Ford Granada V8 and coupé (1973–1978)

This "executive" Ford replaced the Zephyr in Europe and Fairmont and 17M/20M in South Africa. The first-generation Granada was sold from 1972 and was succeeded by the series 2 in 1978.

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While renowned for their upmarket trimmings and their refined manners on the road, the Granada line also spawned two standout performance versions: the Basil Green Motors V8 and the elegant two-door coupé.

PACKAGING

The first iteration of the coupé's styling used a "kick-up" over the rear wheel arches, but this was soon upgraded to straight side lines and a sloping rear line somewhat reminiscent of the Alfetta GT's profile.

The Ghia V6 featured such standard fitment items as a vinyl roof, brushed nylon cloth upholstery, deep-pile carpeting, full wheel trims, genuine wood panelling and an FM radio. Air conditioning was not standard equipment, though.

A rev counter, ammeter and oil-pressure gauge trio accompanied the usual dials, even in non-Ghia versions. As with many cars of the day, the boot was large, taking 425 litres of our ISO measuring blocks.

POWERTRAIN