1977 Ford Granada 2 Door Sedan
The first generation of the Granada was introduced for the 1975 model year, slotted between the Maverick and the Torino within the Ford product line. Originally intended as the successor for the Maverick, the development of the Granada was heavily influenced by the 1973 oil crisis. In response to increased demand for compact-segment automobiles, Ford continued the production of Maverick, (through the 1977 model year); the Granada was repackaged as a premium vehicle in its segment. Ford compared the Granada to the Mercedes Benz 280 in its Bicentennial promotional brochures too. For instance, the Granada had a whole 2.2 inches more length versus the Mercedes. Plus, the Ford cost about a quarter of the price of the German sedan. The ride was fairly rough and nothing like a Mercedes-Benz of the day but Ford still sold approximately 302,658 for the inaugural year.
For consignment, a 1977 Ford Granda in Cream color sporting a title verified 50,096 actual miles. In the same family since the 90's and garage kept, the car represents a time capsule of 70's nostalgia. Love them or not, there's no denying their popularity. Still rocking in its second year of production, another 300,000 units were produced for '77, about half being 2 door and the other half 4 door models. Ford may have borrowed some styling cues from Mercedes, (and relentlessly compared prices in marketing efforts), and it seemed to work...they were everywhere.
Exterior
Look up "car" in the dictionary, (remember those?), and the representative sketch might just be that of a Granada; so basic and simple in its design and proportions, appropriately square for the time. Rich Cream paint covers this car which continues the egg crate grille flanked on either side by round headlights and bezels that mimic the grille. A large chrome bumper with the federally mandated crash bumperettes sits proudly down below and shows in good condition. The rear bumper is a bit rougher with some pitting and rust as well as some scrapes. Sitting just above are clean brake/signal/reverse lights with a centrally located fuel filler cap with Granada written in distinctive script. White-lined tires adorn each corner and factory correct hubcaps retain the cars originality. We note many areas speckled with rust spots in the lower portion of the car, and one area where an overabundance of paint has left drip marks over a rusty line. Overall, however, a straight car that is almost 50 years old!
Interior
A swing of the driver's door and we are met with a smooth cream vinyl door panel with a center ribbed vinyl section surrounded by a thin wood applique for some added class. Within this section of the panel is the armrest, chrome window crank and door release and towards the jamb, small ashtrays for the back seat when the door is closed. Tan carpeting covers the lower section of the doors which matches the floor carpet. A split bench seat includes a pull-down armrest and the rear bench has the same tuck and roll insert patterns. All appear in good shape. A simple but effective dashboard wrapped in a swirled wood applique fronts the original steering wheel and contains the speedometer as well as an AM radio, temperature controls and knobs and slides for the wipers and lights. The dash plastics are a darker shade of tan, providing some contrast in the interior. Squares dominate the dash, a sign of things to come, from the speedometer to the gauges to the vents...corners win out in 1977! The headliner is tight, and the visors are in good condition. The trunk is carpeted in gray and the spare tire has a gray flannel cover.
Drivetrain
Under the hood within the patina filled engine bay is the correct 302ci V8 sporting Ford Blue valve covers. The air cleaner assembly is intact, and a decal denotes the engine size. A 2-barrel carburetor tops the engine and on the back is a C4 3-speed automatic. Bringing up the back end is a Ford 8" rear axle assembly and 2.47 gears. Power front discs provide the stopping power for the front and drums are on the rear
Undercarriage
Save for the gas tank, which appears to be a recent addition, surface rust is prominent on the underside. The driveshaft, axle, exhaust, crossmembers, body lip, oil pan, and others show some rust...definitely a driver at some point, even with the low mileage. The good news is we didn't detect any invasive rust and it was free of oil seepage. We note that the single exhaust has rotted at the muffler and they are now two separate pieces.
Drivability
After pumping the gas a few times, the Granada came to life. All went well on the test drive with adequate power thanks to the V8, handling was adequate, and braking was spot on. We did note that the A/C blows warm and will need service.
"Looks like a Cadillac Seville, priced like a Volkswagen' was Ford's claim in their ads, (the commercials are available on YouTube)...and this is the poster child for the malaise era of American automobile manufacturing. We're among the most common cars on the street, a good body, classic style, and a solid chassis can give you a great start as an entry into the classic car world.
7E82F273949
7-1977
E-Mahwah, NJ Assy Plant
82-Granada 2 Door Sedan
F-302ci 2bbl V8
273949-Sequential Unit Number
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