Chasing Cars

ENGINE 2792cc/V6/OHV POWER 150bhp@5800rpm TORQUE 162lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 117mph 0-60MPH 9.2sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 20-24mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed automatic MoT March 2018 ODOMETER 34,887 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The Cologne V6 has a unique yet familiar growl, its rasp increasing with the revs as the car accelerates briskly, the gears shifting imperceptibly as the speed increases. The auto ‘box gear selector clicks neatly between modes. The car’s ride is a revelation. Its standard set-up is for sporty driving; firm and with excellent body control through the bends, yet lovely and supple, soaking up bumps with ease. The power-assisted steering is well weighted – not too heavy but with enough resistance and feedback for the driver to feel what’s going on. The brakes are strong and stop this big car effectively. It doesn’t pull to either side, but a vibration from the front discs will need to be investigated.

BODYWORK CHECK

Although not pristine, this car is solid where it matters. There are stone chips across the front of the bonnet and leading edge of the roof and there’s some flat lacquer on the front wing and scuttle. The boot lid has a couple of small dings in it and there’s some surface rust on the lower edge of the rear valance. The Ghia X-spec front splitter is in good shape, but the lower offside driving lamp lens is broken. The smart alloy wheels wear correct – if potentially expensive – Michelin TRX metric tyres that still have deep tread. The wheelarches are solid and the panels are all straight.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR? The brown velour seats are in great condition, the fabric isn’t worn and there are no rips, being just slightly stretched on the driver’s seat. The carpet is in good order and door cards are excellent, with the exception of the driver’s door wood capping, which has some minor surface wear. The rest of the wood trim on the dashboard and doors is very good, though.

The headlining is very neat and the car is loaded with luxury kit, including electric windows, sunroof, mirrors and heated front seats, plus air conditioning and even an early trip computer. There are just a couple of issues – the radio is missing and there are cracks in the instrument binnacle top.

UNDER THE BONNET The engine bay appears to be untouched, the original condition showing no accident damage and only surface rust on the slam panel and inner wings. There is a coin-sized perforation on the scuttle near the battery and two small splits in the air intake pipe from the filter have been repaired with tape. It may not be shiny in there but the lack of trails in the dirt confirms that there are no leaks from either the engine or ancillaries. THE CCW VIEW

Presentable rather than perfect, this Granada is solid where it matters. It was at the very top of Ford’s range in the Eighties so, unsurprisingly, it’s a fine thing to drive.

PROS Drives well, generally solid, high specification CONS Paint is poor in places, front brake vibration