Vehicle Description
1975 Ford Granada
The first generation of the Granada was introduced for the 1975
model year, slotted between the Maverick and the Torino within the
Ford product line. Originally intended as the successor for the
Maverick, the development of the Granada was heavily influenced by
the 1973 oil crisis. In response to increased demand for
compact-segment automobiles, Ford continued the production of
Maverick (through the 1977 model year); the Granada was repackaged
as a premium vehicle in its segment. Ford compared the Granada to
the Mercedes Benz 280 in its Bicentennial promotional brochures
too. For instance, the Granada had a whole 2.2 inches more length
versus the Mercedes. Plus, the Ford cost about a quarter of the
price of the German sedan. The ride was fairly rough and nothing
like a Mercedes-Benz of the day but Ford still sold approximately
302,658 for the inaugural year.
For consignment and gracing our hallowed halls here at the Classic
Auto Mall, we present to you a 1st year Ford Granada in Pastel
Blue. Believed by our consignor to have been garage kept most of
its life, was owned by her brother prior to her tenure and used in
parades and was purchased by her brother from a woman whom he went
to church with who could no longer drive. Talk about living the
storybook tale of a car's life!
Exterior
Having a body design reminiscent of the cars I drew in elementary
school, the Ford designers hit the mark with the KISS design but
managed to add some class and styling cues from the Mercedes
drawing board. Wearing what is believed to be the original Pastel
Blue paint this car shows with only minor paint scratches, scrapes
and dings. An egg crate grille styled grill with miniature egg
crates within each section is flanked on either side by round
headlights with bezels that mimic the grille. A large and in-charge
chrome bumper with the federally mandated crash bumperettes sits
proudly down below and shows in good condition. A white vinyl top
covers the roof and presents in tear free condition with only minor
staining. The rear bumper mimics the front in both condition and
design. Sitting just above are clean brake/signal/reverse lights
with a centrally located fuel filler cap with Granada written in
your grandmother's script. Thin white wall tires adorn each corner
and a factory correct hubcaps give the car some pizazz.
Interior
A swing of the driver's door and we are met with a smooth blue
vinyl door panel with a center ribbed vinyl section surrounded by a
thin wood applique for some added class. Within this section of the
panel is the armrest, chrome window crank and door release.
Carpeting covers the lower section. Twin blue vinyl buckets provide
your posterior comfort up front with a central tuck and roll
pattern while a bench seat in the same pattern reaches from rear
door to rear door. A simple but effective dashboard wrapped in a
swirled wood applique fronts the original steering wheel and
contains the speedometer as well as an AM radio, temperature
controls and knobs and slides for the wipers and lights. A soiled
blue carpet covers the floors, and a tight blue headliner hangs
above.
Drivetrain
Under the hood within the patina filled engine bay is the original
302ci V8 sporting shiny blue valve covers and an air cleaner
assembly to match. A 2bbl carburetor tops the engine and on the
back is a C4 3-speed automatic. Bringing up the back end is a Ford
8.7" rear axle assembly.
Undercarriage
Covered in the factory undercoating this underside is remaining
rust free. Only surface rust has developed on the suspension and
exhaust components, mostly unremarkable down here. Independent coil
spring suspension is up front while leaf springs bring up the rear.
Power front discs provide the stopping power for the front and
drums are on the rear. A stock style single exhaust system sends
spent gasses out the rear.
Drivability
After pumping the gas a few times, the Granada came to life. All
went well on the test drive with adequate power thanks to the V8,
handling was adequate, and braking was spot on. We did note that
the fuel gauge seems to be nonfunctional and the trunk, while
having a key, does not open. Also, the new buyer may want to
perform some work on the heater blower as an unpleasant smell is
carried through the ducting when the fan is turned on.
Regardless of Ford's comparison this isn't a 280 class Mercedes
Benz. It is a rock solid performer from the malaise era of American
automobile manufacturing. A good body, classic style, and a solid
chassis can give you a great start as an entry into the classic car
world. Elegance in a new efficient design indeed!
VIN DECODE
5E81F133157
5-1975
E-Mahwah, NJ Assy Plant
81-Granada 4 Door
F-302ci V8 2bbl 129hp
133157-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.