Ford Granada

De Ford Granada was a large executive car that was built by Ford Europe for 22 years between 1972 and 1994. The first generation was produced in Cologne, Germany from 1972 to 1976 and at the British factory in Dagenham. In 1976, production in Dagenham ceased and production moved entirely to Germany. The original version was not replaced until 1977 by a second-generation model that was produced until 1985. From 1985 to 1994, the name Granada was used in the United Kingdom. For a third-generation model that was sold in other European markets as the Ford Scorpio.

First series Ford Granada 1972-1977

The model was the successor to the British Ford Zephyr and the German P7 series. Initially, cheaper models in the series were called the Ford Consul. This was likely due to a lawsuit filed by the Granada Group, but their request for an injunction could not prevent Ford from registering the name Granada as a trademark anyway. Consequently, from 1975 onwards, all versions were called Granada. The car quickly became popular as a taxi and also as a police car. The model was also available as a limousine and was used as a hearse. A truly versatile model, therefore.

Granada from 1972

Interior from 1972

Tournament version

Mechanically, the European Granada kept pace with the other Ford models. The first series was powered by the Ford Essex V4 2,0-liter engine and the Essex V6 engine with 2,5 or 3,0 liters displacement. German models also received a Ford Taunus 1,7-liter V4 engine, the 3.0-liter Essex V6, or the “Cologne” V6 with 2,0, 2,3, or 2,6 liters displacement. The V4 was later replaced by the Pinto engine. The model was available as a four-door sedan, a five-door station wagon, and a two-door fastback coupe. The early 1972–1973 coupe featured a slightly more pronounced so-called Coca-Cola bottle styling. In 1973, a two-door sedan was added to the range, and a year later the coupe's design was revised and the model received more straight lines.

Second generation Granada from 1979

Second series 1977-1985

The angular and rectilinear '78 version appeared in August 1977 and was produced until April 1985 following a mild facelift in 1982. It was a further development of the previous car, with all examples now receiving the “Cologne” V6 engine because production in England had ceased. The model became available with options such as air conditioning and fuel injection. Although most second-series models featured a body-colored grille, earlier examples had a simple black grille, regardless of body color.

1981 Ford Sport Granada 2.8i

Production of the coupe was discontinued when the new model went into production, although a two-door sedan remained available in certain European markets. A relatively small number of units were produced with an Indenor four-cylinder diesel engine. A sports Granada with a 2,8-liter fuel-injected engine followed, featuring white alloy wheels and a black tailgate spoiler. A special British Ford was later introduced as the “Ford Granada Ghia X Executive,” which came standard with luxury equipment, such as a high-grade Connolly leather interior that had previously been an option. Further refinements such as an electric sunroof, electric tailgate, electric seat controls, heated seats, onboard computer, and air conditioning made the Granada Ghia X more expensive than most competitors in its class. There was also a special “Taxi” edition available only in black, featuring a foot-operated “panic button” in the driver’s footwell.

Third series Ford Granada

Ford Granada third series 1985-1994

In April 1985, the third generation went into production. The familiar SOHC Pinto engine also became available in this generation, as a 1,8-liter or 2,0-liter engine with fuel injection. In the Netherlands, the third generation never came onto the market, but the second generation was succeeded by the Ford Scorpio (with thanks to Mark Kusters for the information).

In 1991, a new top-of-the-line vehicle was introduced: the Scorpio 24-valve. The model was fitted with a 2,9-liter Cologne engine that had been modified by Cosworth Engineering, resulting in 200 hp. With this, this particular example accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 8,1 seconds and reached a top speed of 230 km/h.