This 1982 Ford Granada GL Squire package wagon has a lot going for it. The seller says it’s a low-mile car with around 57,000 miles on it, it’s rust-free (!), and it’s a one-owner car. That’s the trifecta in my world. It isn’t perfect but you can check it out here on eBay in Chatsworth, California. The seller is asking $8,995 or you can make an offer. Thanks to Russell G. for the tip!
A rust-free car that’s 43 years old, what a dream. Those of you who don’t live in snow country where the roads are salted to keep drivers from crashing into each other, thus messing up their texts… well, you’re lucky. And smart. I still can’t believe I live in a climate that forces you to put away your fun vehicles three or four months a year, it’s nuts. I’m moving to Chatsworth and buying this Granada Squire. Our own Mike Stephens showed us this exact car last year here on Barn Finds when it was priced a grand lower at $7,995!
I mentioned that this car is said to be rust-free, it isn’t rot-free, as in wood rot. Or, 43-year-old Di-Noc faux wood, that is. The seller has hit a grand slam with photos so please check out the listing. They show a few detailed photos of the cracked woodgrain and that’s nice, a lot of folks may have “accidentally” forgotten to include photos showing flaws like that; not so here. In case you were wondering what the rear cargo area looks like, here it is.
As expected, the interior looks great as well. Being an L model as opposed to a GL, this is a more base-level car that may not have some fancy features, but power door locks and power windows were optional in either case. The back seat looks like new. Ford made the second-generation Granada for only two model years: 1981 and 1982, and they were based on the Fox platform. Over 45,000 Granada wagons were built for the 1982 model year. Edit: CCFischer noted that the GL has wood-tone trim on the interior door panels.
This one is fitted with the Essex 3.8-liter V6 with 119 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque when new, at least for California cars. It flows through an automatic to the rear wheels and the seller says it looks, runs, and drives outstanding. Any thoughts on this Granada Squire wagon at its new price?
“…crashing into each other, thus messing up their texts…”. Too funny and, sadly, accurate.
P.S.- Good news! The median home price in Chatsworth, CA declined 10% from last year to only $834,000. Start packing, Scotty! 😉
Ha, hey, that’s cheap! (cough) I’ll have to stick with my 1972 mobile home with asbestos floor tile and a space heater.
You better hurry up and buy it Scotty. Next year it will be priced at $9,995!
Ha! I should have bought it three years ago for $5,995, dang.
You better hurry up and buy it Scotty. Next year it will be priced at $9,995!
Good write-up Scotty. Another example of the many things Ford did with the Fox platform. I never paid much attention to these two-year Granadas, but now I think they are kind of cool. From the perspective, they pretty much define what is (for most people) not cool for cars of this era.
This one looks to be in good shape. I’ve always liked the 16-slot aluminum wheels. Just drive it and enjoy it as a representation of the early 80’s.
I think I must have been in a coma when these were new. I don’t remember them at all. I have to admit though, I’d rather have one of these instead of a crossover vehicle today. Put a 5.0 in it though. It’s a Fox body.
Drive it and pretend it’s a long roof Fox-Body Mustang!
no pretend needed, it IS ~
Nice car, but if it didn’t sell for $7,995 why does the dealer think he’ll now get $8,995 neatly a year later? At some point reality should set in and they’ll move on to something else that will generate cash flow.
As for Chatsworth, why bother, it’s basically northern Los Angeles which is in a tailspin, just like the rest of the state. Nearly everyone I know is planning on leaving either when their parents have passed or they retire, the feeling used to be my house is a an asset and will help pad my retirement, now it’s, I hope the housing market doesn’t collapse before I’m ready to leave.
Sure, the cars are rust free, but this car had Utah plates.
Steve R
This is unbelievable. I never paid much attention to these when they were new. Didn’t notice them missing really either, that is,, until now. This is in remarkable condition, not only for it’s age, but because lets face it, its a wagon, they were typically used up and traded in, then some roofer buys it and has ladders on the roof rack and a pile of shinges in the rear. ( Don’t laugh, Ive personally seen this happen). This is very nice and hey, its a Fox Body. And you shouldn’t have a problem getting many of the wear parts you may need over time.
Nice Fairmont… errr I mean LTD… errr Granada.
The wagon was one year only, making me wonder if it was a last minute decision to go back to two sizes of “LTD” in 1983 with what would’ve been the Granada’s midcycle facelift.
Chatsworth’s biggest drawback for an auto writer is that it’s adjacent to the capital of car culture but at one extreme end. South or East LA would be quite a haul, especially bringing professional camera equipment. It’s hard to call California “underrated” but it’s definitely overhated, to the point of a deliberate smear campaign.
I concur. If it’s automotive, it usually starts in California. That’s one reason why so many automakers have design studios there. I spent my 35 year career in custom built to spec vehicle manufacturing there and loved every minute of it.
From what I understand, the Fox-based LTD was supposed to have been Ford and Mercury’s largest cars in 1983, but an upsurge in sales- combined with lower gas prices- of the larger Panthers kept Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis around for what was a long time.
Interesting piece of information Tigger. If true, or even if it was just a scenario being considered, it reminds me of the situation in the current car market. Plans around certain types of vehicles, being pushed by regulations, are being altered by…. what people really want and don’t want.
Based on the woodgrain appliqués on the interior door panels, this appears to be a Granada GL wagon. L models had plain door panels.
Fantastic catch, CCFischer, thanks!
https://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/ford/82fwa/bilder/7.jpg
I saw that on the brochure, which we usually search for, and went by the seller’s description rather than reality, sorry about that.
Nice car,didn’t know they made such a thing, and I thought I knew everything
I didn’t know that a Granada wagon existed.
Thanks Scotty, and B.F. for more knowledge.
I have an ’81 Fairmont Squire Wagon. Gets thumbs up everywhere it goes. Pretty decent basic transportation.
cougar had this exact model as well (just the merc side). I hear the rear ends (grenade-a) were shipped to MB for their 1st in-house wagons, the W123 OR 300TD.
Real transition cars. 4 cyl, i6 or v6 & bent8. 3 transmissions (1 auto w/4th or OD), no stick shifts tho.
Mine, the LTD (down sized) also went thru carb, gm language: ‘TBI’ (2 jets), but not efi or sequential port. IRS w/the dog bones. Models- coupe, notch, sedan and wagon. But I dont think multi levels w/in each model? This crew was the last of all that (choice… a good thing !) Anyway~
This is how we useta build cars (when wages matched products, not just in cars). Plenty of offerings to entice the different budgets/interests. Some like ’the 4 door stang’ (ltd “LX” or police car): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djWNf9cjPxQ
Today it’s much like Honda (IDK as I refuse to buy brand new/dealer cars) “Give us ur $ & go home. Take this car.” No ‘picks’. All vanilla wrappers. “U want mag wheels? U gotta take leather, moon roof’n this tranny if so.” etc…
Auction update: this one ended with no takers at the seller’s asking price.