Corgi 1:43 MK2 Ford Granada Ghai 2.8i Nimbus Grey

Corgi 1:43 MK2 Ford Granada Ghai 2.8i Nimbus Grey/Strato Silver

The Granada Mk2 range was announced in August 1977 and although it appeared to be an entirely new car it actually used basically the same platform and suspension as the Mk1 that had been in production since 1972. The style, however, was a neat pan-European sharp but understated and elegant design by Filippo Sapino, overseen by Ford of Europe Vice President of Design, Uwe Bahnsen, which had a CD of 0.44. The free-revving 'Cologne' V6 engine was adopted in favour of the Mk1's 'Essex' V6 and fuel injection featured on more expensive versions.

The range was huge from the launch and spanned a basic 65bhp taxi specification version to the luxurious 135bhp Ghia. Although the 4-door saloon was the most popular, the Mk2 was also available as both a 2-door saloon and a very capacious estate. The whole range was substantially updated in 1981 with wraparound bumpers, a body coloured grille, improved suspension, enhanced sound deadening, more comfortable seats and more power. This kept it competitive with newer rivals and 918,969 Mk2s were produced before production ceased in 1985.

The car modelled is a later Ghia X, which featured an electric slide and tilt sunroof, electric boot release, electric seat adjustment, heated seats, a trip computer, electric mirrors, Michelin TRX metric tyres and air conditioning. It was first registered in March 1984 and was substantially restored by owner and enthusiast Ajay Notani in 2012. Engine: 2792cc V6 OHV Power: 160bhp@5700rpm Torque: 162lb.ft@4300 Maximum speed: 117mph 0-60 mph: 8.9secs Weight: 3009lbs