1982 mk2 Ford Granada Ghia X 2.8 Estate Goes for a Drive

[@Spudchucker92]

The Mk2 Granada will always be one of my all time favourite cars. Something about the straight edged styling of the Mk2 that just gave off an aura of understated and simple elegance. Still a handsome looking car 45 years later. The Mk2 Granny was the car of my childhood, my old man owned four of these. A gold 1979 LX, a Nimbus Grey 1984 Ghia X Executive, a Strato Silver B reg 2.3 Ghia and a Caspian Blue Ghia X estate. All lovely cars, all sadly long since scrapped. 😭 Too many ended up as banger racing cars, such a waste.

[@josiewallace7968]

Mk2 Granada was a proper old school car, my dad used to have a 2.8 V6 estate similar to this and it was the business

[@scotiajinker8392]

When I was a kid there was a guy who was a sales manager for Ford that lived near us, he came home with a Granada estate that was 2 tone in colour (2 shades of brown) & it had 4 outlined sports men on the side. At the time it was best looking car I’d ever seen.

[@joshalmat2806]

My father bought the Granada's from 1974 to 1987. I remember them so well, always an estate. I have spent my childhood in these cars driving from London to Savona in Italy to visit our family every year. I remember arriving in Italy and my family saying "Il transatlantico" has arrived! It was enormous compared to my aunty's FIAT 500!! I remember saying she could park her car in our rear hatch. For us the GhiaX (especially with the leather trim) was the stuff of dreams. Unfortunately my dad never shelled out for the Ghia X, we only had the GL, but it was a 2.8!!!!

[@kalleklp7291]

This is an absolute beauty. :) I always loved the sound of that V6. If you take good care of them they're almost indestructible and will go on forever. I haven't seen one of these so well taken care of for the last 25 years.

[@steamhammer2k]

Really enjoyed a trip down memory lane, I had the late 82 Granada with 5 speed box Ford added this like an overdrive behind the normal 4 speed box where the gearbox tail shaft would be. In 5th the main box is moved to neutral and 5th gear is driven via the layshaft. It even had the noisy 5th gear they all had after a few miles, managed to fix this after lot of work by pre loading the gears (not the best fix i know) thought the warning light strip above the rear view mirror was just the coolest thing of the car. when you started the car they went though a test sequence even cooler than cool. The dog tooth style cloth trim was so smooth it was just like silk. Thanks for sharing your drive

[@leighhogben1423]

Wow! What a super condition mk2. Credit to its owner. I love the sound of that V6. Pure luxury car. Thanks once again for the roadtest. 👍

[@alansimpson835]

I love this. Absolutely huge and so well appointed for 1982. Makes a wonderful sound too. A true credit to Mr Coleman. Such a shame you don't get big luxury Ford saloons in the UK anymore. As for the motorway services I reckon your Granada Ghia X driver was more of a mixed grill sort

[@chaybinks7884]

Great vid. We’ve still got one, 2.8i ghia X estate, bought new in 1985 and still owned by the original owner, my grandfather, who now sadly doesn’t drive it anymore, but I do take it out occasionally. It’s usually just tucked away in the lovely dry garage. It’s still on its original wheels too.

[@reghollisquimdribbler737]

My Dad's favourite cars back in the day. Started off with a police spec MK1 3.0 GL. Had 4x MK2's. A 2.8 GL, 2.8 Ghia and two 2.8i Ghia X's. He then moved on to the the Mk3. Had a 2.8i Ghia and a 2.9 Scorpio. Cracking cars.

[@chriseseigbe9768]

Big lovely engines back in the day unlike these days where the most current Fords eg the MK5 Mondeos have 1.5 and 1.0 litre engines for such a big car, and therefore no power. Absolutely ridiculous!!!

[@jamesrichardson4604]

Brings back memories of my father's granada ghia. He had 3 of them through the 70,s & 80,s. , he had one breathed on like this one by a ford tunning specialist. It was owned by a director of ford uk .remember how special & luxurious they felt in there day. From a Richardson to another LOL.

[@dyfnwalmoelmud8362]

drove to Cornwall in 1982 in a Granada 2.3, 310 miles in 3h 45m, averaged over 80mph and the car did it effortlessly. Goods cars.

[@nickwood3257]

Absolutely mint car !!! Credit to the owner,. Also in manual which was very rare, mostly auto. Had a 2.8 ghia, saloon x reg 1982, lovely motorway cruiser . . only fords of the time I had 2.8 I Capri , 2.0 gls cortina and the Granada. . Great review mat.

[@dr2stroke611]

not sure the 5 speed is correct though... its probably had a Sierra gearbox fitted

[@histriamagna1014]

Them wagons...a dying breed. I miss them so much. Mery Christmas from Slovenia. 🎅❄

[@furiousdriving]

So much better than SUVs, And Happy New Year as well!

[@histriamagna1014]

@@furiousdriving Agree 100%. The only reason I drive a medium SUV is because it is easier to get in and out.

