic. Very thirsty cars especially with a caravan.
Great review Steph! Thanks so much for the video.
The face lift 2.0 was pinto inile 4 not the v4 which had been dropped
One of my favourites . As a young man I was to spend my week end washing cars and I seem to remember a certain televsion crime drama series when I see that car. Also it is a bit odd but in certain parts in reminds me of a 1972 Toyota Crown Custom
Another lovely video Steph! When I was in my late teens, I owned a 1974 Ford Gran Torino. What a gorgeous car it was. This reminds me a bit of it, just smaller ☺️