Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The June Online Timed Auction on Thursday the 27th of June, Online. Background:
Launched in the long, hot summer of 1976, the Fiesta was Ford’s entry into the Supermini ‘B-segment’ small hatchback market which became a global success, with more than 22 million units sold before the final Fiesta rolled off a production line late in 2023, nearly half a century later.
Approved for production by Henry Ford II in September 1972, hot on the heels of the launch of Fiat’s 127 and Renault’s 5, the first public view of a production model was at the Le Mans 24 Hour race in June 1976, the very first Fiestas hitting dealer showrooms that September.
Early Fiestas were basic, small-engined, economy models with 957cc and 1, 117cc four-cylinder Spanish-built ‘Valencia’ power units, in Base, Popular, Popular Plus, L and GL trim specs. More features, comfort and power followed as sure as night follows day but the Fiesta quickly grabbed its fair share of the market right from launch, establishing a dynasty that saw it remain as Britain’s best-selling car for almost its entire life.
The car:
This early Fiesta has come from long term storage in Spain and was imported into the UK in 2021, being recommissioned and serviced before being returned to the road.
This car is a remarkable survivor. Small economic family runabouts were not intended to survive half a century, yet here it is, still motoring as happily as it probably did when it was first delivered. The Emerald Green coachwork is new - as is perhaps not surprising in a 43-year-old car, which has covered almost 100, 000 Kms (60, 000 miles) , despite its period of inactivity – but it now looks showroom-fresh and good for another 40-plus years, though some of the rubber is dry and perished, as is to be expected, particularly in hotter climes.
The Fiesta’s interior was in a pretty poor state when rescued, with a thick layer of dust and an accumulation of rat droppings, but excellent, low-mileage seats were sourced from a Spanish Fiesta club member. Replacing the rear seat belts, sourcing an original cigarette lighter to power USB devices and replacing the original push-button radio with a vintage-style MP3 player for better sounds have all helped update the interior for the 21st century.
A candidate for Festival Of The Unexceptional? Certainly. A delight to drive? Absolutely. And the possibility of it making a little money for running improvements as a film/ TV prop is not to be overlooked. When was the last time you saw one?
Be warned - every drive will result in broad smiles for driver and onlookers and every stop will involve a conversation with somebody whose parents had one, who learned to drive in one or who owned one as their first car.
Summary:
Relive those memories with this delightful little Fiesta. One to be enjoyed, as it’s being gradually improved.
Seller: Private
Photographer: Professional
Location: East Sussex
