Closing date for April issue -> February 17
Ford Granada 2,8 Ghia Automatic (1983) – A faithful companion for Pieter
The admiration for Ford has kept Pieter's fire burning for more than 30 years. It all started in 1991, when he discovered this fully equipped Ford Granada. Pieter already knew Ford from its reputation for safety, comfort and economy in the 80s, but the version he encountered - an elegant and rarely seen Ghia version - surprised him greatly. At first sight, this sleek, robust-looking car gave him shivers of pleasure.
Top class car
Pieter says:
"The driving comfort is proverbial. Thanks to the excellent insulation, outside noise and engine noise are kept to a minimum. The independent wheel suspension all around ensures excellent road holding, and the robust 2,8-liter Cologne V6 engine delivers just the right amount of power. I love the original character, but small personal adjustments are of course welcome for me. The Ghia version of the Ford Granada also gives the car a luxurious appearance.”
Interior and use
Pieter continues:
“I must honestly admit that I have often considered the possibility of selling the car, because I currently drive less than 500 kilometers per year. But the Ford Granada has now become irreplaceable. It passes the MOT every year with ease, is technically in top condition and with the right care it can remain a reliable partner for many years to come.”
From parts supplier to classic icon
In the past, a car often ended up in the scrapyard at the end of its working life, where parts were an important revenue model for entrepreneurs. In the 80s, this top-class car was out of reach for many. When Pieter bought the Granada, it was already 8 years old and still reasonably affordable. Now, in the phase in which youngtimers are also starting to achieve their classic status, the Ford Granada can be considered a true classic – certainly for those over 30. Reliable car magazines such as Auto Motor Klassiek and various other media praise its robust construction and unparalleled driving comfort.
Special encounters
It is always a treat to spot classic cars and hear the special stories of the owners. The passion and enthusiasm for this iconic car form a beautiful connection between enthusiasts. You can experience this pleasure daily via AM Klassiek – and even more so if the magazine Auto Motor Klassiek falls on your doormat every month.
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(The story continues below with the photos.)
Fun historical fact: In the 70s, the advertising slogan of Citroen: “for safety, economy and comfort……Citroen”. That was then sung a bit sweetly. That commercial worked well because in my memory I do not immediately associate these three values with a Ford. While a large Ford of course also has value.
Have fun with this 80s icon!
My father had one too. A great car for that time. A piece of solidity that Ford (Europe) was also known for. Robust and comfortable.
In 1994 I bought a used Granada Injection automatic, dark blue in color.
This Granada was equipped with a 2.8 injection engine with 150 hp, with extras such as gas-filled shock absorbers, TRX tires, Recaro front seats and the same options as the Ghia.
The new price in 1985 was almost fl. 50.000 (€ 22.625), compared to fl. 25.000 (€ 11.313) for the entry-level model.
After 6 years of driving pleasure the engine ran into the soup, unfortunately I said goodbye to it; never should have done that. What a nice car that was.
I got one as a company car in 1. What a great thing. There was often a tandem axle avento caravan behind it with copy machines. The car ran on gas and drove so inefficiently with that heavy show caravan that I could smoke just fine with the shell stamps that you still got then and could exchange for cash😂
In 1990 I went to a small gas station in Belgium (at many gas stations there were always a number of cheap cars for sale)
bought a Ford Granada 2 liter V6 Ghia automatic for an acquaintance.
it was the rounder predecessor of this model, which was then 10 years old and cost 10.000 francs (approx. 250 euros).
What a solid, fine, comfortable car with a luxuriously finished interior. The acquaintance for whom I bought this car enjoyed it for a long time.
Those were good times in Belgium, where you could no longer get rid of the slightly larger second-hand cars on the street.