For many years, cars that hailed from the 1970s were largely ignored within the classic car scene. The reality is that all of these cars are now at least 40-years-old, which makes any tidy survivor from that era well worth a look. This is especially true for anyone who is looking at dipping their toe into the classic scene and wants to do this on a budget. This 1977 Ford Granada Ghia is an excellent example of what I am talking about. It isn’t perfect, but it does present exceptionally well for a car from this era. It is located in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding action on the Ford hasn’t been what I would consider to be frantic. There have been two bids submitted at the time of writing. This has pushed the price to $3,650, and the reserve has been met. While bidding has been subdued, 66 people are currently watching the listing. This seems to suggest that there are a few people out there who can see some potential in this Ford.
The Granada is finished in its original Cream, with a matching landau-style vinyl top. The majority of the paint is said to be original, although there is evidence of some minor touch-up work in a couple of spots. The paint does wear a few nicks and dings, but it generally looks quite respectable. The vinyl top has begun to deteriorate, and this will require attention if a high level of presentation is to be maintained. Replacing the vinyl is an option, but it might be worth investigating some others first. I have seen some pretty remarkable transformations on these tops using the type of fiberglass polish that is usually reserved for polishing boats. I’m not sure whether this would be the ultimate answer, but a tin of polish and a few hours of hard work is going to cost less than the $320 for a new top. That price doesn’t include fitting, so you can see that it would be well worth investigating some other options first. The Granada rolls on steel wheels that wear the original wheel covers, and are wrapped in whitewall tires. The wheel covers appear to be in good condition, as is all of the remaining trim and chrome. There is no sign of any rust issues with the vehicle, and the floors wear little more than the occasional light dusting of surface corrosion.
There are plenty of reasons why cars from the 1970s have failed to gain wide acceptance within the classic community up until now. Both emission and safety regulations were placing a stranglehold on the auto industry, resulting in vehicles that were gaining weight and losing horsepower when compared to their predecessors. This is not a fantastic combination for those seeking high levels of performance and makes it easy to see why this period in time was referred to as the Malaise Era. Under the hood of this Granada, we find a 351ci Windsor V8. This produces 135hp, with that power finding its way to the rear wheels via a 3-speed automatic transmission. The Ford also features power steering and power brakes. The vehicle should tip the scales at 3,485lbs, and with 135hp at its disposal, it means that the journey down the ¼ mile takes a relatively leisurely 19 seconds. On the positive side, the seller does say that the Granada runs and drives well. Also, the buyer might want to consider investigating the enormous selection of aftermarket goodies that are available if they wanted to liberate a few additional ponies. Of course, this option would depend on both the buyer’s budget and on local emissions testing laws. I don’t want to encourage anyone to break the law here, so it pays to do your homework first on that one. It’s also worth noting that the seller claims that the Ford has a genuine 62,802 miles showing on its clock. He doesn’t mention whether he holds any evidence to support this claim, so that will require investigation.
Overall, the interior of the Granada presents quite nicely. There is some minor wear visible on the front seat, and I did spot a very small tear on the passenger side. However, I think that this tear could be blind-patched quite successfully. The one area that does demonstrate some notable deterioration is the top of the dash pad. This has become quite sunbaked and discolored. Thankfully, it hasn’t started to split, so it might be able to be salvaged. If not, then an aftermarket cap can be found for around $120. The down-side with these caps is that they are only available in black. That means that the owner would have to dye the pad to match the original. The rest of the interior looks very respectable, and the inclusion of cold factory air conditioning should make the interior a pleasant place to be on a hotter day.
It is easy to dismiss cars that hail from the Malaise Era because it wasn’t the greatest of times in American automotive history. However, whether we like it or not, it is an era that holds great significance in our motoring heritage. Increasing weights and loss of engine performance forced manufacturers to examine a lot of alternatives in a bid to win back the hearts (and dollars) of the buying public. Every era of motoring deserves recognition, and it is cars like this 1977 Granada Ghia that provide a window into an era that many enthusiasts would probably prefer to forget. Before you write this car off, try to remember the last time that you saw a ’77 Granada that looked as nice as this one. It might not be as desirable as a 1969 Boss 302, but it is still a car that would attract plenty of attention. That is because, like you, there will be plenty of people who will try to remember when they last saw a good example. That makes it a car to consider for those on a budget.
