The Ford Granada was just past the halfway point in its lifespan in 1979, with production beginning in 1975 and ending in 1982, after well over two million units were manufactured during the car’s highly successful 8-year run. With a number that large, it’s likely that quite a few are still around, but this 1979 Ford Granada here on Craigslist is one of the nicer ones I’ve seen in the marketplace in a while. It’s also been driven sparingly, with the seller reporting the mileage reading of 49,000 is actual, which has probably helped preserve the good condition this one seems to remain in. This coupe is in York, Pennsylvania, and the owner hopes to net $6,500 from the sale. Fun find, Jack M., and thanks for sending us the tip here!
Although the Granada was still in its first generation of production in 1979, the car received a facelift the year before, which included replacing the round headlights with more modern square units and a revised grille. The seller doesn’t offer much in the way of history for this one, such as past ownership or why the mileage is so low, nor is it reported whether the paint and vinyl top are original. Regardless, the white finish presents well overall, and the top material on the back section of the roof still looks good, plus I like how the red side moldings match the vinyl. Wire wheel covers were popular during this period, and they look right at home here.
If there’s anything that would score this Granada a demerit, it’s the engine, as it’s an inline-6. V8 power was available as an option, and while I’d probably be more excited to find more cylinders under the hood, the low mileage certainly factors in as a positive here. The seller states that there’s been a fresh tune-up, a recent oil change, and a rebuilt carburetor. It’s also reported that there are new brakes all around, so hopefully the next owner won’t face any mechanical issues here for quite some time.
Nothing specific is mentioned about the interior, but judging from the supplied photos, most of the parts we can see still appear to be in decent shape for a car nearly 50 years old. There’s a bit of visible wear and tear on the seats, but it’s minor, and the condition inside is probably good enough if you’re just looking for a nice driver. Considering how many of these cars were made, I haven’t noticed one on the roads lately, and I’m guessing this one will turn a few heads. Any thoughts to share on this 1979 Ford Granada?
A couple of Fords from the late 70s are some of the ugliest cars of all time. This model is one of them, but the 1977 LTD II must take the cake.
A positive note on your demerit Mike. That 6 looks very clean. And they’re solid engines. As a kid I never gave these a second thought. Now it’s like Oh wow look at that clean Grenada!!!
I like it. With the half vinyl roof and the wire wheel covers, it has a very 70’s vibe. The Granada illustrated that if you took a basic economy car and trimmed it nicely, it would sell. I think the clean, conservative styling worked well. Of course we wish the big bumpers weren’t necessary.
Thanks Mike.
Dad bought a ‘78 repo at the local credit union. Same as this but silver rather than white and with a 302.
A tremendous letdown from the ‘66 LTD 390 2 door traded in but it was a simple basic commuter that served the purpose well.
And you, too, can have your neighbors saying, “Gol-lee! He’s done bought himself a Mur-say-dees!”
NY plates better check that bottom side really good for rust.
I liked the Granadas and the mercury monarchs. They were well designed automobiles. It’s amazing that Ford’s CEO Jim Farley doesn’t seem to think that automobiles with Cell again. They’ve always sold. It’s just a shame that Ford isn’t as smart as the Japanese or Korean carmakers and can’t turn a profit making them. Any American ingenuity Ford used to possess, seems to be gone under Jim Farley. Why is that? Ford just cheaped out and stopped investing in their cars. Ford needs a new management from the top down. Anyone who thinks it’s a brilliant idea to get rid of all their cars and only produce oversized an over priced at F-150’s isn’t too smart! They are paying for it now. LOL
Farley is an idiot, plain & simple. He has this grandiose illusion that it’s still the 60s & FoMoCo is still competing with Ferrari. Yep, competing with that old-school Italian reliability & questionable quality.
Time for family-based leadership to step in & chop off the head of the snake. Modern buyers don’t give 2 hoots about history & nostalgia. They want something Toyota reliable that doesn’t look like an appliance or Japanese Function Ugliness.
Farley is an id!ot, plain & simple. He has this grandiose illusion that it’s still the 60s & FoMoCo is still competing with Ferrari. Yep, competing with that old-school Italian reliability & questionable quality.
Time for family-based leadership to step in & chop off the head of the snake. Modern buyers don’t give 2 hoots about history & nostalgia. They want something Toyota reliable that doesn’t look like an appliance or Japanese Functional Ugliness.
“Jim Farley is an idiot”, (x2) sounds an awful lot like a personal attack.
A great little car for basic transportation and cheap. If it were closer to west coast I would try and buy it. Pur the valve cover back on and go run errands for the wife.
At first glance of the headline, I thought it said Grandma Coupe. Chuckle aside, I kinda like these. Nothing to make your pulse race. Was Ford’s idea of an entry level personal luxury car. A step up from the Maverick and not a Thunderbird, which itself was a lot more affordable in 1977. Could be a fun get around car when you’re not out chasing pinks.
Nice.
Back in 1976 I bought a new, burgundy Granada Coupe at a former employer wo gave me a heck of a deal. I traded my incessantly breaking down 1974 Alfa Romeo Berlineta, a nightmare of a vehicle and wanted something trouble free and acceptably handsome, reliability was a given, it being a Ford. Like a fool, I opted for the 6 cylinder engine which turned out to be a gas guzzler not producing enought power to get out of its own way. After about 4 weeks, the car developed an annoying squeeking, rattling sound behind the dash board.that noone could fix. They finally removed the facia of the instrument panel and diiscovered ALL of the connections behing it being cheap plastic rubbing against each other producing this nerve wracking sound. No cure, period. I got rid of this lemon by trading it in at a Lincoln Mercury dealer for a 20.000 mile Mercury Marquis Brougham which I enjoyed for some time. Today, at 86 years old, I drive a 2024 Ford Territory Titanium which I thoroughly enjoy.
The sound you describe is called “itch”. It’s the reason many compact pickups had carpet on the seat backs so there wouldn’t be vinyl against the painted rear of the cab.
LOL@ Nelson, when I first scanned across the headline, I saw Grandpa.
I had a 76 Mercury Monarch with the same engine that I used as a rural mail car for several years in the mid-west. Was a sharp looker and did quite well in snow, sleet, rain etc.