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Classic Ford - Buyers Guide: Fiesta MK1
"Want a car that won't break the bank but is still lots of fun? Try the MK1 Fiesta."
February 2005
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Buyers Guide: Fiesta MK1




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.....The front wheels were driven, via a four-speed, all-synchromesh gearbox, attached to the left-hand end of the engine. A rack and pinion steering system was adopted, and braking was by front discs plus rear drums. Ford employed MacPherson struts for the front suspension, while at the rear, a five-link trailing arm system was used, incorporating a Panhard rod and an anti-roll bar. From the outset, it was intended that the cars should be straightforward to maintain, to keep repair cost and time down.

A variety of trim levels were offered, from basic, through L, S and Ghia versions. The sporting S models featured a rev counter, uprated suspension and bright trims for the wheels, among other goodies. The emphasis in the Ghia was more on luxury, with standard features including wood-grain interior trims, cloth seats, and aluminium alloy wheels.

The options list was comprehensive, and covered such useful items as a glass or steel sunroof, a brake servo, metallic paintwork and a push-button radio. September 1977 saw the introduction of 1.3-litre versions, with S and Ghia designations. New 'GL' versions arrived in 1980, with body side mouldings, halogen headlamps, a carpeted load floor and other refinements. In the same year, Ford introduced the deliberately inexpensive Popular (with, rubber floor mats and vinyl trim), also the slightly better equipped Popular Plus variant.

The special, 1.3-litre 'Supersport' versions of July 1980 (based on the 1300 S model) were well-equipped, with alloy wheels and uprated suspension (incorporating a.....

Price Guide

Note: Prices can vary widely, mainly according to the optimism of the seller so these figures should only be used as a guide; truly top class cars can fetch far more than our 'First Class' prices.

  First Class Good Needing Work
  £ £ £
957cc/1117cc 750 400 100
1298cc 850 500 100+
1298cc Supersport and XR2 1500+ 800+ 200

Prices When New

In 1977: Basic 957, £2,115, 957 S £2,330, 1,1L, £2,445, 1.3 Ghia, £3,365.

Performance

Engine (all are overhead valve, in-line four cylinder units

Model 957cc 1117cc 1298cc 1599cc  
Performance
Top Speed (mph) 85 88 100 105+ (low compression, 80+)
0-60 mph (sec) 19+ 15.5+ 13.5+ 9.5 (low compression, 20+)
MPG 35-40+ 30-40 30-35+ 25-30+  
Power (bhp) 45 53 66 84 (low compression, 40 bhp)