Ford Consul & Granada Registered Tehnician Handbook

Dear Technician,

It seems that we are introducing something new each month in 1972. In January it was “me”. February announced Ford Sure, and now in March it's a brand new large Car Range, the Consul and Granada. As you can see from the inside covers of this Handbook, the lines of the new cars are clean, modern and very European with a hint of 'aggression' about the ground hugging profile. Although the Consul and Granada are similar in shape, the two cars are easily distinguishable by the Granada sporting more bright metal work, rubber Bumper Inserts, full Wheel Trims and a bright metal Radiator Grille and Back Panel surround.

The Consul has three levels of comfort and performance, Base, 'L' and 'GT', while the Granada has two, Base and 'GXL' (equivalent to the former 'executive' level). Unique features of the range include a Tinted Window option, Ventilated Disc Brakes with the 3 litre Engine, dual intensity Stop Lamps, a safer, stronger Passenger Compartment and New Safety Switches.

The well proven 'V' Essex Engine range of 2, 2.5 and 3 litres capacity, power the Consul and Granada to a remarkable 92. 106 and 113 mph respectively. These maximum speed figures, together with touring fuel consumptions of 27.6, 24.3 and 24 mpg smash for all time the old theory that 'you sacrifice economy for the sake of more speed'.

Passenger comfort is guaranteed by a rubber mounted fully independent Suspension System specially designed to reduce road noise, vibration and harshness (the dreaded N.V.H). The Front Suspension consists of short and long Arm (ie double Wishbones), Coil Springs, lubed-for-life Ball Joints plus a Sub-frame mounted Anti-roll Bar, whilst the Rear Suspension comprises semi-trailing steel Arms, Coil Springs, and two, sliding Constant Velocity joints on each Half-shaft. Rack and Pinion Steering (with option Power Steering) and 14x5.5 or 6 inch Wheels complete the Consul and Granada's sophisticated Chassis package.

Servo-assisted, dual-line, hydraulic Brake with self-adjusting Rear drums and Front discs (internally ventilated on the 3 litre car) make sure that these prestige cars can stop in a very 'refined' manner when 'her ladyship so desires'.

Further features of particular interest to the Registered Technician include 'bolt-on' front wings and doors; good engine accessibility and easy access to the wiper and heater motors via the engine compartment.

We feel sure that these cars will provide a new challenge to the Service Industry and also that the Consul, Granada and the Registered Technician will prove a pretty formidable team in the years ahead.

Victoria Park, Widnes 2009

I had forgotten about this event until I found the pictures on my hard drive earlier. After the retro-car overload that was the huge Hershey swap meet a few weeks later I had completely overlooked a small but interesting meeting of classic cars in my local town, Widnes, back in September.

For the past few years Victoria Park has held host to a vintage steam and traction engine rally. Entry is free and there is a large range of things to hold interest for all ages. The array of huge fairground organs are mesmerising to watch, the stationary engines are fascinating for their function, the trade/market stalls usually turn up plenty of interest and the gathering of classic bikes is always worth a look.

As you may expect though, the most interesting part for me is the collection of classic cars that show up. From Austin Sevens to Peugeot 205s and lots in between, it's always worth a look around. As a side-display to the main theme of the event it's usually a fairly small gathering, but there's always something of interest.

The picture gallery is here, and I'll take you through some of the more interesting cars I saw:



A beautiful Jowett Javelin. They were made in Bradford, had a flat-four engine and an impressive competition history for such a small marque.



This Peugeot 205 CTI was one of the newer cars on display, but is a real rarity nowadays - especially in such good condition.



Children of all ages adored this pink flowery BMW Isetta. Guaranteed to put a smile on any face!



This Sunbeam Alpine was my favourite. A classic British sports convertible just like the MGs and Triumphs also on display but this one had a distinctly modern twist to it:



16valve Ford Zetec power under the bonnet. I bet that's great fun!