1980 Ford Granada L review from UK and Ireland

The car doesn't like to idle when cold - probably autochoke-related.

Rust hole in the spare wheel well in the boot.

Passenger-side sunvisor has lost it's 'spring', so droops down.

Gearlever gaiter torn.

Passenger-side front window cable snapped.

Driver's seat fabric just starting to come unstitched from vinyl side bolster.

I can forgive this car most of it's foibles, just because it's so rare to see a pre-facelift (1978-81) Mk2 these days, especially a lower-specification car that is all-original.

Finished in Strato Silver with blue cloth interior, it has had one previous owner from new, of the deceased variety.

It's scary to think that cars from the class below - the 'Cortina' class, as it was always known - are nowadays as big, or bigger externally, than the Granada. I have a 2007 Saab 9-3 which matches or exceeds the Granada's exterior dimensions, however the Granada is definitely bigger inside.

I know which one I'd prefer (if that's the right word!) to have a crash in, though...

Another eye-opener is the basic specification. OK, this Granada was the base model, but there's no electric windows, air conditioning, sunroof, central locking, or most of the convenience and comfort items expected today. Just a push-button radio (medium AND long wave!), power steering (always standard on the 2.3), and front-seat headrests.

But do you know what? The car is all the better for it.

It's wonderful to drive, reminding you of how cars from this era were much better at transmitting feedback of what was happening at the wheels. And it's rear-wheel drive! Ford have probably never surpassed the shift quality of their late 70's manual gearboxes. And the heater is as powerful as they always were.

OK, the engine is not powerful (114bhp, allegedly) - in fact the Saab is faster to reach every increment, and being diesel is twice as economical, but that's not what this car is about. V-sixes always make a great noise, and this car is no exception.

A great nostalgia trip. A running restoration is planned, and then I will get out and enjoy the show season in the summer.