Does Anyone Remember the 1981-82 Granada?

Because I Certainly Don't Remember This Second Generation!

If you had asked me yesterday whether Ford made a second generation North American Granada, based on a slightly facelifted Fairmont, the Fox platform, I would have said no. I don't remember it at all! I don't think I've ever seen one in person, certainly not the coupe with its attractively widened C pillar (compared with the Fairmont). Apparently I picked up this brochure at the dealership 29 years ago and never looked at it again until this morning! Talk about "like new" condition...

Looking at this car with my 2010 eyes, I can honestly say it's pretty decent looking. It's a bit more formal than the Fairmont, a bit fussier in detail, but the changes aren't heavy-handed at all, and add a bit of class to the car if you ask me. The black coupe, below, is downright elegant looking in that honest way that Fords of a certain vintage always possessed. They were available with four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines, and were all rear-wheel drive. They came in L, GL, and GLX trim levels for '81, in coupes and sedans, and added a wagon for '82. 

The Mercury version for this 1981-82 second generation was no longer called Monarch, it became the Cougar. For '83 the Granada name was retired for good, replaced with yet another facelifted Fox body, and renamed the LTD. At that point, the "Fox" Cougar became the Marquis. The early '80s was certainly a fluid time in terms of Ford's naming practices, as they tried to downsize their models and keep up with the times. Jack Telnack's "aero" age was just around the corner . . .

I swear I've never seen one of these coupes in either Granada or Cougar guise. Compared with the original Fairmont, the wider C pillar is good looking! I really like it in this all black version. It's tasteful and appears light; it's elegant without being ornate. The proportions are great for a mid-size Eighties automobile.

The GLX trim level was the top of the line, but oddly came with blackout trim on the rocker panel moldings, B pillar and window frames and headlight recesses. The interior came in vinyl buckets or optional split bench seats with dual armrests. It's "sort" of sporty with the black trim, but the interior was "luxury" oriented with lots of woodgrain.

For the rest of the trim levels, and the options page, click the jump link.

The GLX sat at the top of the line.

The GL was the mid level model. 

The "L" sat at the bottom. but honestly, they all look almost exactly the same to me. The L seems to have just as much chrome on the bodysides as the GL does. The interior is probably where the difference was more apparent.

Somewhat strangely, to me anyway, in a brochure full of photography, the options pages are illustrated in a loose style. Options included manual front vent windows, a manual pop-up sunroof, various wheels and wheel trims, several radio options, and the inevitable power options, window, seats, door locks and steering. Power front disc brakes were standard, as was rack-and-pinion steering, but the variable ratio power assist for the steering was optional.