[@damirkvajo]

I'm driving a 1997 Mondeo Estate 1.8TD and I love it (it is a third mondeo in a row for me). Thanks @furiousdriving for the XM review the other day. And Vse najbolše v novom letu iz Hrvaške @Elvis Božič

[@histriamagna1014]

@@damirkvajo Pozdrav susjed. 🙏

[@charlesbridgford254]

Beautiful. We had an '83 Ghia X. The estate lost the electric sunroof as there was nowhere to put the motors. Air con was wheezy even when working properly. Thirsty beast that always started with a puff of blue smoke from 50k miles. Super comfy for dawdling across Europe with a caravan attached.

[@alanwayte432]

My Father had AC in his Ghia X it’s was an absolute god send when family had a holiday in France, can’t remember it being poor or wheezy but very chilled

[@Asif-Haque]

Mid 1980s, Heathrow Airport: Having spotted us with large suitcases, an unlicensed minicab driver offers to drive us home. On being refused, the driver tries enticing my dad with, 'It's a Granada estate, Sir.' 'We're fine, thanks,' said my dad. 'But Sir, it's a Ghia,' as his way to encourage the illegal transaction. Tempting. It took a while to shrug the guy off and back then, some could be persistent and would follow you for a bit. Anyway, we go to the real taxi rank and ask a London cabbie for a fare estimate, eliciting an unrealistic amount. Jetlagged, knackered and slightly disappointed, we then walk, luggage, pushchair, small humans and all back into the terminal not knowing what my dad has in mind. "Please Dad, not the tube!" I remember hoping. "I quite like the idea of being in a Granada," I also remember pondering. The illegal driver reappears and offers a cheaper fare. Irritated by this and too polite to tell him where to go, my law-abiding dad then walks to a car hire desk, tout in tow, where he hires us a beige Ford Granada estate.

[@mattclark7634]

ha ha love it

[@team3383]

You've just got to love this guy's awe in front of velour everything though. WTF compared with a recent car. VELOURS !!!! 9:44 - "How exciting is this ?" .... Sorry mate; haven't come yet, just changing hands ... 10:06 - a "cup" of tea ??? THAT is 21st century for you. Cup of tea = a pint size thermos of sugar. LOL. 12:46 - Not come yet with a cassette rack but, Mate; I had to stop and start again. Manual Sun roof - "How exciting is that ?" - it just put me off, sorry. 13:59 - inertia seat belt fixations "they are about half way up the B post ..." - I tried. Just couldn't "get it on from there on" a feeling of nausea overcame me ?! Nice try.

[@JeffKing310]

Way to go Dad

[@matlockcopy]

Thanks for the memory. I had three, 2.8GL Auto, (S Reg) 2.8GL Estate Auto (T Reg) and lastly a 2.8GL Auto (X Reg) which I kept for over ten years. A long time ago, good to remind me what they were like. My father had a 2.8Ghia X saloon (Y plate) which my mother wrote off in the drive , destroying, their caravan in the process. My present Mondeo TX estate has every toy you could wish for but I still love the Mk2 Granada.

[@10feetup]

I would love one of them, i was born in the 70's i remember them well

[@Menck1]

I was born in the sixties and I owed one. Wonderful cars!

[@pit_stop77]

I dreamed of owning one of those Ghia X models, but never to be, I ended up with a Sierra 2.3 ghia estate. Nice car and full of lovely veluuur as well, 😊 Thanks for your efforts to keep us entertained over the year and happy Christmas to you and your family

[@josiewallace7968]

Must be joyful to drive a V6 engined car like this with a good old manual gearbox

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

I had 3.3 Ford Falcon in Australia, with a straight six carburettor. I shoehorned a 351 v8 5.8 cleveland v8 and a holley carburetor. Beast of a machine.

[@shebbs1]

Pity our Falcons were really rather rough when compared with these Granadas.

[@robertmcleod3198]

One of the best cars I have ever had ( I am now 75 ) and I have had BMW, Rover , Opel, Capri's " 2.8 etc .....If they were still around I would get one 40/50 years on.

[@efexefex2824]

Big nostalgy, my father and i owned 82 Ford-Granada-2.3-V6-Ghia with 4 speed manual for 10 years, very smooth and pleasant ride. Still miss this beautiful dark green sedan. Greetings from Lithuania ! :)

[@maxidyne]

My primary school teacher had a Granada 2.3 GL. It was a huge car in my memory, much bigger than the 80 GT my dad had in that time. What a great time capsule, and a estate even rarer. Great video Matt!

[@fhwolthuis]

I'm not a Ford fan but I like to see this one 😁

[@jeffreywarner9992]

Had two Granada Estates first one a 2.3 L manual then the V6 Ghia automatic ,both very comfy and useful vehicles,would'nt mind one today.

