1977 Ford Granada

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 rea