BUYER'S BRIEF
James Walshe takes a fresh look at the second-gen Granada
Why you want one
In many ways the perfect representation of a thrusting Seventies executive, the Granada possessed the very best of Ford’s many attributes and performance that saw it dominate the market well into the Eighties. It was the classic three-box exec saloon, filled with soft furnishings and marketed to families with numerous needs – from luxury holiday cruiser to practical estate.
Stylish, comfortable and luxurious, the Granada MkII remains as satisfying to own and drive as it ever was. Here, we help you with your prospective purchase…
Which one do I want?
The first MkIIs were available in 2-litre, 2.3-litre V6, 2.8-litre V6 (with optional fuel injection) and 2.1-litre diesel form. The range went from basic ‘L’ trim, to GL, Ghia – plus the sporty ‘S pack’ additions (sports suspension, fancy gear knob etc.), while the estate was available in L and GL trim (Ghia from ’79). You could also buy a special ‘taxi pack’, which gave owners heavy-duty seats and door trim, extra interior lights, sound deadening and ashtrays. Oh, and a modified centre console for your electronic taximeter. As always, there was a massive range of Ford dealer optional extras from vinyl roof to alloys, headlamp wash and leather (GL and Ghia only, mind). This means trying to determine the identity of your chosen Granada can be challenging as many parts (including the engine!) could have been added at a later date. Be sure to check the history very carefully so you know what you’re buying.
If you’re thinking of buying a post-1981 facelift car, you’ll find fresh designs for the grille, taillights and dashboard. All cars got extra equipment from April 1982, then, in September of the same year, the 2.5D replaced the 2.1D. By September 1983, all Granadas had a five-speed manual gearbox.
What to look for
Corrosion has killed off many Granadas, and it’s the usual areas you need to check first: the sills, valances, floorpans and wheelarches. Also check the boot floor, rear quarter panels, plus the wing and door bottoms. Original panels do crop up from time to time, but prices vary wildly, so shop around before buying. If there’s a sunroof (only the L and GL didn’t get one as standard), corrosion is likely under the lower corners of the rear window, where the drain channels exit.
Under the bonnet, Pinto-engine (2.0-litre) camshafts wear when the spraybar blocks up, but new ones only cost a fiver. You might get away with adjusting the valve clearances, but if there’s already too much wear you’ll have to replace the camshaft along with its followers for around £100. Leave things as they are and the engi