[@DavidDavid-kl4ru]

I can't remember ever seeing a manual 2.8 Granada Ghia. Must be very rare now. Lovely

[@paulbennell3313]

Yeah, the vast majority were automatic.

[@petelattimer6808]

teh manual one was rare in its day, never mind now. gorgeous example though

[@historytruthseeker3758]

The Ghia/Ghia X came with auto as standard - if you wanted manual you had to specify this at the time of ordering.

[@Tagora2664]

For an estate car, very handsome indeed. Big and imposing without being lardy like most moderns. One of these with the 24V 2.9 V6 would be a great combination.

[@ianmontgomery7213]

Just stick an Australian Barra i6 in it or just import a BA Falcon wagon. I have an AU1 Falcon Fairmont Wagon 1999.

[@grahamgh9173]

when I was younger I had the 2.8 injection Ghia X in white! what a car! fantastic!

[@Android-vk8yh]

Great to see this had to watch it with a tear in my eyes though because my late father had me grow up in these cars we had the 2.8I gia x top of the range and in electric blue it was beautiful he surprised me one day from work I came out and just was in heaven of with joy in 1987,, good times.👍 might I could fit all these tools and his ladders on top and still boot it with kick down and we put big smile on our faces. Poor man's Rolls-Royce memories of pulling up to school in it everyone else and their boring tank Volvos and we had a nice luxurious Oval🤣👍

[@randolfo1265]

3:18 - "2.0 Litre Pinto Engine" - Better than it sounds. Over here the engine was the best part of a Pinto due to its European roots. Also found in the Capri and the 1972 Cortina 4 speed that I learned to drive on.

[@narglefargle]

I would totally drive that. I love those wheels--and big, cushy cars with a manual transmission are a rarity these days.

[@petelattimer6808]

wheels are from a much later Mk3 Granada Scorpio Cosworth. wheel changes were common because of the oddball tyres.

[@chrishart8548]

What are those tyre sizes ? I'm guessing metric like on the Austin metro and 5 series BMW. 315mm on the metro something like 380mm on the BMW.

[@tonybarden8563]

@@chrishart8548 im pretty sure he quoted wrong info . im sure my mk2 2.8 police pack car had TRX the same size as my later 528se bmw which was 390mm if i remember correctly its been 30 yrs though , but im sure they were the same size trx tyres

[@chrishart8548]

@@tonybarden8563 they were close in size to the 225/60/15 on the BMW. Bit larger diameter than the 15" wheel. Not as wide as the 225 width If I remember.

[@tonybarden8563]

@@chrishart8548 200mm wide 60% profile and 390mm diameter wheel so it seems from a quick google on the e28 with the trx rims

[@maakatipa4613]

As a kid growing up in New Zealand, I never had that " I'm a ford guy or I'm a Holden guy " To me a car was a car was a car. I think i just appreciated each car for it's own and individual merits. It wasn't until i moved to upstate NY, and then it wasn't even a conscious then that i find i'm really into older Fords, as in 60's to 2000's. Recently picked up a , rust free, 1997 Ford Thunderbird, 10th generation, 4.6 V8. coupe, I call it " The forgotten bird" as most people here don't even remember it, as by the time you got to the late 90's Tbird looked more like a stretched Honda accord than anything else. But when i see the older English and European fords, it definitely has that look about it. Either way i love my T Bird. It's great to drive and you never see them on the roads.

[@wernerbloemwagen6878]

Granddad had thís car, but in South Africa we did not get the Cologne 2.8 or i - our top spec models still used the Essex V6 in 103kw carburettor spec - what a motor! Our A/C button looked slightly different : you pushed on the rotary button & it clicked on with a little green light indicating that the A/C was now functioning. And yes the ride - 2 kilometers in the back & you fell asleep : Granddad had the 3.0GLE auto - it was specked just below the Ghia, but had all the necessary mod cons for 1982. Magnificent cars!

[@Dirt-Diggler]

Ex 2.8i Ghia X exec owner here, flipping loved the dam thing !! It had the optional Fr and Rr spoilers and the RS 7 spoke alloys ;)

[@seancooke4127]

An absolute joy. When we were travelling in my Mum's 1981 Fiesta 1.1 L we were always chuffed to come across the big Ford Flagship. Always something to be proud of if you owned an Escort, Cortina or Sierra cos you felt commonality rather than inferiority. I think the Ghia X probably competed more with the Peugeot 604 than the 504. A Class of classic from Ford, Vauxhall, Rover, Peugeot, Citroën, Renault, Nissan, Toyota even Hyundai that were very special to own and have never been replaced.

[@gerrywatson261]

I used to work for a large shipping company in the city of London back in the 80's. We had two of these as company vehicles for VIP's and were chauffeur driven. The earlier one was just a ghia in a mid blue. The other was Ghia X in black with light grey leather. It was the biznezz!

