Have you seen a BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe recently? A four-door version of a two-door coupe of a four-door saloon. That arguably isn't as well resolved styling-wise as either. At least the Six GC doesn't resemble a 5 Series so closely.
Resprayed Cardinal Red paint looks ace
Anyway, the point being that model ranges used to be far, far simpler, right down to upholstery. People knew what was what so confusion was avoided; how else can Ford Ecosport sales be explained? There was a small car, a medium car and a large car, with maybe one or two niche busters in between for manufacturers feeling fancy. A coupe or something. Choose model according to needs and then however much engine you can afford. All very simple.
This marvellous Cardinal Red Granada 2.8 Injection comes from a less complicated time in car buying. Back when this was sold in 1982 Ford made a Fiesta, Escort, Sierra, Capri and Granada. There were probably still a few Cortinas knocking around but that was it. Small car, medium car, slightly larger medium car, coupe and large car.
Trim levels didn't require translating either. Alongside the plusher Ghia models sat the Injection model [thanks for your addtional info friendly PHers]. The 150hp V6 was borrowed from the Ghia X with the body treated to a few cosmetic enhancements (see the front chin spoiler and similar item on the rear bootlid). It's a hard car to find information on in fact, presumably struggling as a mainstream sports saloon in the face of opposition from German manufacturers. Some things never change, do they?
Rebuilt and raring to go!
The Granada Injection is here simply because it's really damn cool. It's a straight-edged and by-the-numbers saloon shape that's all the more interesting because that's so seldom seen in 2015. Bonnet, body, boot - nothing more, nothing less. The Injection add-ons are superb, appearing far more modern than a Ghia's wood or something similar. Look at those Recaros!
It's also here because it could just be the best version of any Granada available now, perhaps for a long time. And that's best as in pristinely presented but totally usable also, arguably the perfect combination. This Granada Injection has 128,000 miles on it so there's no need to worry about further miles denting its value. Subject to a restoration last year, many of the body panels are still original and the engine was rebuilt rather than replaced. What has made the difference is the respray, the Granada completely striped [sic] and repainted in that fantastic Cardinal Red. There are new bumpers, wheels and lights, all the little details required to make it look - cliche alert - probably better than when it left the factory.
Imagine the reception at a Ford meet arriving in this. Even at a regular classic event it would surely stand out. Drive it there, soak up the praise, remind yourself why you loved the 80s and perhaps stop for a pub lunch on the way home. Brilliant.
And the price for this terrific slice of V6 retro nostalgia cool? Erm, it's £10,000. Which is a lot. But it's not even the old fast Fords that are commanding big money now. Escort Mk1 1.1? £11,000. This Sierra XR4i is £11,595. There isn't a Capri on PH for less than £5K. Plus those are unrestored cars that will probably require money spent on them soon. In theory the Granny should be fresh as a daisy, or at least nearly there. It still looks expensive but it also looks like something that excuses could easily be made for. It's in West Yorkshire if you're interested...
FORD GRANADA V6 INJECTION
Price: £9,995
Why you should: Immaculately restored, well presented, fantastically cool
Why you shouldn't: A bit on the pricey side
See the original advert here.