I had a 77 Granada Ghia 4 door in royal blue with white vinyl and white-centered hub caps. Full frame chassis. Car was solid. Not to be confused with a Mercedes or Seville like the commercial of the day. I had always wanted the coupe. I’d put 16″ wheels, 5.0 HO., 3.73 gears on this, with a subtle exhaust.
It’s funny how Ford really did use the same platform to try and compete with the Seville. I worked with a guy who had a ’77 Versailles that looked pretty rough. But it still ran and drove well. People were always making him offers so they could pinch the 9″ rear diff on it.
Because the Lincoln had factory rear discs with the 9″ and was an easy swap into a Mustang!
My grandmother had one with the colors reversed!
Yes, it’s a malaise era car. But as Adam points out, when is the last time you saw one? It would gather plenty of attention at the car show, from the “my _____ had one of these, only it was ______” crowd. Fun, for not much money.
Most Granadas were actually nicely equipped and trimmed. This one in its period-correct colors looks pretty good. And, it has those metal mini splash guards !!
My parents bought a new Ghia with a 302 back then. Even as a budding car snob, I was impressed by the ride, handling and quietness. I’m sure had it been a six, I would have been way less impressed.
Nice looker, but we had a ghia years ago, was loaded , power everything, had a ghia emblem, do not see one here.
if you squint you can see the emblem in the opera window
Yeah, my parents had a nice looking fully optioned grey 4dr. Ghia ESS w/a 6 that was horrible. It couldn’t get out of it’s own way and it started and idled like it had bad motor mounts. Gawd forbid the A/C was on when accelerating. Fit and finish was decent, though
Great cars, and this one is a nice find with a 351 engine. last year for that engine option. Wheel covers are for standard trim level, not correct for a Ghia. I like the 2 door style, but prefer these in a 4 door.
A 351, even in those years would have more than 135 HP. Didn’t the 302 have 140? I don’t even recall a 351 even being an option on those cars.
@Ken, yes. The 351W has around 158 ish horsepower, and 302 was 135-140. Big difference in torque between 302 and 351 though. The 351 was optional in these cars from 1975-’77.
Same here I don’t recall a 351 being an option on these only the 302..of course someone could have put a 351 in pretty easily
You can check the factory engine here with the VIN
7E84H
H – 8 cyl. 351 CID (2-BC)
Although it was a bad time for all manufacturers, Ford seemed to suffer the worst in the engine department during the 1970s. Even AMC managed to pull out noticeably more power for a given displacement.
Funny you should mention that. All through the muscle car era (1965-1971) Ford’s horsepower ratings were always less than the other manufacturers, yet the cars were competitive on the track. I suspect that they were sandbagging for insurance reasons.
Yes, the 351 was available, but rarely chosen. http://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Ford/1977_Ford/1977_Ford_Granada_Brochure/1977%20Ford%20Granada-12.jpg
Next door neighbor had a 76 Granada similar to this. Think his had the 302. Not a terrible car for the period. He was about to pay to replace worn tires when the Firestone 500 recall was announced. He got 5 new tires for free!
I had a 75 Granada four-door in high school. It had the 351W and reclining bucket seats. It was not a terrible car, but OMG it was a gas guzzler. IIRC I would average about 10 MPG. My heavy-footed driving habits certainly didn’t help.
My dad bought a 77 Ghia with the 6 for my mom. Nice car tht rode really well but acceleration was pitiful with all that weight and so little HP.
A bolt on kit from the likes of Edelbrock with some headers and Magnum 500 rims would set this thing off nicely.
Came here to suggest the same wheels, LOL!! :-)
You can see the car has a higher option package with the cornering light.
Fastest Ford of ’77?! Surprised it has staggered rear shocks.
Is that the original cat converter & is it of the pellet variety?
http://www.classiccarstodayonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Ford-1976-Ford-Granada-Sport-Coupe-ad.jpg
351 also avail on Merc Monarch – not sure if 4 speed manual avail with 351 on either car.