[@jkk244]

The notorious TRX wheels (and therefore mandatory TRX tires) also were fitted to some 1980s Mustangs in the 390mm size. My brother purchased a new 1984 Mustang convertible (2.3L TURBO - oh so 80s !) that came with the TRX wheels. Apparently this was an option but he hadn’t realized that when he fell in love with the car. Only later when he had to purchase new tires did he realize the expensive reality of of a quite limited tire selection of very expensive 390mm tires. Consequently, the TRX wheels were discarded and 15 inch standard Mustang alloys were fitted instead.

[@cheyennedogsoldiers]

OMG this video has me yearning for a MK2 again. I owned an 83 Ghia X Executive saloon with the 2.8i and 5 speed and very rare LSD. Ran it for over 250K then it sat on my drive for several years because I couldn't bring myself to scrap it. I replaced it with an 83 Daimler Double six which sadly was rear ended, I then bought a Scorpio which I just didn't get along with so sold that and bought another MK2, this time a 2.8i Ghia X estate and yet another 5 speed. Swapped the LSD into it and drove it as a daily driver until around 2008 covering around 12k miles per year. Everything worked on both cars including the AC. The only reason I sold it was I was moving for work to a smaller place so didn't have room for my babies, The Granada, an XJS and SIII ex army landrover, so they were all sold and I bought an XJR. Though as of about 3 years ago the estate was still on the road as I saw it for sale on ebay and it was still looking good. And yes I'm a kid of the 80's and just loved cars of this period.

[@davidfos84]

This is the perfect spec. It's not just a Granada but a MK2 Granada. Not just a MK2 Granada but a MK2 Granada Ghia. Not just a Ghia but a Ghia X. And it has the cloth trim, manual gearbox, carburretor and air conditioning. Oh, it's also an estate. Leather, fuel injection and automatic gearboxes aren't really what I want from my classic. Not only is it my dream Granada, it's my dream car.

[@AndreiTupolev]

That is a glorious car. The Granada in both Mk 1 & 2 forms has long been one of my favourites, but the estate, in in that color with those details, is just the icing on the cherry on the cake

[@dcarbs2979]

Something even rarer and more luxurious than the Executive that I owned was the '85 Grosvenor (limousine). The Granada club said less than 20 were built and I think there is only 1 left on the road now. 2.8 Carburettored with velour, 3 rows of seats, thick shagpile carpets and air suspension. By far the most comfortable car I've daily driven. And also had even more wood - the doors had custom made full size armrests, replacing the plastic surround in the saloons. Felt like a right retro rock star driving that, I can tell you!

[@Buffalobulltofta]

Wow, wonderful! Such a classic. Haven't seen a nice one in 20 years.

[@curiouscrandall1]

Ah. No parts any more. I owned several, and realised I was on to a loser when the Ford main dealer told me he would be unable to sell the parts when his Microfiche reader stopped working. Parts for the old Fords weren't going to be on the "new" computer.

[@Buffalobulltofta]

@@curiouscrandall1 that's to bad. Beeing a SAAB fan i know it to well, it's getting harder for every year to keep em going.

[@alexandertebbiche2292]

I was born in 1982 i'am 39 now and still remember seeing and travelling in the Ford Granada Estate Ghia cars very well. If i took as many driving lessons as possible, took and passed both or all tests and got a full clean driving licence then i would most definitely buy and drive one of them everywhere in the United Kingdom non stop or until i'm about 90😂.

[@andyholmes4676]

My dad had one which dropped its backbox, he replaced it with a section of washing line pole. When revved hard it sounded like a huge swarm of very large, very angry bees.... Awesome!

[@simonhodgetts6530]

This was one of my fantasy garage cars when I was a kid - especially the 2.8i estate. 2 - tone metallic blue please! Lovely, ‘proper’ dad cars these. I still love them!

[@johang7498]

What a nice surprise on this Xmas-day; a happy reminder of a bygone era, this handsome, luxurious and roomy big Ford. For me, it was a car you could admire and wish for as much as a sports car back then; wish there were more of them still around these days.

[@andreasphotiou1886]

Former Raleigh Vectar owner here! Still the coolest vehicle I have ever owned by a long way. The amount of attention it caused everywhere I went has led to my preference for low-key cars

[@furiousdriving]

Very jealous here, the Argos catalogue was worn thread bare from poring over the pictures of that bike!

[@andreasphotiou1886]

@@furiousdriving there’s one in the Coventry Transport museum - worth the entrance fee just to see it!

[@james011974]

These v6 Grannies were always special to drive they had a kind of light and balanced feel with an excellent engine. My Dad had loads my favourite was an ex police 2.8 manual it was basic but was a weapon to go. Great car altogether and handled better them a 2.8 Capri.

