1979 Ford Fiesta

FORD FIESTA Mk. I 1976 - 1983

The Ford Fiesta Mk. I was a front engine, front wheel drive three door hatchback four-seater. It was the first "supermini" to bear the Ford badge.

July 1976 marked the start of Ford Fiesta production but RHD versions were not available on the British market until January 1977. All versions shared the same cleanly styled coachwork, with rack & pinion steering, disc/drum brakes, front MacPherson struts and coil springs with rear beam axle, coil springs and trailing arms. As was Ford's tradition, there was a wide range of models from the Base and L to the sporting "S" (uprated engine, a rear anti-roll bar and stiffer springs) and the flagship Ghia.

By September of year, the Fiesta S and Ghia were available in 1.3 litre form and by 1979; Ford had sold over a million examples. The 1980 model year saw the line-up was augmented by the mid-range GL and in 1981 there was the extremely Spartan Popular and the slightly less austere Popular Plus. There were also several "Limited Edition" versions, from the Kingfisher to the Finesse, although most enthusiastic drivers were more interested in the Supersport. This made its bow in July 1980 and combined the 1.3S engine with trim from the "X-pack" accessories catalogue; Ford claimed that it was 'the car that looks as good as it feels as good as it drives'.

The Supersport was a prelude to the XR2 of December 1981; the name derived from it being the second car to hail from Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering operation. The 1.6 litre engine with twin choke Weber carburettor gave a top speed was 105 mph and the XR2 was immediately recognisable via its "Pepper Pot" alloy wheels, its front auxiliary lamps and its distinctive paint schemes.

The Ford Fiesta Mk. I was replaced by the Mk. II in August 1983.

The engine choices for the Ford Fiesta Mk. I ranged from 957cc S4 OHV, 1,117cc S4 OHV and 1,298cc S4 OHV to 1,598cc S4 OHV. All models had a four-speed manual gearbox, with synchromesh on all ratios.

It is impossible not to overstate the impact of the Fiesta on the UK car market in early 1977; it may not have been the first FWD Ford but it was the first new hatchback acquired by many British drivers. The XR2 has long been a very collectable machine while the early 950 base and L models are very hard to come by. Only 3,000 Supersports were ever made while a 1300 S or Ghia in good condition is a very desirable - and usable - classic.

Prospective buyers should bear in mind that underseal was an optional extra on the Fiesta Mk. I so the body should be thoroughly examined - particularly at the floor pan, the tops of the suspension turrets, the boot lid, the sills, front inner and outer wings, the battery tray and the rear aches. The smaller engine often suffer from poor maintenance and it is a good idea to check the plants for cracked cam followers.

Rivals to the Ford Fiesta Mk. I include the Austin/MG Mini Metro, the Fiat 127 Series 1/II/III, the Honda Civic 1st and 2nd generation, the Peugeot 104, the Renault 5 Mk. I and the VW Polo Mk. I/Mk. II.