Every once in a while, a listing pops up that makes you stop scrolling simply because you don’t see them anymore. This 1978 Ford Fiesta, currently listed on Facebook Marketplace in Rapid City, Michigan, is one of those cars. Priced at $750, it’s not being presented as a ready-to-drive classic. Instead, it’s a project with a missing engine, some collision damage, and a long history of sitting in storage. Even so, early Fiestas have become uncommon sights, which makes this one an interesting find for the right enthusiast. Thanks for the tip, JDC!
According to the seller, this Fiesta spent more than 20 years in a barn. The seller states that it was originally equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, but that engine was removed and used in another project. The car is equipped with a manual transmission, which the seller says functioned properly before the vehicle was parked.
The story gets a little more interesting from there. The seller believes a previous owner may have hit a guardrail or experienced some sort of impact on the passenger side before the car was stored away. As a result, the listing notes that the vehicle needs a passenger-side door and fender, while the quarter panel would need repair as well.
Fortunately for the next owner, some replacement parts are already included. According to the listing, the sale comes with all the coils and control arms needed to address bent suspension components underneath the car. The seller also includes new glass for the passenger door and a solid orange roof panel for buyers who would prefer to replace the existing sunroof arrangement. One claim that stands out is the mileage. The seller states that the car shows 2,298 original miles. As with any older vehicle, buyers will likely want to perform their own due diligence, but that’s the figure presented in the listing.
The seller also describes the Fiesta as a rust-free car with a very clean underside. Those are notable claims considering the age of the vehicle and the fact that many first-generation economy cars disappeared decades ago. The listing specifically notes that the passenger side is the primary area needing attention.
Early Ford Fiestas were designed as practical transportation, not future collectibles. That’s probably part of their appeal today. Most were driven hard, worn out, and discarded long ago. Finding one that reportedly spent decades tucked away in a barn, even in project condition, is becoming increasingly unusual.
This isn’t the kind of project that will appeal to everyone. It needs work, it doesn’t have an engine, and the seller is upfront about that. But for someone who enjoys saving overlooked cars, the combination of a first-generation Fiesta, long-term storage history, included parts, and a modest asking price could make it worth a closer look.
Would you bring this early Fiesta back to life, or would you use it as the foundation for something completely different?
Magnum P.I vibe on the Fiesta 🌴 Maybe Rick’s car lol ⛱️🧉
Hard pass with that kind of damage,…
You are right.
Steve R
My dad had one of these as his daily driver. I learned how to drive with his car. Fun car actually. My dad’s also had the metal/glass sunroof and a rear defroster. No a/c. Hot car in the summer! I notice this one is the “Sport” package. Interesting find.
Probably my favorite of all the 70s/80s econoboxes….and I was a big fan of econoboxes. I think I loved them because they had a European flair to them. The one thing I wonder is why the driver’s side front wheel is tucked under. That guardrail they hit on the passenger side must have really been tough to do that.
I sure hope someone buys this and fixes it up. The interior looks to be in very nice shape…. as do the parts of the body not rearranged by the guardrail. I can’t remember the last time I saw a Ford Fiesta of this vintage on the road. Great little cars.