[@VintageSG]

My dad had a 2.8i Ghia auto on an 'S' plate, so an early one. Ex-police inspector's car. It went like a stabbed rat!. Fantastic distance car, but it could hustle better than a car that size had any right to. I bought it for chump-change for my first car. Oh, how my friends laughed at my old-man's car. They laughed until they travelled in it. Smooth, comfortable, quiet and ruddy quick! Mine didn't have the 'Metric' wheels, thankfully. Yes, they did handle better than a Capri. Wet roundabouts held no fear. I had a Capri Laser for a time. Give me a Granada! I had to sell it after the first year as insurance costs rose. I sold it for enough to buy *and insure* a ratty Mini. Some come-down in conveyance.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

This really was the business, 40 years ago. If you were dropped off at the school gate in one of these, the other kids knew straight away that your dad was, the man.

[@fifthof1795]

My dad used to drop us off at school, forty three years ago in a beautiful Fiat 130 Coupe.....he really was..The Man !😁

[@ollycollie]

@@fifthof1795 My dad used to sell smack from Lexington, 125 for twenty-six dollars a time. Now he was The Man.

[@fifthof1795]

@@ollycollie I graciously concede !

[@drpaulcampbell188]

I had a 2.3GL Mk2 Granada, so nowhere near as plush as this one but i have to agree the driving experience is pretty similar to what you get with a Mondeo today. They really were ahead of their game with this. Also the rev counters were offset and i never understood why, when the other Fords with them in were standard like the Capri, the Escort RS2000, Cortina 2000E. Plus these were the last executive Fords to have an oil pressure and battery level warning gauge in. The interior colours back then were something you wouldn't see today, brown, blue, green, but i think they fit the era and these cars so well. The other cars this was pitted against like the Peugeot 604/505, Vauxhall Carlton MK1, Renault R30, Saab 900, BMW 5/7 series, Mercedes 300 series, were all good cars in their own right but the Granada had something else, it could fit you exactly with the myriad of different packages you could have. There was an S pack that gave you uprated suspension, manual gearbox and a body kit but i don't think you could have the X pack (like on this car, where X was for Xtra luxury not the X pack like on the Ford Capri and Escort which gave the car a body kit with flared arches) and the S pack on one car, but you could have it on the GL models for example to make a GL S. TRX tyres were a good idea at the time but ultimately failed due to the cost as you mentioned they are ridiculously expensive for a full set but do look good when you have them fitted to a Granada. Great video as always and would love to see a review of one of this cars rivals from the time but i know getting one to review is pretty hard anyway but worse during the current situation, but yeah love this car and its a credit to its owner.

[@andy-maunder]

Memories! My first company car when I was 18 years old in 1982 was a mk1 granny estate 3.0 auto.. (s reg..1978 I think).. I was given it because it was old but I loved it. Most of the other guys got brand new escort 1.6gl but they all wanted to swop with me. The auto box had plenty of urge and the steering was feather light. Girls loved it. A few years later I bought a 2.9 granny Scorpio (1989 g) saloon ( the model before the disastrous Scorpio). It was still a fine car, even the rear seat had a switch to recline it back. They just felt huge and eager and smooth. V fond memories.

[@shelbynamels973]

I so love that eighties design language. So clean and elegant, and unlike today, a light and airey passenger compartment devoid of blind spots. Miss it!

[@jsteel8288]

Ahh, excellent, a Granada estate for Christmas. Speaking of which, have a fantastic Christmas to Matt and all your loved ones; same to all you discerning furiousdriving fans.

[@gpz550a2]

That brought back memories! I used to have a 1983 2.8i Ghia X Executive with the leather upholstery. They were the best seats I've ever parked my bum on! Just a couple of things I wanted to clarify regarding the info you gave. The carburetor models didn't have TRX alloys. Only the fuel injection models had those. The alloy spare wheel would be the correct type for that car. As I was a generally skint young lad when I owned mine (15 to 18 mpg around town was all I got) I fitted Avon Turbospeed tyres in the metric 390mm rim size. I think Bentley used those as standard fit. Also, the standard radio could be removed from the centre console, you don't replace the whole lot, but the hole you are left with isn't a standard 1 Din fitting. I "modified" mine to fit a Kenwood too! I also still have the original radio too. Some day someone will need one of those! The moon roof on mine was electric, not keep-fit. Maybe that was a later addition to the spec? Anyhoo, thanks for posting and reminding of happier times!😎👍

[@cblandblueyonder]

I knew someone with one of these back in the day. Metallic green, 2.8i X. It was really big by estate standards then, and very comfy. She kept it for ages, as there was nothing obvious to get instead!

[@thezanzibarbarian5729]

One of our sales reps in Sussex had one of these estates. Absolute beast it was and when I was allowed to use it for work, and as a young 20 year old, I used to have some fun in it. 8-))... And being an estate, I was able to have it for a few weekends every now and then. So the estate part came in very handy _"with the ladies!"_ ;-))... And the suspension was good, too ;-))...

[@shepshepherd]

I love the mark 2 Granada. In the 1980s in the part of east Kent I grew up in, anyone who owned one was seen to have 'made it' in a big way.

