| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1972 |
| Production Years: | 1972 - 1976 discontinued in 1976 |
The Ford Granada Coupe (GGCL), produced between 1972 and 1976, represents a distinctive classic coupe offering from Ford’s Granada lineup during the mid-1970s. This model is recognized for its elegant and understated styling, combining classic American design cues with a more European-inspired profile that the Granada nameplate invoked. As a coupe, the GGCL version was aimed at buyers seeking a stylish two-door car with a blend of comfort, performance, and road presence. While exact dimensions can vary slightly depending on market and model year updates, the Granada Coupe typically measured around 4.7 meters (approximately 185 inches) in length, with a width close to 1.8 meters (about 71 inches), offering a balanced footprint that provided a spacious interior relative to coupes of the era. The height hovered near 1.35 meters (roughly 53 inches), contributing to its sleek, low profile appearance on the road. Weighing in the range of approximately 1,200 to 1,400 kilograms (2,645 to 3,086 lbs), the Granada Coupe had a solid build quality, reflecting Ford's focus on durability and driving dynamics. The car was typically equipped with a variety of inline-six and V8 engine options, giving it a notable performance range for its size during the 1970s. The Granada Coupe’s combination of classic styling, moderate dimensions, and reliable engineering make it a significant model in Ford’s history, especially for enthusiasts of mid-century American-European crossover coupes. This generation of Granada Coupe remains an interesting example for collectors and those comparing classic car sizes, standing out with its unique blend of American practicality and European elegance.
Discover the standout features that make the 1972 Ford Granada Coupe a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The 1972-1976 Ford Granada Coupe (GGCL) measures approximately 4,780 mm (188.2 inches) in length, 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) in width, and stands 1,370 mm (53.9 inches) tall. These dimensions place it firmly in the mid-size coupe category of the early 1970s, giving it a substantial road presence without being overly large. Its length and width provide good interior space and stability, while the moderate height contributes to a sporty coupe profile.
The wheelbase of the Ford Granada Coupe (GGCL) from 1972 to 1976 is approximately 2,800 mm (110.2 inches). This relatively long wheelbase for a coupe in its class enhances ride comfort by smoothing out road imperfections and contributes to better straight-line stability. A longer wheelbase also generally improves passenger space, particularly legroom for rear-seat occupants, which is somewhat rare for coupes of that era. However, it may slightly reduce maneuverability compared to shorter wheelbase models.
The 1972-1976 Ford Granada Coupe weighs in at approximately 1,470 kg (3,241 lbs) curb weight, depending on the engine and trim configuration. This moderate weight balances structural solidity and performance. Heavier than smaller cars but lighter than many full-size sedans, it allowed for respectable acceleration and handling characteristics of the time. The weight also influenced fuel consumption, with larger V6 or V8 engine variants typically using more fuel than the inline six-cylinder options.
The Ford Granada Coupe (GGCL) offers seating typically for four passengers, with a front bucket seat design and a rear bench suitable for two adults comfortably. The interior cabin provides ample headroom and legroom for a coupe of its era, aided by the vehicle's relatively long wheelbase and width. Cargo space in the trunk is moderately sized to fit typical luggage or groceries but is less than what would be available in a sedan counterpart, reflecting the coupe body style's trade-off between sportiness and practicality.
Yes, the Ford Granada Coupe (GGCL) from 1972 to 1976 will fit into a standard residential garage. Standard garage dimensions are typically about 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 3 meters (10 feet) in width, which comfortably accommodates the Granada Coupe's length of 4.78 meters (15.7 feet) and width of 1.8 meters (5.9 feet). The coupe's height of 1.37 meters (4.5 feet) is well within typical garage door height clearances, so parking and storing this classic car at home is generally convenient.
The 1972-1976 Ford Granada Coupe marked a distinct design iteration from the earlier pre-1972 models. This generation grew slightly in overall length and width, enhancing interior space and presence on the road. The predecessor coupes were typically more compact and less refined in terms of suspension and interior layout. This generation's larger dimensions contributed to improved passenger comfort and a more solid, mature appearance, making it a significant evolutionary step forward in the Granada coupe lineage.
Compared to similar mid-size coupes from the early 1970s, such as the Opel Commodore Coupe or the BMW 3.0 CSL, the Ford Granada Coupe was generally more conservative in styling but matched or exceeded them in size. Its dimensions placed it in a competitive bracket, offering a roomy interior and a smooth ride. While German competitors emphasized sportiness and advanced engineering, the Granada favored comfort and practicality, appealing to buyers seeking a mix of performance and refinement in a comfortable coupe package.
The fuel tank capacity of the 1972-1976 Ford Granada Coupe (GGCL) is approximately 62 liters (16.4 US gallons). This relatively large tank size allowed for extended driving range between refuels, which was an advantage during an era when fuel stations were less ubiquitous in some regions. Depending on the engine variant and driving conditions, the Granada could achieve an average fuel consumption in the range of 12 to 15 liters per 100 kilometers (19-23 miles per gallon), translating to roughly 400-500 kilometers (250-310 miles) of driving range on a full tank.
The 1972-1976 Ford Granada Coupe was offered with several engine options, which included inline six-cylinder engines and V8 powertrains. The six-cylinder options varied in displacement, typically around 2.3 to 3.0 liters, providing a balance of power and economy. The available V8s were primarily 4.9 liters (302 cubic inches) delivering stronger performance and a more muscular driving experience. This variety of engines allowed buyers to select a model that best suited their preference for power, fuel economy, or a blend of both.
The 1972-1976 Ford Granada Coupe featured front independent suspension with coil springs and a solid rear axle with leaf springs, which was typical for vehicles of its class and era. This suspension setup aimed to balance comfort and handling, delivering a smooth ride over rough surfaces while maintaining acceptable cornering stability. Although not a sports car by modern standards, the Granada Coupe offered confident, stable handling for a mid-size coupe, complementing its grand touring character.
Ford