1982 Ford Granada – Project Profile

What the dickens is going on with classic Fords? Their stratospheric rise in terms of prices continues to amaze us all, and while it began with the more exclusive examples and those performance models like the Lotus Cortina – as well as pretty much anything with a Cosworth engine under the bonnet – it now seems that almost everything with a blue oval on the boot that’s past a certain vintage is following in the rather large footsteps left by those aforementioned icons of the marque. Including the Granada, believe it or not.

Introduced in ’72 and marketed as a range-topping executive, Ford’s Granada was developed to replace the ageing Zephyr and Zodiac models and would go head to head with similar cars coming out of Germany at the time. Although not quite as refined or well-built as those rival Mercedes and BMWs, owning a Granada still carried with it a certain cachet that let people know you were doing well, especially if it carried the coveted “Ghia” badge on the back.

The thing is, aside from any badge snobbery, it was a pretty good car. The blurb from Ford at the time described the car as “elegant, prestigious and luxurious, with effortless performance and spacious comfort”, and for the most part, this was a fairly accurate description. Depending on the options specified it had all the mod cons, there was plenty of room for the entire fam, with luggage, and it was quick enough for most, especially if you opted for a V6.

Such was its popularity that Ford would continue to develop the Granada over the course of its 22 year production run, with the Mark II arriving in ’77, followed by the Mark III in ’85.

What is it? 

The Mark II Granada, of which this particular car is an example, may have been more contemporary in terms of design compared to the original Granada but its underpinnings were pretty much carried over from the previous model. Trim levels remained consistent, too, but where things really changed was under the bonnet with the introduction of the Cologne V6 engines that replaced the old Essex lumps.

Our car is an ’82 four door saloon model with that aspirational Ghia X badge, meaning that not only is it presented with the highest level of trim, but it also features the aforementioned Cologne V6 – in carburetted form here.

With just two former keepers and a mere 66K on the clock, this Granada came as standard with an automatic gearbox, alloy wheels and Ford’s ‘handling pack’, with additional boxes ticked for air conditioning and heated seats. Pretty posh then.

Why is it a project? 

This Granada may be a commendably original, top of the range example that’s in running and driving condition but that sadly hasn’t kept corrosion at bay. The Achilles heel of many a classic Ford, this Granada’s bodywork, and indeed chassis, has seen better days.

It’s not a complete basket case though, far from it. Yes it’ll need some work but it looks to be pretty solid overall and the floor pans appear fundamentally sound. There is some corrosion to the chassis legs, sills and other areas of the underside, and the nearside rear quarter panel seems to be the most notably corroded area of the car, but it’s straight with no notable damage. Oh, and the original interior is in remarkably decent shape for its age.

What should you look for? 

Rust
It should come as no surprise that an ’80s Ford will need some bodywork repairs and you’ll no doubt need a couple of replacement panels here (we’re specifically looking at the bonnet) but these are easy to come by and the classic Ford market is rife with specialists and spare/pattern parts suppliers like Burton Power.

The photos attached to the listing provide a decent insight into the extent of the rot but it would still pay to get underneath the car and assess the chassis for yourself to see what, if any welding is required.

Engine and transmission
The Cologne V6 engines are generally under stressed but they can be prone to cooling issues so check for any evidence of overheating and head gasket failure. Carburettors can be a bit temperamental if not set up and serviced correctly so check for a rough idle or any evidence of over or under fuelling.

The three-speed automatic, which this car is fitted with, is pretty robust but it can leak where the torque converter attaches. Check there is sufficient oil present and that it’s dark red. It’s fairly agricultural but any vibrations felt through the car can be indicative of propshaft issues.

Suspension, steering and brakes
Tired or sagging suspension can be attributed to old, worn out shocks and springs, all of which can be replaced and indeed upgraded should you wish. Any vagueness or slop in the steering will likely be down to worn bushes which again, are easy and cheap to replace.

This car has seen limited use in recent years and so the brakes will no doubt need refreshing. Whether it be sticking calipers or corroded lines the good news is that parts are readily available and it’s a simple job to completely overhaul the entire system.

Interior
This is the car’s best aspect and as such requires the least work. It’s still worthwhile checking that everything works though and that there’s nothing missing or damaged beyond repair. Some interior pieces, especially for the higher trim level cars like this one, can be difficult to source.

Electrics
Dodgy wiring and corroded connections can cause all sorts of problems. If the electrical system is as temperamental as the British weather in May then water may have made its way into the fuse box or through the bulkhead, so check here for any corrosion issues.

What should you do with it? 

A quick butcher’s at Mark II Granada prices here on Car & Classic reveals that what we said at the beginning about prices rising certainly rings true, with the most expensive examples topping out around the £25,000 mark, which should tell you all you need to know about the potential of this particular car.

With that in mind your best bet is to try and bring this ’80s veteran back to its best. Or at least as close as is realistically possible. Fix the corrosion on the chassis and bodywork and treat it to a full respray. Once it’s looking fresh you can attack the mechanicals and restore or replace anything that’s a bit tired. They’re a doddle to work on and with fresh brakes and suspension, as well as a full engine overhaul and service, you’ll be well on your way to quite the show stopper.

Not only are these cars so prone to rust but they’ve also been historically popular as banger racers. As such true survivors are becoming increasingly hard to find and whilst this Granada may look a little worse for wear, it’s definitely worth saving and restoring in our humble opinion, and thanks to rising prices, could be a nice little earner should you get it right.