Nation’s favourite car celebrates 40 years

Britain’s favourite car is 40.

The Ford Fiesta was “born” in 1976 when the first of more than 18 million of the cars rolled off the production line in Valencia, Spain.

Not far off 4.5 million of those – 4,339,149 according to the latest figures – were sold in the UK, making it Britain’s best-selling car of all time.

In 1972 Ford initiated Project Bobcat with the aim of building “the most outstanding small car the world had ever seen”.

Ford was to evaluate no fewer than 48 potential competitors and considered various names, including Metro, before the directors chose Bravo.

This was overruled by Henry Ford II, who preferred Fiesta.

He chose the name because it alliterated well with “Ford”, due to the car’s connection with Spain and because he thought it summed up the model’s fiery spirit.

Sales commenced in France and Germany in September 1976 but UK motorists had to wait until February 2 1977 before they could order their new Fiesta, which was initially offered in 1.0-litre and 1.1-litre Ghia versions.

Just two years later, in 1979, the millionth Fiesta was built.

The 1980s brought the XR2 sports hatch with a 1.6 litre engine, stiffer suspensions and alloy wheels. It was the first 100mph Fiesta. The MkII model was introduced in 1983. Longer and more fuel efficient, it brought in a new 1.3-litre petrol engine, a 1.6-litre diesel and – for the first time – a fifth gear.

In 1989 the third generation car arrived and was the first Fiesta to be offered with a five-door option.

The XR2i was launched with a beefed up 1.6-litre engine making it the first hot hatch Fiesta.

The fourth generation car had a more modern, rounded shape, and was made between 1996 and 2002 when the fifth generation model was released.

The success story continues. Now in its sixth generation, today’s Fiesta is venerated as the best driver’s car in its class.

The public seems to agree – the Fiesta has been Britain’s top selling car every month for the past seven years.

To celebrate the big birthday, 40 of the nation’s favourite Fiestas travelled in convoy from the Ford Engine Plant in Dagenham to Brighton Race Course for the 2016 Ford Summer Festival.

The drive was open to all Ford vehicles; each receiving a unique numbered plaque.

Around 200 Fords took part with models ranging from Cortinas to Rangers, and to mark the occasion, numbers 1-40 were allocated to Fiestas from the past four decades.

On display for those waving off the cavalcade at Dagenham was a MkIV 1.4 Fiesta Ghia, the 10 millionth Ford vehicle produced at Dagenham, as well as the MkVI World Rally Championship car.

The Fiesta Owners’ Club also brought along a bevy of unique and classic models.

Still going strong: Fiestas remain a favourite of the nation, as they have done since the 1970s.