| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1972 |
| Production Years: | 1972 - 1977 discontinued in 1977 |
The Ford Granada Turnier (GGNL), produced between 1972 and 1977, represents Ford's robust offering in the classic European station wagon segment. This third-generation Granada model featured a practical yet elegant design that combined the utility of a family wagon with the styling and performance expected from Ford during the early 1970s. Known for its spacious interior and versatile cargo capacity, the Turnier variant was ideally suited for drivers requiring both passenger comfort and ample storage space. While precise exterior dimensions for the Ford Granada Turnier (GGNL) are not widely documented, station wagons of this era typically exhibited lengths around 4.6 to 4.8 meters (approximately 181 to 189 inches), widths near 1.7 meters (67 inches), and heights about 1.4 to 1.5 meters (55 to 59 inches). These proportions allowed the Granada Turnier to comfortably accommodate up to five passengers, with rear seats that could fold down to expand cargo room, a valuable feature for family trips or transporting sizable items. The vehicle's design incorporated classic 1970s styling cues such as squared-off lines, a broad front grille, and chrome accents that underscored its premium positioning within Ford's lineup. Under the hood, the Turnier shared mechanical components with the standard Granada sedan and coupe models, offering a range of engine options that balanced performance and efficiency for the era. The car’s construction emphasized durability, with a solid chassis and suspension setup designed to handle various road conditions while providing a smooth ride. Overall, the Ford Granada Turnier (GGNL) remains a notable example of early 1970s European station wagons, combining style, space, and practicality. It is a valuable reference point in car size comparisons, especially when studying the evolution of family-oriented vehicles. The Turnier’s dimensions and functional design set a benchmark for future station wagons competing in mid-size categories, making it an essential study for enthusiasts and experts interested in automotive history and size classification of classic cars.
Discover the standout features that make the 1972 Ford Granada Turnier a leader in its class
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The 1972-1977 Ford Granada Turnier station wagon measures approximately 4625 mm (182 inches) in length, 1775 mm (69.9 inches) in width, and 1430 mm (56.3 inches) in height. These dimensions make it a mid-sized vehicle for its era, delivering a spacious cabin and cargo area for comfortable family use and practicality. Its length and width provide ample interior room, while its relatively low height enhances stability and road handling.
The curb weight of the Ford Granada Turnier of the 1972-1977 generation varies depending on the specific configuration and engine, but generally, it weighs around 1200-1350 kg (2645-2975 lbs). This moderate weight contributes to a balanced driving experience, providing sufficient heft for stability without compromising maneuverability or fuel efficiency excessively. The weight supports a solid ride quality, especially important for a station wagon designed for both passenger comfort and cargo capability.
The Ford Granada Turnier, being a station wagon, comes equipped with a generous cargo area designed for practicality. While exact volume figures vary slightly depending on seat configuration, the cargo capacity with rear seats upright offers a substantial space suitable for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo volume considerably, providing versatility for larger items and enhancing the car's utility for families and transport tasks.
With a width of approximately 1775 mm (69.9 inches) and height of about 1430 mm (56.3 inches), the Ford Granada Turnier fits comfortably within most standard parking spaces and garage dimensions. Standard residential garages usually have interior widths of about 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) or more, making the Turnier’s width and height well-suited for easy entry and exit. However, drivers should be mindful of side mirrors and any additional roof-mounted equipment that might increase the effective width or height.
Yes, the Ford Granada Turnier station wagon from 1972 to 1977 generally fits into a standard European garage without the need for modifications. Standard single garages in Europe typically measure around 2.4 to 2.6 meters (7.9 to 8.5 feet) wide and about 5 to 6 meters (16.4 to 19.7 feet) deep, which accommodates the Turnier's dimensions of approximately 4.625 meters (182 inches) in length and 1.775 meters (69.9 inches) in width comfortably. This allows owners to park and maneuver the car inside a garage with typical clearance.
Compared to the earlier 1967-1972 Ford Taunus station wagons that the Granada replaced, the 1972-1977 Ford Granada Turnier is slightly larger in all major dimensions. It offers increased length and width, contributing to enhanced interior space and cargo volume. The design refinement not only improved passenger comfort but also modernized the car's look, while the increased size focused on competing with other mid-sized European station wagons of the time, fulfilling a market demand for bigger family-oriented vehicles.
The Ford Granada Turnier held its own dimensionally against contemporaries like the Opel Rekord Caravan and the BMW E12 5 Series Touring. While similar in length, the Turnier often provided comparable width but sometimes less overall height depending on the rival model. It was competitive in providing roomy interior space and cargo flexibility. The Turnier’s blend of length, width, and moderate height made it a practical and comfortable choice in a market segment that valued passenger comfort and cargo utility among mid-sized European station wagons.
The Ford Granada Turnier was typically offered with a range of inline-four and V6 engines, available in various displacements to suit different performance and economy needs. Most models featured a rear-wheel-drive layout characteristic of Ford’s engineering in that era. Manual transmissions were common, with some models also offering automatic gearboxes. This drivetrain configuration contributed to balanced handling dynamics suitable for a station wagon of its class, with enough power for everyday driving as well as comfortable motorway cruising.
The interior of the 1972-1977 Ford Granada Turnier station wagon is designed to comfortably seat five passengers, with two rows of seats offering ample legroom and headroom consistent with mid-sized wagons from the era. The roomy interior layout supports family use, and the split rear bench seat folds down to expand cargo space, allowing flexibility between passenger and carrying capacity. Materials and ergonomic design were typical of early 1970s European cars, focusing on functionality and comfort for both drivers and passengers.
The Ford Granada Turnier station wagon offers practicality for daily urban driving thanks to its manageable size, decent maneuverability, and relatively straightforward mechanical layout. Its mid-sized dimensions provide enough space for family and cargo without feeling unwieldy in city environments. For longer trips, the comfortable seating, ample cargo capacity, and stable driving dynamics combine to make the car a reliable and pleasant companion. Fuel efficiency and maintenance considerations reflect 1970s technology, but overall, it remains a versatile classic car with everyday usability.
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