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Odd cars built by Hyundai
We all know Hyundai as a manufacturer of its own cars these days, but back when it started in 1967 the automotive division was actually making other company’s vehicles. Today we take a look at five cars you probably didn’t know Hyundai built. Ford Cortina
It’s pretty common knowledge that Ford had a close relationship with Kia until Hyundai sneaked in and grabbed the company from under it in 1998, but did you know Hyundai and Ford used to be much better friends? In 1967 Ford partnered up with Hyundai to build a new factory in the city of Ulsan in South Korea and from then until 1982 Hyundai built the Ford Cortina under licence. In fact, when it came time for Hyundai to produce a replacement – the Stellar – it used a Cortina chassis, draped in a body designed by Giugiaro and powered by Mitsubishi engines.
Ford Granada
As part of that special friendship in the 1970s, Ford also contracted Hyundai to build the large Granada for sale in the Korean domestic market. It was originally powered by a 2.0-litre V6, but a ‘‘more economical’’ 2.0-litre fourcylinder engine was also made available in 1980. Its main competition in the Korean market was the Peugeot 604, which was actually imported by Kia. Interestingly, and rather darkly, the eldest son of Hyundai’s founder was killed in an accident in a Granada.
Ford Taunus/20M
As a more upmarket offering alongside the Cortina, Hyundai also built a version of the German Ford Taunus P7. Intended to compete with the likes of the Toyota Crown, the 20M was impressive for the time in Korea by being able to take full advantage of the newly-opened SeoulBusan Expressway’s speed limit of 100kmh, with a top speed of 170kmh for the 2.3-litre V6 model. Hyundai built 2406 examples of the 20M between 1969 and 1973 and after a gap of a few years it was essentially replaced by the Granada.
Hyundai Grace
Following the end of co-operation with Ford, Hyundai teamed up with Mitsubishi in 1975, using the Japanese manufacturers engines in a number of its models, including the Pony, Stellar and Grandeur. In fact, the Grandeur was a collaboration between the two companies, with Mitsubishi using the same engine, platform, technology and internal configuration for its Debonair luxury car – which Hyundai had sold in previous-generation form in Korea. This led to Hyundai also building a version of the venerable L300/Delica van. The third generation of the L300 was built by Hyundai between 1986 and 1995.
Hyundai Galloper
One of the other (many) Mitsubishis built by Hyundai under licence was the company’s first foray into the SUV segment in the form of the Hyundai Galloper, otherwise known as the Mitsubishi Pajero. Built and sold between 1991 and 2003, the Galloper packed Mitsubishi’s big ol’ 3.0-litre petrol V6 as well as a 2.5-litre diesel four-cylinder engine. As well as the seven-seat five-door version, Hyundai also built the three-door short wheelbase model. While the Galloper had a body closer in styling to the second generation Pajero, its mechanicals were from the first generation car.