The March 1972 released Granada succeeded the British Ford Zephyr, and the German Ford Taunus, as Ford's European executive car offering. At first, lower models in the range were called the Ford Consul, but from 1975 on they were all called Granadas. The car soon became popular for taxi, fleet and police usage. It was also converted into limousine and hearse versions by the British companies Coleman Milne and Woodall Nicholson.
Mechanically, the European Granada conformed to Ford convention, the initial range using the Ford Essex V4 unit in 2.0 L displacement, and the "Essex" V6 engine in 2.5 and 3.0 L capacities. German models employed a Ford Taunus V4 engine in 1.7 L displacement, or the 3.0L Essex V6, or, more commonly the "Cologne" V6 in 2.0, 2.3 or 2.6 L capacities. The V4 was later replaced by the Pinto unit. The car generally followed mechanical layout of its predecessors Ford Zephyr/Zodiac, utilizing a coil sprung independent rear end, although front McPherson struts were replaced by double wishbones, introduced 18 months earlier in smaller TC Cortina and Taunus. On the other hand the Granada, like Ford 17M/20M/26M, featured drum brakes at rear, as opposed to the Ford Zephyr/Zodiac rear disc brakes.
The cars were available as two and four door saloons, a five-door estate (Turnier) and two-door fastback coupe. The early (1972-73) coupe had slightly different sheet metal; a more pronounced coke bottle styling. In 1974 the coupe was revised, with more straight lines. The "coke-bottle" coupe was unsuccessful in the UK. A revised coupe was sold only in Ghia-trim in the UK; elsewhere in all trims with all engines available. This was the reverse of the situation with the TC Cortina and Taunus, where the British model had the "coke-bottle" styling.
In South Africa, the Granada Perana V8, built by Basil Green Motors, was available through Ford dealers with the 302cu Windsor V8 engine, developing 220 DIN HP.
The cars were available as two and four door saloons, a five-door estate (Turnier) and two-door fastback coupe. The early (1972-73) coupe had slightly different sheet metal; a more pronounced coke bottle styling. In 1974 the coupe was revised, with more straight lines. The "coke-bottle" coupe was unsuccessful in the UK. A revised coupe was sold only in Ghia-trim in the UK; elsewhere in all trims with all engines available. This was the reverse of the situation with the TC Cortina and Taunus, where the British model had the "coke-bottle" styling.
In South Africa, the Granada Perana V8, built by Basil Green Motors, was available through Ford dealers with the 302cu Windsor V8 engine, developing 220 DIN HP.
Production 1972-1977
Predecessor Ford Zephyr & Zodiac, Ford Taunus 20M/26M
Body style(s) 4-door saloon, 5-door estate car, 2-door coupe
Engine(s) 1699 cc V4 not UK, 1996 cc V4 UK only, 1993 cc I4, 2293 cc V6 not UK, 2494 cc V6 UK only, 2994 cc V6
Wheelbase 107 in (2718 mm), Length 180 in (4572 mm), Width 70.5 in (1791 mm)
Curb weight 1190 kg (2624 lb) - 1430 kg (3153 lb)
Successor Ford Granada Mark II
April 1972
Consul and Granada saloons introduced. Consul has cross-mesh grille in two panels. Granada has horizontal chrome grille bars and chrome waist strip.
Consul:- Basic and L versions with 2.0 litre V4 or 2.5 litre V6 engine. Consul GT has 3.0 litre V6 engine, extra instruments and cloth trim. Optional extras include automatic transmission, sun roof and (with the V6 only) power steering.
Granada:- 2.5 litre or 3.0 litre V6 engine. Reclining front seats, seperate rear seats, wood trim on doors and facia. Optional extras include automatic transmission, sun roof and power steering. GXL version has these (manual gearbox alternative), plus tinted glass and vinyl roof covering.
September 1972
Estate cars introduced, Consul with L trim and 2.5 litre engines only, Granada with 3.0 litre engine only.
April 1973
Granada with 2.5 litre engine discontinued. 3.0 litre remains, with power steering standard.
December 1973
Fully adjustable face level vents on all models. Reclining front seats standard on basic Consul. Granada saloon and estate now designated XL, GXL version continues. Electric screen washers with facia switch and clock relocated in centre console on Granada.
January 1974
Consul screen washers and clock modified as Granada.
March 1974
Granada Ghia announced. New grille, Ghia badges, luxury interior trim.
July 1974
Granada Ghia coupe introduced in UK. Two door fastback body, Ghia style trim. Mechanically as Granada.
September 1974
V4 engine in 2.0 litre Consul replaced by in-line OHC unit; improved performance and economy.
April 1975
2.0 litre OHC now available on Consul L estate, Granada XL and GXL saloons. Improved driving position and revised suspension on all models. Gear lever angle altered and clutch pedal brought nearer to driver making operation easier.
October 1975
Consul range discontinued; replaced by Granada models. Various trim improvements and additions to standard equipment. New instrument panel in the style of the Escort/Cortina range. All models now have carpets, cloth seat trim, heated rear window, hazard warning and reversing lights as standard equipment.
February 1976
2.0 litre saloon now fitted with 'economy' engine.
1977
Granada MK2 Series 1 announced.