[@glynjones2540]

One of Ford's absolute highpoints. My brother in law had an identical car except being automatic and in that nice dark metallic green. Those wheels were obviously in demand even in the '80s. He left it overnight at Cheltenham station and couldn't see it on his return the next day. Someone had stolen all four wheels and left it sitting on its floor! Nobody had seen a thing of course.

[@scrapyardwarriorvlogging]

My dad had two Mk2 estates one after the other, one a pre-facelift and the other was the facelift - JFJ 484V and WEX 890X, respectively.

[@arrangrant6037]

Great review Matt brings back many happy memories great to see this one survived from ending up on the banger racing track a great many Grannies did. I had a Silver with a black vinyl roof Mk1 Granada 3 litre coupe automatic back in the 1990s one of the best cars I have ever owned . Happy Xmas and happy new year to you thanks for all the great videos this year

[@petelattimer6808]

agreed. annoyingly, looking back, i banger raced a 1984 version of the same car, albeit the saloon! wish id kept it now. electric everything, aircon, heated windscreen, cruise control, for a car that age, it was UNREAL!

[@rustywreck3351]

Also had a mk1 coupe in blue with black vinyl roof lovely big plush seats, but unfortunately the doors had rot on the bottoms and even back in the early 90s when I had it rare as hens teeth , so it went to the scrapyard 😕

[@tonybarden8563]

i had a coupe too , wow this is like the coupe remberance club :) still got the hard copy photgraphs of it sitting on mk3 granda starfish alloys

[@rustywreck3351]

@@tonybarden8563 bought mine in about 1992 for £150 bloke was in the middle of doing it up, it was a light metallic blue , I got a cheap paint job in royal blue JJR 816N it had the steel wheel trims as opposed to the last ones having alloys

[@Danthecapriman]

Only just found this video! Great cars these Granada’s. I had an 85 (C reg in uk - one of the very last ones) 2.8 Ghia X estate in metallic Mineral blue with blue interior! Absolutely lovely thing to drive even after nearly 200k miles. Mine was an auto, which I prefer in big cars really, and it was still no slouch. I found the C3 auto box suited the car really well. I sold it a few years ago and regretted it ever since.

[@residentelect]

Have always had a soft spot for the Granada. The police used them for years as Traffic Cars. First one I ever saw was a Mk II 2.8l Ghia, classic "jam sandwich" back in the early 80s. By the early 90s my local force was using the Mk III 4x4 Scorpio, which looked the business with the new style light bars and lights in the front grill. Great trip down memory lane ☺️ Hope everyone watching/Commenting can make the best out of our current predicament and try to have a merry Christmas 👍 N.B. yes, I am an unashamed Emergency Vehicle Geek 🤓

[@matty6848]

Just proves that of the Police used them, they were good solid cars. I seen a mint 2.8 injection Ghia x a few months ago in a car park. Hence to say I spent a 5 mins peering inside admiring the car, thinking back to my childhood in the 80s.

[@automotivepleasures5960]

Their was a gold estate ghia x parked on the same cul-de-sac as my parents house going back 30+yrs ago now. I remember it more than any other car because of the sheer mass of the thing and it always had a couple of ladders and paint tins in the back. Always had a soft spot for one especially in that gold colour. Thanks for all the content this year, love the little details on the reviews and tea shelf passes & fails. Your channel and a shout out to Hubnut's channel are fantastic with down to earth shenanigans, up's and downs so to speak of tinkering on are pride of joy's. Merry Xmas!

[@AndyK.1]

The rocker switch icons did light up orange when on. Revolutionary 😀

[@matty6848]

Remember when my uncle had a 2.8 i Ghia back the 80s when in was a kid and I lived it back then and love them now. Merry Christmas Matt🎄👍

[@maxrockatanksyOG]

We had our own version here in Australia- the XD Falcon (XD & XE are my favourite Falcons, and have owned a number of sedans; most favourite was the XD 351ci & single rail manual that was an ex highway patrol car- 2.77 gearing, Hurricane headers & 4 wheel discs)

[@jashugg]

And leaf spring rear suspension which hampered the car’s performance somewhat, at least in XD spec.

[@maxrockatanksyOG]

@@jashugg I never had any issues- but i also ran tramp rods, an extra spring and different swaybar on the rear

[@timhancock6626]

The Mk1 and Mk2 Granadas were both superb cars. I worked for a company contracted to Ford to supply and administer Ford used car warranties for their main dealers. The Granny was mostly pretty sound. I used to drive a Mk1 3 litre estate auto now and again. In a way it was a bit big and floppy, but you slowly gained respect for its comfort and good overall handling. I never got behind the wheel of a Mk2, but I know it was steadily upgraded and owners loved them.

[@Charstring]

Back in the day Fords were targeted on the fleet market with wonderful precision. They could have had trim levels called "sales consultant", "sales manager", and "regional sales manager", etc. But I really thought that it was impossible to get a Ford without at least one blank switch somewhere on the dash to keep you motivated for that next promotion...

