It’s been 50 years since those bushy side burned Ford Dealer sales rep, sporting kipper ties, flairs and platform shoes convinced all those the fleet managers and joe public (if they could afford it) to fork out for the brand new Consul and Granada's (SUITS YOU SIR). Fords ambition was to lead the way forward with full sized family cars and stay in front for which it did for many years. The new Consul and Granada providing comfort and luxury to the point that Royalty sported a fleet of Granada's as well - hence the Windsor Estate. Even the police, the military and the emergency services in the UK & Europe put them to work.

There are more surviving examples out there than we think and it’s nice to see that many have been imported into the UK over the years from Europe and South Africa. Many from South Africa are in the guise of the famous Basil Green Parana spec and many are the South Africa Ford spec. These now live and display the UK show scene. South African versions all appear to fair well on the body work front due the climate and lifestyle have out there and more are being imported each year.

I remember going to view one many years ago over in Suffolk just for being nosey and was quite surprised to see a big bullet hole in the driver’s door. When I pointed it out to the sales rep (bit of a scruff bag with an egg stained tie) who was trying his hardest to sell it, he just commented “bit of filler will sort that out”. Don’t know about the driver but the car had survived.Now the winter months are here things quiet down for a few months, so please take the opportunity to send a few photos and a short write up about you beloved Granada for the Cars the Star slot in the mag. The life and times of your Granada and your time together are always a good read.

So here we are 50 years later and looking good (if not better than factory quality) thanks to them top boys at Ford rubber stamping the go ahead to produce such an iconic motor. I don’t know what car I would be into now if I’d never bought VAB from that farmer in Kent 33 years ago.

It does not matter where we take our Consul or Granada’s (for drive out or a show) our beloved cars are still very pleasing to eye to whoever looks in your direction. In my experience with our Consul or Granada's there doesn’t seem to be a age limit to the people that we speak to on the show circuit, even the young ones, they are all smiling fans. And you can hear those when and where cogs clunking in their memory boxes when they are talking to us.

Most of all it’s us (and I mean you lot) that keep these beauties alive and well. All of you are rising up to the show scene and your enthusiasm created is a very important part of this culture that we have developed pushing the Guild forward to promote and display our cars to the world. I’ve yet to see the American version of the Granada in the UK. Probably because it just doesn’t seem grip you like the ones we know and love.

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY TO THE CONSUL and GRANADA

Your Chairman - Bryan Stone