Ford added a new mid-size model to its automotive lineup for 1975, though in Fordspeak it was presented not so much for its Maverick-based underpinnings but as a “precision-sized compact car.” But wait, there’s more: This new model, the Granada, came with such European flair that Ford reportedly pointed out how much the four-door version looked like a Mercedes-Benz.
The Pick of the Day is a 1978 Ford Granada ESS coupe, the ESS short for European Sport Sedan, a new option for the ’78 model year.
The car is advertised on ClassicCars.com by its private seller in Clearwater, Florida, who notes that car was purchased new at Swenson Ford Sales in Clear Lake, South Dakota, and is basically an immaculately preserved time capsule owned for more than 40 years by the same person, who drove it only in summer months and who sold the car in 2018 after retiring and moving to Florida.
“This car is original and in beautiful condition, with only just over 32,000 original miles,” the seller says. “The paint shines like new, and the interior is near perfect, with no wear spots, rips or stains.”
The seller notes that the original dealer-installed oil-change sticker remains in the car and the original dealer key fob holds the keys.”
“It attracts a lot of attention at car shows, since it is so nice, and very few people have ever seen this model.”
The seller says the air conditioning system is fine, that the car has four new tires and a new muffler and tail pipes. It also has power steering and power 2brakes, and cruise control.
As an ESS, it also has Euro-style hubcaps, blackout trim, larger headrests, louvered rear side widows, sport suspension and dual remote-control racing style mirrors.”
The engine is the original 302cid V8 and is linked to an automatic transmission.
The car is being offered for $9,500.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Great car. I purchased a 1975 Granada Ghia (always had to go for the most expensive model. My first car was a 1969 Mustang Grande) white with a beige interior and beige roof cover. Gorgeous and very reliable. I only had problems with the aluminum wheel covers which became pitted and were hard to clean. Two weeks before I was married the car was rear ended and totaled. My collision guy bought the wreck as salvge and repaired it . It was pretty reliable for his wife’s local use. I replaced that car with a 1978 LeBaron which was frought with electrical and other issues from day 1! (Other issues: water leaked from snow into the trunk because the tailights which were large were not sealed properly. ) I really miss that car!
I worked for Lincoln-Mercury in 1974-75 and drove one of these quite a bit. I have to say it one of the worst cars ever made by Ford. It had trouble maintaining 55 MPH, the speed limit at that time. There was many quality problems.
The reason we don’t see any of these around anymore is because they were bad.
tWhat engine did the car you were driving have? I owned 2 1977’s with the 302 V8 and didn’t have any problems. Very reliable too. The first one was a white Ghia model the blue interior. I drove that car for years and it finally died at 180,000 miles. Bought another one, a Sports coupe in triple red with a 302 V8 and a 4speed manual trans. Only problem I had out of that one was the air conditioning. It stopped working after 100,000 miles and I couldn’t afford to get it fixed (I worked at a local grocery store then). Wish I could find that one and buy it back, was a great car.