Vehicle Description
1977 Ford Granada 2 Door Sedan
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, a 1977 Ford Granda in Cream color sporting a title
verified 50,096 actual miles. In the same family since the 90's and
garage kept, the car represents a time capsule of 70's nostalgia.
Love them or not, there's no denying their popularity. Still
rocking in its second year of production, another 300,000 units
were produced for '77, about half being 2 door and the other half 4
door models. Ford may have borrowed some styling cues from
Mercedes, (and relentlessly compared prices in marketing efforts),
and it seemed to work...they were everywhere.
Exterior
Look up "car" in the dictionary, (remember those?), and the
representative sketch might just be that of a Granada; so basic and
simple in its design and proportions, appropriately square for the
time. Rich Cream paint covers this car which continues the egg
crate grille flanked on either side by round headlights and bezels
that mimic the grille. A large chrome bumper with the federally
mandated crash bumperettes sits proudly down below and shows in
good condition. The rear bumper is a bit rougher with some pitting
and rust as well as some scrapes. Sitting just above are clean
brake/signal/reverse lights with a centrally located fuel filler
cap with Granada written in distinctive script. White-lined tires
adorn each corner and factory correct hubcaps retain the cars
originality. We note many areas speckled with rust spots in the
lower portion of the car, and one area where an overabundance of
paint has left drip marks over a rusty line. Overall, however, a
straight car that is almost 50 years old!
Interior
A swing of the driver's door and we are met with a smooth cream
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 and
towards the jamb, small ashtrays for the back seat when the door is
closed. Tan carpeting covers the lower section of the doors which
matches the floor carpet. A split bench seat includes a pull-down
armrest and the rear bench has the same tuck and roll insert
patterns. All appear in good shape. 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. The dash plastics are a darker shade of tan, providing some
contrast in the interior. Squares dominate the dash, a sign of
things to come, from the speedometer to the gauges to the
vents...corners win out in 1977! The headliner is tight, and the
visors are in good condition. The trunk is carpeted in gray and the
spare tire has a gray flannel cover.
Drivetrain
Under the hood within the patina filled engine bay is the correct
302ci V8 sporting Ford Blue valve covers. The air cleaner assembly
is intact, and a decal denotes the engine size. A 2-barrel
carburetor tops the engine and on the back is a C4 3-speed
automatic. Bringing up the back end is a Ford 8" rear axle assembly
and 2.47 gears. Power front discs provide the stopping power for
the front and drums are on the rear
Undercarriage
Save for the gas tank, which appears to be a recent addition,
surface rust is prominent on the underside. The driveshaft, axle,
exhaust, crossmembers, body lip, oil pan, and others show some
rust...definitely a driver at some point, even with the low
mileage. The good news is we didn't detect any invasive rust and it
was free of oil seepage. We note that the single exhaust has rotted
at the muffler and they are now two separate pieces.
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 A/C blows warm and will need service.
"Looks like a Cadillac Seville, priced like a Volkswagen'' was
Ford's claim in their ads, (the commercials are available on
YouTube)...and this is the poster child for the malaise era of
American automobile manufacturing. We're among the most common cars
on the street, a good body, classic style, and a solid chassis can
give you a great start as an entry into the classic car world.
7E82F273949
7-1977
E-Mahwah, NJ Assy Plant
82-Granada 2 Door Sedan
F-302ci 2bbl V8
273949-Sequential Unit Number
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