Malaising Grace: 1981 Ford Granada

I posted that rust bucket Mazda RX-4 the other day not because it was a good deal, but because every cell in my body wants the oddball cars (like the Mazda RX-4) to survive to when my grandkids are driving...and they won't if we all don't pull it together and keep them running.  In the same vein, I'd like to offer up this next reject from the malaise era, which is in arguably better shape than the RX-4 Wagon, but with a much less desirable drivetrain. Find this 1981 Ford Granada offered for $2,500 in Spokane, WA via hemmings. Tip from BP.

1972ish Batmobile Built On A Ford Granada Chassis

The original Batmobile was futuristic looking two-seater built on the Lincoln Futura platform, which was cool, but difficult to replicate because the Futura was a concept car built by Carrozzeria Ghia in Turin, Italy.  Today's Batmobile is built on what appears to be the first generation Ford Granada chassis, and features a nose that would make Barbara Streisand jealous. Find this 1972ish Batmobile Built On A Ford Granada Chassis offered for $2800 in Grants Pass, WA via craigslist. Tip from Matt C.

Upscale Granada: 1976 Mercury Monarch

The Mercury Monarch is another unknown oddball, which at first glance looks like a Mercury branded Fox body something-or-other...but it was actually the Mercury equivalent of the Ford Granada and as such, lived on the Comet/Maverick chassis...which was the last hurrah for Ford's aging Falcon chassis.  Find this 1976 Mercury Monarch offered for $2100 in Hamilton, OH via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Not Your Grandpa's Granada: 1975 Ford Granada Ghia

The Ford Granada was released in 1975 on Ford's compact chassis that traced its roots back to the 1960 release of the Falcon. The Granada was intended to replace the Maverick, but the Maverick survived as a low-rent econbox and the Granada slotted up-market to offer a fuel economy friendly alternative to the LTD or a cheap T-Bird when equipped with 2 doors and the big 351 Windsor V8. Find this smog exempt 1975 Ford Granada Ghia offered for $5500 in Palm Desert, CA via craigslist.

Plus-Sized Malaise Muscle: 1978 Ford Granada 302 / 4-speed

The Ford Granada was one of those Malaise-era downsized cars that still managed to look huge while being marketed as a "compact." Although the first-gen Granada was derived from the Maverick and was the great-great-grandson of the Falcon, it managed to be larger than a late '90s E38 BMW 7 Series (ok - yeah, the short wheelbase E38, not the long one). The Granada isn't anyone's first choice for a muscle or pony car, but with more popular V8 performance machinery steadily appreciating, there might be some value in getting your burnout fix from a 302 & 4-speed equipped Malaisemobile. Find this 1978 Ford Granada for sale in Sun City, AZ for $8,900 via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

4-Speed Coupe: 1978 Ford Granada

The Ford Granada was introduced for the 1975 model year as a planned replacement for the Maverick, but the fuel crisis kept the fuel friendly Maverick in production while the Granada/Monarch/Versailles moved up to a "luxury compact" status.  Find this 1978 Ford Granada offered for $4,500 in chillicothe, OH via craigslist. Tip from Rock On.

Auction Watch: 1976 Ford Granada

Check out this 1976 Ford Granada here on eBay bidding for $5,100 with auction ending on Tuesday at 2PM PST.

White Walls, Black Vinyl: 1979 Ford Granada

As a vintage Mustang owner, my own exposure to the Ford Granada is limited to scavenging parts for the rear end.  Early Mustangs were often equipped with 8 inch pumpkins and always had drum brakes in the back, but Granada (and Lincoln Versailles) featured a 9 inch rear with disc brakes.  Getting that fancy rear end into your 67 Fastback was as easy as heading to the nearest pick-n-pull where Granadas littered the yard like groupies at a Kiss concert -- a few custom brackets, and presto you were in business.  Little did I know, but you could actually find a Granada outside of the confines of the nations scrap yards, like this 1979 Ford Granada offered for $1700 in Arcadia, FL via craigslist.  Tip from dascpcu.

5k: Pull The Pin: 1982 Ford Granada

The Ford Granada is well known in classic Mustang circles as a donor vehicle for disc brake, spindle and axle donor parts, but it should not be confused with the European built Ford (of Germany) Granada. The American 1975-80 Granada was based on the Maverick/Comet platform, but it got a short reprieve from the automotive grim reaper and subsequently lived on the Fox platform from 1981-82.  Find this 1982 Ford Granada offered for $3,600 in  Harrisburg, PA via craigslist.  Tip from Aaron K.

5k: The Emerald Shitty: 1977 Ford Granada

Today we featured a Ford Granada Ghia that had survived the crusher and has some customization from its owner.  DT regular Scot posted a link to a different SLC Granada in the comments and we couldn't resist a quick link to ANOTHER Granada...so... Find this green-on-green 1977 Ford Granada in St Louis, MO for $3,400.

5k: Parts Donor: 1975 Ford Granada Ghia

Most Ford enthusiasts know the Granada as a parts donor - willingly giving rear disc brakes to Mustangs all across the country (much in the same way the Mustang II is known for its R&P steering system and dual A-arm suspension, used in all manner of hot rods).  Most Granadas have long been stripped of usable parts and recycled into refrigerator magnets by now but at least one has escaped the crusher's jaws. Find this 1975 Ford Granada for sale in Bothell, WA for $3,800 via craiglist.  Tip from ANCMatt.