I’m really surprised how people comment about cars from Malaise Era, which I really like and admire. The Granada-family was one of the few successes of Ford during the turbulent 1970s and drowsy 1980s. Equipped with the best of the era, in a long list of options, Ford achieved an market stability not seen since the early-1960s, thus opening space for the development of the Fox Platform for the 1980s. While using the longer chassis of the sedan Maverick, that little boxy car was able to hold a 351 Cleveland engine with ease. If wasn’t for those boxy Thunderbird from the same era, the Granada could’ve been at least my first option of car. One of the cars that really saved Ford from the lame laziness of the 1970s.
“drowsy 1980s”?
You mean the era of
the Fox body Mustang, Panther body LTD, aero Thunderbird, Escort, and Taurus, all of which were more successful and engaging to drive than the Granada?
Escort ? Taurus ? …exciting ? I’d rather have a 302 Granada/Monarch over any of those listed , but If you crushed every Escort and Taurus built in the 80s ( and most already are ) , I don’t think anyone would notice or care
Ah yes a Granada……..watching paint dry is more exciting!
Same or a ’57 Chevy. Yawwn.
Nice cars to look at, not nice to drive. Power steering on these had virtually no road feel, making driving one feel like a rolling video game, along with a ride like a marshmallow. And yes, the sixes were very underpowered. Maybe the V8 would’ve been a better drive…
I think this is a great car, if it were close by, I would definitely be interested. It is different and the way it is equipped, makes it a very unique and a fun car to own. Allot of fun for the money .
I had the pleasure of owning one a 77 with the 250 ci 6 and a 4 spd. I also met the lead designer (for almost 20 years) of what was called the “Falcon” floor pan which means he was there to draw the original Mustang with Iacoca. This Granada was a big fat (really fat) Mustang underneath. The model I had was a Henry Ford II ordered response to the combined incidence of the demise of the Pinto in the courtroom and the imposition of the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards. How can a 75 HP six be exciting? I had the only 6 passenger, 2+ ton, 31 (yes, THIRTY ONE) mpg sedan in the parking lot. If you look you may still find one. People that know about them didn’t give them up easily. That model was featured in the ASME Journal, where I found out about it. It was forced on fleet buyers to boost Ford’s CAFE rating.
I had a ’77 coupe and the doors felt like 200 lb. weights. Closing took much effort from the seat. Other than that, a great cruiser for a 302 C.I. engine.
Oh, and one time the a/c clutch wouldn’t disengage when in the off position and started a small fire. If it wasn’t for a handy fire extinguisher, the car would have been toast down to the frame since I was on a long stretch of Interstate 80.
I had a 77 Ghia with the 250 cid in-line six and a 3 speed manual shift with overdrive (basically a 4 speed) one of the best cars I ever owned and certainly one of the most dependable
My buddies father had a 76, 4 door, 302, saving grace was it had a/c and am/fm 8 track,
Up to $4155 now with two days to go and 175 watchers. I’ve always like the coupes and think this would be a neat car to have. It’s being sold by a dealer who bought it from “A well known Ford collector” per the EBay ad.
Had one same color as this in 86-87 my last year of high school
Only mine had a blue interior and a straight 6
Was New England rusty but got the job done tried to give it to my little brother before I left the states but the trans crapped out and he junked it.
If I was still there or if the shipping wasn’t so expensive I’d consider this one
One of my three sisters, the oldest one to be exact, was given a nice new 1975 Grenada, 4dr. silver out, dark red in. That was a very nice very comfortable car. But man was it slow!, probably not quite as slow if it had an automatic, but really there’s only so much you can get out of a 200 c.i.d. straight six with a three on the tree! But I do remember it was very comfortable and fairly quiet, especially on the highway, but the mileage was good at 18-25! I don’t remember the car when new, as I was away in The U.S.Army till May 1976, so her car was about a year old!
Supposedly you could get power windows in these or the Monarchs, but I’ve never seen that. Anyone know?
They absolutely did have power windows, if I recall the switch boxes were over the crank holes in the door panel
I cannot look at a Granada without smelling pee. My step grandfather drove a light blue Granada with matching wheel covers. Always smelled like pee inside. Not just any pee though. Like rotting in the hot sun pork from a can pee. *shudders*
Great looking cars my mother had a 1976 silver and burgundy terrible car broke down lots of times she was thrilled when my dad traded