[@TomBartram-b1c]

I had a B reg 2.0L granny about twenty years ago. What a lovely old bus she was. There's something extra chilled about a four speed box. We won't mention fuel economy. About 23mpg.

[@j.groenendaal4228]

Fond memories, after getting my driving licence, the mark I estate 2,3 v6, belonging to my parents, was my first car to drive by myself. A true pleasure and way more smooth than the harsh Volvo 343 on which I learned driving.

[@markf4720]

Very similar memories of my grandad. He had various company luxo-barges in the 80s which I loved riding in including a Granada 2.8 Ghia, Rover SD1 V8, Audi 100 2.2 CD.

[@geraldcapon392]

I owned a 76 2.3 litre from 1979-1982 did 40,000 miles, a wonderful comfortable car. On the motorway i could tuck my left leg up on the seat and drive with just my right leg.

[@RichieRouge206]

This was absolutely amazing - a gift of a review for Christmas morning! What a lovely, characterful and very handsome car - top of the class of the School Of The 80s. My grandad had a few of these in South Africa - the last one was a peppermint green 3.0 GLXi saloon with black and silver alloys and one of those black sun louvres on the back window. For the SA market they were slightly uprated to 3 litres to compensate for the heat. You could also get a 3.0 Ghia Cortina too! There was also a firm in Johannesburg who did factory approved 5.0 Mustang engine swaps in the Granadas too! I remember trips to Durban and Umhlanga Rocks as a kid in it! Awesome video Matt - and Merry Christmas!

[@daveshongkongchinachannel]

Another great video of a car I also lusted after as a child. Great to know examples like this still survive.

[@acwdrivingservices9877]

My dad had a series of Granada’s from a locate mk1 to a mk2 2.8Ghiai X with heated seats, air con, fogs the lot.

[@DougsCars]

Equipped like an 80s Country Squire wagon here! Except for the V6...and the manual, of course. Sweet ride!

[@gar6446]

Wonderfully useful bit of kit. Gas conversions were very popular back then, made them very useable.

[@johnsbox]

Great video, the biggest surprise was the Air Con. never would have thought, apart from Jags, Daimler, Mercs and Rollers and all US cars (most)

[@dcarbs2979]

The limousine version (Grosvenor) had A/C too. I couldn't regas it though as it used the old type of gas that got banned.

[@MarkSmith-io3qd]

Neighbours Dad had one of the 2.8 injection sport Granada’s in red with the white TRX alloys and Recaro interior. Such a cool car.

[@historytruthseeker3758]

I had the estate version in white with 5-speed manual gearbox - lovely car, one of the best I've ever had.

[@SB-vb8ch]

We (UK) never had the 2.0 V6, ours used good old Pintos. Got to love a Mk2 Granny. 2.8i Executive was quite rare but not as rare as the 2.8iS...with the manual box for extra sportiness!

[@furiousdriving]

It was interesting how they spread the engines around for local tax reasons or what those countries would like

[@pereldh5741]

In Europe we got the german Granada 2.8Injection which was a manual sporty version, bodypainted bumpers, front/rear spoiler, sticker rear badge and Recaro seats. That was pretty cool and became Really cool once Scorpio was introduced in 1985. Oh what a blimp

[@kevinnye5132]

What a car Matt and in such fantastic condition, I’m giving my age away now 👴 but I remember a Taxi coming to pick me up for a Saturday night out in town and it was that exact model only 2 days old at the time , I sat in the back and yeah I felt very special 😁.

[@furiousdriving]

Crikey that cabby was doing well for himself!

[@seancooke7332]

I remember my 3 mates and I being picked up for a Saturday night in a pre facelift 2.0 litre GL and that felt very bit as special. The space in the rear was streets ahead of any other taxi.

[@thisiszaphod]

Happy memories of our 2.8GL saloon - which we had for many, many years, until she was stolen. I would gladly have the example you have driven today as a daily driver.

[@dayalanvelan3070]

Just discovered your channel. Fantastic presentation and knowledge. I watch lots channels, but none have showed interior and switch gear details like you did. That's what I love. Keep up the awesome work. Greetings and God bless from South Africa 😊

[@stephenhughes2775]

My Dad had a 2.8i Ghia X Auto. I think it had ac as well. Loved going to Cornwall in it.

[@itekani]

I've always been more enthusiastic about the mk1 than the "new" Granada, but this was really special. What en elegant car it is really, I never noticed before. Here in Sweden this was the last Granada. I think what you call the mk3 is the Scorpio over here.

[@danielrussell446]

Yes that right the Granada mk3 was the Scorpio outside of the uk

[@michaeltutty1540]

What a glorious car this is. I remember when the TRX wheels were new. They were a factory option on the Mustang TRX. Back in 82 when I got my first car, I nearly bought a set of TRX wheels and tyres for the 69 Acadian 2 door. Upon thinking of it, I decided against them, even though the TRX wheels and tyres were on sale for the same price as a set of normal Michelin tyres. I do wish that had been sold here. What a stylish and lovely estate that is. It would have left the Fox Body cars were did get in that size segment were dogs in comparison.

