1979 Ford Fiesta Million – Classified of the Week

We’ve all seen prices of classic Fords heading skyward for a while now and none more so than those exclusive special edition models. The rarities that were built to commemorate certain milestones or achievements, or simply so Ford could go racing. Look at the Tickford Capris or the RS200 homologation specials, for example and you’ll see what we mean. Cars with limited production runs that make them that little bit more special in the eyes of classic car fans and collectors alike. And don’t get us started on those less common models from across the pond. With the likes of the Fairlane 500 R Code and Mustang McLaren M81 the yanks have always been a proponent of the exclusive and that’s not even mentioning the myriad trucks that got similar treatment. While the humble Fiesta Million we have as today’s Classified of the Week might not quite be in the same upper echelons of desirability as those cars listed above it’s still very much a wave from that same sea and values reflect this.

Currently in its seventh generation the Fiesta is still going great guns today and with the likes of the ST remains as popular as ever. Hitting the scene in ’76 it would take the Fiesta a little over two years to reach the one million sales mark in 1979. This was the fastest sales record for any European Ford at the time and so a special edition model was produced to commemorate the occasion and hence the Ford Fiesta Million was born.

Based upon the ‘L’, which sat in the middle between the base and Ghia models, the Million was still a 3-door hatchback and retained the Mk1 Fiesta’s standard four-speed manual transmission, transverse OHV engine (in either 957cc or 1117cc guise), front wheel-drive configuration. Where it did differ, however, is in the aesthetics department. The Million edition was available with a choice of either Ford Black or Strato Silver paintwork and featured red go-faster stripes as well as red bumper inserts. Other embellishments included tinted windows, a passenger wing mirror (how decadent) and wider steel wheels. The interior received similar jazzing up with the addition of chequered ‘Scott’ seat fabric (think Capri S), headrests and a centre console as standard.

With only a shade over 3,000 of these Million variants produced this particular car really is in hen’s tooth territory with only a fraction of that number left in the UK. Like we said, it may not be as sexy as those limited edition Mustangs but boy is it still an incredibly rare thing. Not only that but it is in fantastic original condition and has covered a mere 25,000 miles from new! Fitted with the 1.1-litre, 53bhp version of Ford’s four-cylinder this Fiesta is ready and raring to go. The pictures included with the advert show a time-warp example with little to no wear. Anywhere. Even the engine bay looks as clean as it would have back in ’79 when it rolled out of the Ford factory in Dagenham.

The car also comes with the factory option sunroof, mudflaps and Fiesta Million branded over mats. Not only that but the original book pack is also included. This is the full package ladies and gentlemen. Yes, £13,000 is a lot of money to pay for a Mk1 Fiesta but this is more than just a classic Ford, it’s an investment piece. Buy it and watch prices continue to rise, safe in the knowledge that you’re in an incredibly exclusive club – a club where you can park next to any of those other special edition Fords, regardless of cost and feel right at home.