Ford Granada Mk 1 (1972-77)

The Ford Granada Mk1, a mainstay of executive saloons, offered space, comfort, and a great driving experience. Here are some common considerations when assessing a Mk1 Granada:
1. Rust: Rust is a major concern. Inspect the bonnet, wings, headlamp bowls, lower sections, doors, sills, rear wheel arches, quarter panels, valance, and beneath the vinyl roof. Blocked sunroof drains can lead to rot in the C pillars.
2. Electrics: The Mk1’s electrics are delightfully simple. Issues may arise due to old, broken wiring or rusty fuse boxes.
3. Suspension: Check for worn dampers, broken springs, and corrosion around mounting points.
4. Engine Health: Regular checks for exhaust smoke, overheating, low oil pressure, and head gasket failure are essential.
5. Parts Supply: Fortunately, parts supply for the Mk1 Granada is very good.
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Body Styles/Variants
The Ford Granada Mk1 offered four distinct body variants:
1. Fastback Two-Door (Coupé): A sleek, fastback design with a hip swing.
2. Classic Two-Door (Notchback): A traditional two-door shape.
3. Four-Door Sedan: A practical four-door option.
4. Five-Door Station Wagon: Known by the traditional Cologne name of the "Tournament".
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Engines
The Ford Granada Mk1 in the United Kingdom featured several engine options:
1. Ford Essex V4: Available in 2.0 L displacement.
2. Essex V6: Offered in 2.5 L and 3.0 L capacities.
3. Cologne V6: Commonly found in 2.0 L, 2.3 L, or 2.6 L versions.
The lusty 3.0-litre V6 tends to be the most common choice, complementing the Granada’s relaxing driving experience.
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Trim Levels
The Ford Granada Mark 1, produced between 1972 and 1977, came in several trim levels to cater to different preferences and budgets. Here are the main ones:

1. **Consul**: This was the entry-level model, initially using the Consul name due to a legal issue. It featured basic equipment and was available with a 2.0-litre V4 or a 2.5-litre V6 engine.

2. **Consul GT**: A sportier version of the Consul, equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 engine, extra instruments, and cloth trim.

3. **Granada**: This trim level included more features and was available with either a 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre V6 engine.

4. **Granada L**: A step up from the base Granada, offering additional comfort and convenience features.

5. **Granada GL**: This trim added more luxury and equipment, making it a popular choice for those seeking a bit more refinement.

6. **Granada GXL**: The top-of-the-line model before the introduction of the Ghia, featuring the highest level of equipment and luxury.

7. **Granada Ghia**: Introduced later, this was the most luxurious trim, featuring high-end materials and additional comfort features.

These trim levels allowed the Granada to appeal to a wide range of customers, from those looking for a basic, reliable car to those wanting a more luxurious and well-equipped vehicle.
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Spares
If you're looking for **Ford Granada Mk1** spare parts in the United Kingdom and Ireland, here are some options:

1. **Classic Parts Shack**: They offer genuine Ford Granada Mk1 parts, including door trim, fog light switches, wheel trim hub caps, and more.
2. **EU-SPARES**: Check their online shop for a comprehensive catalogue of Granada parts.
3. **AUTODOC UK**: Autodoc provides a wide assortment of first-class and affordable parts for the Granada from leading manufacturers.
4. **AutopartsPro UK**: Another option for new Granada parts with fast and free shipping.
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Specialists
**NORTHERN IRELAND FORD SPECIALIST LIST**

Ford specialist mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:
1. McMillan Specialist Cars
o Address: Unit 10, Plasketts Close Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN
o Phone: 028 9335 4911
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00, Saturday 09:00 - 12:30
o Services: Maintenance, repairs, pre-purchase inspections, full restorations.
2. ACSR Ltd
o Address: 24 Antrim Road, Crumlin BT29 4DX
o Phone: 028 9446 2841
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30
o Services: Servicing, repairs, spares.
3. TrustFord Ballymena Car & Transit Centre
o Address: 14 Larne Rd, Ballymena BT42 3HB
o Phone: 0343 317 9500
o Hours: Monday to Friday 07:45 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.
4. TrustFord Belfast - Mallusk Car & Transit Centre
o Address: 31 Mallusk Rd, Newtownabbey BT36 4PP
o Phone: 028 9083 7700
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 18:00, Saturday 08:30 - 15:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.


Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:
1. NI Vans
o Address: Tandragee, Co. Armagh
o Phone: 028 3884 9777
o Services: Repairs, servicing, MOT, PSV for both Ford vans and cars.
2. McMullan Auto Services
o Address: Armagh
o Phone: Available upon request
o Services: Servicing and maintenance for all makes and models, including Ford.
3. Approved Garages
o Location: Various locations in County Armagh
o Services: MOT, servicing, and repairs for Ford vehicles.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Down, Northern Ireland:
1. TrustFord Belfast - Newtownards Road Ford Store
o Address: 391-397 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 3LH
o Phone: 028 9065 4687
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 18:00, Saturday 08:30 - 15:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.
2. TrustFord Belfast Fleet Service Centre
o Address: 16 Maryland Industrial Estate, 286 Ballygowan Road, Belfast BT23 6BL
o Phone: 028 9044 9450
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:30
o Services: Fleet servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
3. The Motor Gym
o Address: 18A Balloo Avenue, Bangor BT19 7QT
o Phone: 028 9145 3310
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing and repairs, specialising in Ford.
4. The Dent Man NI
o Address: Bangor, County Down
o Phone: Available upon request
o Services: Dent removal and car body repairs.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland:
1. Pat Kirk Ltd.
o Address: 53 Brookmount Road, Omagh BT78 5HZ
o Phone: 028 8225 0777
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
2. Monaghan Bros
o Address: 1-3 Main Street, Lisnaskea BT92 0JB
o Phone: 028 6772 1147
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: Servicing, repairs, and MOT for Ford vehicles.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
1. Desmond Motors
o Address: 173 Strand Road, Londonderry BT48 7PU
o Phone: 028 7136 7137
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, MOT, repairs, and maintenance2.
2. Lloyd Cooke Motors Ltd
o Address: 1A Drumahoe Road, Londonderry BT47 3SD
o Phone: 028 7130 1234
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: Vehicle repairs, servicing, and maintenance.
3. ClickMechanic
o Location: Various locations in Londonderry
o Services: Mobile mechanics offering servicing and repairs for Ford vehicles.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. Pat Kirk Ltd.
o Address: 53 Brookmount Road, Omagh BT78 5HZ
o Phone: 028 8225 0777
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
2. Approved Garages
o Location: Various locations in County Tyrone
o Services: MOT, servicing, and repairs for Ford vehicles.
3. ClickMechanic
o Location: Various locations in County Tyrone
o Services: Mobile mechanics offering servicing and repairs for Ford vehicles.
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Racing
The Ford Granada Mark 1 did see some racing action! One notable example is the **Granada Perana V8** in South Africa, which was built by Basil Green Motors. This version was equipped with a 302 cubic inch Windsor V8 engine and was quite successful in local racing circuits².

Additionally, the Granada was popular in various forms of motorsport, including **touring car racing** and **rallying**. Its robust build and powerful V6 engines made it a competitive choice in these events.

The **Granada Perana V8** is a fascinating piece of automotive history, particularly in South Africa. Here are some key details:

### **Origins and Development**
- **Basil Green Motors**: The Granada Perana V8 was developed by Basil Green Motors, a South African company known for creating high-performance versions of Ford vehicles.
- **Engine**: It was equipped with a **302 cubic inch (4.9-litre) Windsor V8 engine**, which significantly boosted its performance compared to the standard Granada models.

### **Performance**
- **Power Output**: The V8 engine produced around **255 horsepower**, making it a powerful contender on the road and track.
- **Acceleration**: It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately **6.7 seconds**, which was impressive for its time.
- **Top Speed**: The top speed was around **140 mph**.

### **Racing Success**
- **Touring Car Racing**: The Granada Perana V8 was successful in South African touring car racing, where its powerful engine and robust build gave it a competitive edge.
- **Popularity**: It became a popular choice among racers and enthusiasts due to its performance and reliability.

### **Legacy**
- **Rarity**: Today, the Granada Perana V8 is considered a rare and collectible car, with enthusiasts valuing its unique place in automotive history.
- **Influence**: The success of the Perana V8 helped cement Basil Green Motors' reputation for creating high-performance Ford vehicles.

The Granada Perana V8 is a great example of how regional modifications and tuning can create a unique and powerful vehicle that stands out in automotive history.
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