FORD GRANADA GHIA 2.6 V6
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The V6 has that unique growl that you seemingly only get from a Granada and this is a good one. It fires straightaway and pulls well through the power band, remaining smooth up into the higher revs. Shifting the manual gears is satisfying, with an expected slightly notchy action, though the clutch pedal is a bit on the heavy side. The brakes are strong so the car pulls up quickly and straight while the non-assisted steering is light at speed and heavy when parking, but there are no knocks, rattles or shakes from the body or the suspension. The ride is fairly soft and the car cruises quietly over bumps.
BODYWORK CHECK
Having recently been stripped and restored, the panels and paint are all excellent with no chips in the superb white paint. It was a very thorough job, going into the door shuts and hidden areas and the car is spotless underneath. Likewise there is no apparent corrosion to be found. The original brightwork has been re-fitted and is in generally good shape; the bumpers look great and the badges excellent, but the grille is slightly flat. The new paint is set off well by a new blue vinyl roof and superb alloy wheels that have just been refurbished and fitted with new tyres. The stainless steel exhaust system is also a fresh addition.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The interior has been fully re-trimmed in fabulous and very close to original fluffy flock velour fabric. The carpets are new and the slightly ageyellowed headlining and sun visors original. The door cards have been re-trimmed and modern speakers fitted, along with a modern Alpine stereo in the dashboard. There are inertia real seat belts in the front, but none in the rear.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is all shiny new paint and parts. The inner wings and bulkhead are pristine, as is the engine. The motor, transmission, steering and suspension have all been re-built and given a cosmetic re-fresh with new paint and perishables and ancillaries replaced so the car runs and drives virtually as new. There are certainly no signs of any leaks and all of the fluids appear to be fresh and up to the correct levels.
THE CCW VIEW
This Granada has had a small fortune spent on it in the last year after being imported from France and now not only looks stunning, but its drive matches the looks. The left-hand-drive configuration might put some buyers off, but equally may suit someone who has plans for continental road trips or owns a property in Europe. But even if the car is to remain here in the UK with its next owner, it’s easy and fun to pilot around British lanes and is certainly ready to be enjoyed and shown off straight out of the box.