3 days ago
UK's rarest cars: 1989 Ford Granada Mk3 Ghia 4x4, the only one left
Some of the cars in this series covering fast-disappearing models have the power to make certain writers feel incredibly old – such as when realising the third-generation Granada is now 40 years old. Even more startling is that this Ghia 4x4 offered for sale by Martin Howey Classics is believed to be the sole roadworthy example.
The Granada Mk3 debuted in April 1985. To motorists used to the Mk2's crisp-cut looks that at a glance resembled an enlarged Cortina, the latest model's 'jelly mould' styling was somewhat of a shock. In addition, Ford sold it only in five-door (hatchback) guise, when the Mercedes-Benz W124, Vauxhall Carlton and Volvo 700-series were more conventional 'three-box' saloons.
Ford could argue that the Rover SD1 was a five-door rival, but that was coming to the end of its life. The new Granada represented as much a challenge to dealers as the Sierra had in 1982 when it replaced the Cortina. The Telegraph wondered 'how traditional Granada customers will take to the blandly aerodynamic hatchbacks. Are they sufficiently 'dignified' for business customers?'
At that time, a poll suggested that 82 per cent of managers had some choice over their company car. There was a risk of such motorists defecting to the Carlton, but the Mk3 Granada at least retained its familiar name in the UK and Ireland. In mainland Europe, it was named the Scorpio after Ford rejected Lugano, a brand even less likely to appeal to a Weybridge insurance broker.
For this country, Scorpio was the ultimate trim level, ranking above even Ghia. Ford hailed the Mk3 as setting standards 'by which other executive-class cars must be judged'. Motor believed the new Granada's chassis 'can stand comparison with the best' and it was Car of the Year 1986, beating the Lancia Y10 supermini from Italy and the W124 German saloon rival.
And Ford sold the Granada Mk3 with the promise of 'high technology'. It was the first mass-produced European car with ABS anti-lock brakes as standard on all versions. Furthermore, 'appreciating the business world's fast-growing need for ultra-modern, Ford decided to introduce a cellular radio-telephone option on the new Granada'.
This car was designed with four-wheel-drive in mind from the outset. In September 1985, Ford announced the Ghia and Scorpio 4x4. This newspaper reported Ford believed four-wheel-drive would appeal to senior executives who would appreciate its ability to keep the Granada mobile 'under all conditions'.
The 4WD system was mechanically identical to that of the Sierra XR4x4, with an epicyclic centre differential splitting power between 34 per cent to the front wheels and 66 per cent to the rear. The differential speed action was automatically controlled. The 4x4 models also had modified suspension and larger wheels.
The Telegraph found the Granada 4x4 'impressively safe and stable, if a little ponderous' but thought the lighter Sierra 4x4 'more fun to drive, feeling nimbler and more responsive'. Autocar seemed more taken with the larger Ford, comparing its road manners to 'Jaguar's superb achievement in the ride handling compromise of the XJ'.
Motor regarded the Granada 4x4 as 'extremely safe and very impressive' and more satisfying to drive hard than the Audi 200 Turbo Quattro. It also contended it needed more power, thus in 1987 Ford replaced the long-established 2.8-litre V6 engine with a 2.9-litre unit. The sales copy aimed at the Yuppie market: 'It'll be quite a success in the City.' The 4x4's top speed was 126mph, with 0-60 in 8.9sec.
By 1989, the Ghia 4x4 cost £20,920 compared with £30,929 for the Audi 200 Turbo Quattro, £20,443 for the Rover Vitesse and £20,904 for the Vauxhall Senator 3.0i CD. A Ghia 4x4 owner would naturally expect electric windows, central locking adjustable steering, a sliding roof 'with louvred blind' and alloy wheels. Not to mention 'heated front seats trimmed in luxurious Astral fabric'.
A major facelift in 1994 included the demise of the Granada name; the latest Scorpio had frontal treatment resembling a guppy in receipt of bad news. Production ended in 1998 after about 850,000 units. By then, the market for large cars from a 'non-prestige' marque was rapidly diminishing. The Mk3 Granada/Scorpio was to be the last such Ford.
In retrospect, Ford's decision not to introduce a four-door saloon option until the 1990 model year and an estate until 1991 was a mistake. Forty years ago, such versions would have broadened the Mk3's appeal and probably have found more favour with its customer base than the hatchback.
Yet, this ultra-rare Ghia is a testament to Ford of Europe's sheer ambition: a mass-production hatchback with four-wheel-drive and anti-lock brakes. And as Motor put it, testers could drive the Granada 4x4 'so quickly and safely in such abysmal conditions'.