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

Excellent! I was a sales rep back then, driving a humble Sierra. I remember being picked up from the airport by a colleague who drove a Granada saloon... Those were the days and then every exec wanted to drive a Beemer, Audi or Merc. Very sad... I hate to admit it, I'm guilty as well... drove a few Beemer and Mercs... Yet, I'm trying to make up for it... there is a '98 Omega Sport (almost mint) and a XM 2.5 TD in my garage nowadays...

[@alexander1485]

Bimmer = car/suv, beemer= motorcycle, fyi

[@flybobbie1449]

@@alexander1485 Ford Sierra worse car i have ever driven and i have even driven my dads Ital!

[@raycroal]

i love the omega too its is probably the last type of granada type cars, i dont know if a v6 peugeot 607 fits this category but i like the idea of the "lesser" brands doing luxury cars i had a 407 coupe v6 petrol for a year and it was actually a pretty decent car but i usually drive mercs. ps you cant even get a v6 mondeo now which is pretty sad

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

@@raycroal To me a V6 607 certainly fits!

[@raycroal]

@@carsyoungtimerfreak1149 yeah i have always had a secret admiration for them especiallythe face lift ones in v6 form they had evereything heated rear seats blinds sat nav e.tc, i dont think we will see their like again as they didnt sell well and i think they might have even lost money with them

[@philryan7254]

Hi there back in the day I used to rent these when I worked at Europcar we had the estates and the saloons and I absolutely love them . The estate version we have always black for some reason so it did look a bit like a Hurst...Cheers Phil from Newark

[@jonathandowling969]

Thanks for this Matt, always loved these Mk1 and Mk11 Granada’s, especially in Ghia x trim, got to love a V6 especially with a manual box. If only I could afford one, I would trade my modern Ford for one. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@mrbennetts]

Lovely review, thank you. I had one of these in gun-metal grey. I can’t think why I changed it, but I went for a Lancia Y10..... which could have fitted in the boot of the Granada. Yet another lousy decision of mine !

[@stevenjones19-m8i]

Hi Matt,nice review on this Granada,I remember the saloon version in white,this is so clean and tidy, very retro,these wheels are nice on the car.

[@kristianbarford]

I actually had a Raleigh Vektar (blue), and I can confirm it was ruddy ace. I was the envy of my entire village, and people still remember me as 'that kid who had the space age bike'.

[@Stevieweevietv]

That's a beautiful car. My favourite Ford era. Wish cars had seats like that still. Cant beat velour! Still trying to find my Ford brochure from the time that would have had this generation in it as well as the other Ford models. Its got to be somewhere!!

[@AndrewKNI]

What a fabulous car. Happy memories of when I was much younger. One of the best styled Fords ever, and bring back velour lol :-). Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2021.

[@alanwilliams1223]

I had a 1983 A Reg Ghia X Estate back in the day....one of the best cars I've ever owned.

[@SteveCooper-d8j]

One of the best cars Ford ever made and I still got one i rebuilt from the ground up and it has a stage 3 engine what a car

[@xbaldwin97]

Would have this car over any new car and I wouldn't even have to think about it

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

This car looks exceptionally familiar and exceptionally lovely. I think that it may have been on a couple of channels before. Excellent video, sir!

[@mickles1975]

I was just wondering if it belonged to Mister Coleman.

[@frothe42]

I believe it has! But I must admit even though I have seen this before, I simply cannot get enough of this particular Granada!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@mickles1975 , you were correct, sir!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@frothe42 , Mr Coleman is going to keep this forever, I think, as he can't get enough of it either!

[@frothe42]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting It is so exceptional! I read up on the history of the Granada for the EU 🇪🇺 market, so I did know the estate was a carryover. But everything in this vehicle does say German, especially the headrests, very Mercedes. Of course, I subscribe to your channel (and very glad that I have!), and have seen this model reviewed before (not naming names to protect the innocent!) but it just hit me about the headrests, how very Mercedes-Benz! So it shows the level of quality, equipment that went into the vehicle, reaching out to that particular segment of the market, and succeeding! And it must be preserved as a classic because they are rare, but most importantly, individuals remember, it brings back memories of happiness, carefree days, of a more simple time. And hopefully future generations will understand and preserve these rare classics. Happy Christmas to you and Mr. Coleman and your families!

[@robc5955]

Prefer the saloon personally, but oh what memories, mates dad had them. Thanks for all the vids this year, Merry Xmas all the best for 2021.

[@1stinlastout165]

Loved this car back in a day when cars were real !

[@KiwiGraggle]

Always loved these. Whenever I'd see one when I was younger, yous straight away think "Loaded", lol, more so than a BMW too. Something about this car that I just really liked, probably because it had equipment other cars, or very few had for that era.