Ford Granada
ENGINE 2933cc/V6/OHV POWER 150bhp@5700rpm TORQUE 172lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 123mph 0-60MPH 9.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 17-35mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed auto MoT March 2018 ODOMETER 86,125 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This German-built saloon burbles into life and idles like the luxury car it is. The V6 pulls lustily and effortlessly. The power steering guides it around corners with ease and the four-speed automatic gearbox has a flawless shift and instant kick-down. The suspension handles speed humps without any clonks.
BODYWORK CHECK
Black paint can show up every blemish, but this Granada still looks fresh and free from marks, save for the odd polishing swirl. The alloy wheels are in excellent original condition with no sign of kerbing. The bodywork is free of rust and the more hidden areas are also clean. Problems are limited to a windscreen that’s beginning to delaminate at the top, bumper brightwork showing some tarnishing and a stonechip on the nearside headlight glass lens. The integral fog lamps below the front bumper are operative and in fine condition.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Inside, the black theme is broken up by wooden dashboard trim. There are a couple of marks in it, but look like they could be easily touched up. The electric factory tilt and slide sunroof still works and the air conditioning blows ice-cold. The leather seats are in excellent condition and the rear electric reclining seats work a treat. The stereo, an original Ford radio/cassette player, complete with graphic equaliser, is in perfect condition and the trip computer to the right of the binnacle still works, reminding you how thirsty the V6 is. The boot area carpet is in unmarked condition and reveals an original Michelin MXV tyre on a clean, original alloy wheel spare. The 195/65 R15 tyres are a little mismatched, with one Camac and a Maxxis at the rear, plus two Bridgestone Turanzas up front, but all have ample tread.
UNDER THE BONNET
The clean engine bay oozes originality. It appears cared for, rather than show-winning and there’s a mass of factory labels across the bay. The fluid levels are all correct, the hoses and belts are in very good condition and the battery is new. There are no signs of leaks or residue and the car has recently been serviced and MoT’d, this latter with no advisories. History includes the owner’s manual, stamped service books and manuals for all the equipment, together with a box of documents containing many old tax discs and the car’s original bill of sale.
THE CCW VIEW
This luxury cruiser has covered just 1000 miles in the last 10 years, having been in a private collection and dry-stored – it’s a real Nineties survivor. Much rarer than the hatchback, this modern classic still offers luxury and poise. Could this be a Ford model that is just about to start turning classic collectors’ heads?