It’s been a fruitful week over at the cohort, and here is one of the many recent finds we’ve been blessed with. It would appear that at some point, an owner of this Fiesta realized the latent historical value of this rarest of small Fords, because unless it’s benefited from a restoration, even the mild Vancouver weather wouldn’t naturally preserve a car this well. And luckily for us, this flawless looking example is in rare S trim.
Shot by AGuyInVancouver, who recently posted a very solid Mercury Monarch, this European import marks the second of his recent Ford Better Idea-era findings. Unlike the Mercury, however, this one is not only in truly stunning (as opposed to merely clean) shape, but was also a genuinely better idea when new. It is also for sale, as it looks to have been once before back in December. How many Canuckistani Pesos would you pay for this uncommon Ford?
Related reading:
1978 Ford Fiesta: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow & 1977 Mercury Monarch: Outlasting Its Namesake
Very tidy little car. Most stories regarding old cars that are in amazing original condition involve an elderly final driver. Still, there are probably some interesting and occasionally tragic stories on why a car like this essentially ended up in storage for in excess of 30 years.
I love these; used to live near a US airbase and there was one in our town and it was so unusual and memorable being rare in the UK. What year is this and what is the engine size?
I couldn’t pin down the year, but it’s a 1600 Kent engine.
1600 Kent – Thought it might have been.
WRT reliability I don’t think these have any real problems; just probably wont stand the miles for long term durability.
Absolutely agree will be lots of fun – how about some little tweaks to the engine with a 1700cc twin carb -140bhp?
Interesting, IIRC the Mk1 Fiesta S had an 1100 or a 1300 cc engine. The XR2 had a 1600 cc engine though. Was the 1600S a US only ?
All US-import Fiestas came only with the 1600 cc Kent engine. Which is why they were so loved and sought after by those in the know. It was undoubtedly the quickest little car of its time. A genuine pocket rocket.
It’s not like it cost Ford more to make a 1600 than a 1100 or 1300 🙂
I helped my SIL buy a used one, and taught her how to drive a stick on it. Great little car.
I see. The 1300S (see below) was in fact the first gasoline car I drove after passing my drivers license test….after driving lessons in a VW Golf Mk1 diesel, so the little Fiesta was quite a revelation I must say, let alone if it would have the 1600 engine.
The 1300 and 1600 blocks differed mostly in stroke (they had the same bore), but the U.S. 1600 and European 1300 had different heads and carburetors, among other things. The 1300 and 1600 cars were undoubtedly somewhat more expensive to produce than the 950 and 1100, which had the shorter three-bearing block and one fewer universal joints.
Initially, the European Mk1 came only with the three-bearing 957 and 1,117cc Valencia engines. The American version used the five-bearing 1,598cc Kent block (on which the Valencia engine was loosely based) because it was easier to get through U.S. emissions standards without completely compromising its performance, although the U.S.-spec head was considerably more restrictive than the European 1.6 Kent. U.S. cars also got an extra U-joint to allow equal-length (or nearly equal-length) halfshafts.
After the U.S. car came out, Ford belatedly offered the 1,298cc five-bearing engine into the European Fiesta, but the 1,598cc wasn’t offered as a regular production option until the Mk1 XR2. However, before that, you could get the 1,598cc engine on an exchange basis from Ford Rally Sport dealers; it was one of the X-pack options, albeit a very pricey one. The X-pack engine was similar to the XR2 engine, but had exhaust headers and a bit more power (90 PS vs. 84).
Our 1300S had a whopping 68 hp, at least, that’s what I remember. Then again, it had the weight of an empty wheelbarrow.
The European 1300 had about as much power as the U.S. 1600, whose breathing was very restricted, but the bigger engine had a significant edge in torque. Of course, the U.S. cars were also heavier, which made it something of a wash.
Great info.
Want it.
I had one back in 1982, and it was the most fun I ever had behind the wheel. Now that I can afford a third car as a toy, it’s abysmal reliablity would be an annoyance, rather than a day wrecker.
If I ever get that 15 car garage, one of these might make the cut. It does look like a lot of fun.
We had two of them. A silver metallic 1978 1100S (with black “S” striping) and after its total-loss crash a gold metallic 1979 1300S (with dark brown “1300S” striping). The 1100 was easier and smoother to drive, the 1300 needed more concentration for smooth and flawless driving. Both had a 4 speed manual.
The Ghia was the only trim level above the S. Ghia for a bit of Broughamness and S for sporty. There was also an L trim level for luxury, which it didn’t have any by the way.
Ha ! Our 1979 Ford Fiesta 1300S.
Considering the new registration, it seems that this car has worn out its welcome with its second seller in only a few months. Caveat emptor.
“Latent historical value”
That is a terrific description.
I had a 1980 Fiesta S in the mid 80s and loved the little thing. It was a torque and speed monster with the 1.6L Kent engine and factory 2-bbl carb. The only disappointment was the high cost of upgrading to 13″ wheels as the bolt pattern was an oddball size and there weren’t many choices.
This one looks to have original paint because the “S” stripes are in remarkable condition and I can’t imagine them being available as replacement parts. That would be really something since you almost always get a little rust around the windows no matter how mild the climate.
The feature car would be a ’78 or ’79 because in ’80 the Sport lost the chrome trim around the windows. I don’t remember the antenna being on the fender like that, I think mine had it on one of the A-pillars.
Great find. I hope the Cohort poster sees this and chimes in with the asking price. My guess around $8,000 USD if original paint.
This is a twin to the one I owned. I loved that car; a friend bought it from me and put quite a few miles on it before he passed it on to the next owner.
This one is in stunning condition.
I’ve not seen one of these in about five years. At that time I’d see one frequently as there was a yellow one, good condition, that parked at one of the student apartment complexes near the university where I worked. Always thought it to be an interesting car for a student, and given the condition figured the owner was probably someone who appreciated it, but I never did see it on the road or catch anyone entering or exiting.
This one is amazingly preserved. Even the stripe… Were these enthusiastic rusters? Not uncommone when I was a child but they all seemed to disappear by the early 90’s. The Festiva obviously attempted to capture any model name goodwill, but other than the obvious similarity of small two-box hatch, was an entirely different animal.
What a sweet little beasty.
I recall talking to an older guy (well, I was a teenager then, everyone was “older) who had several back in the early ’90s. He said the real problem rust was in the floorboards, he basically had to weld new ones into at least one of the 2-3 drivers he had about once a year, but other than that it wasn’t bad.
Had this car my senior year of high school – a silver 79 Ghia that was perfect for my life at the time – great on gas, fast, stick shift – all around ton of fun. I bought it for $1700 in 1984 with 63000 miles on it. Sadly, I totaled it a year later.
A few weeks ago I spoke with a guy who had owned one of these. His company reimbursed him for mileage and he said he was making a killing simply on that due to the low fuel costs along with his having paid about $700 for it.
He drove it for years and he was saddened when it finally lost its battle with rust. He said it was the best car he had ever had.
Mk1 Fiestas were a great little car.A few of the S models and Ghias turn up at UK shows but a lot fell into the hands of boy racers(like sending a horse to the glue factory) and were horribly butchered,crashed or thrashed to death
I took a couple really hard looks at the Fiesta when it was new. I’d climb in the one in the showroom, no headroom, no leg room, and dejectedly depart. Some time later, I’d think of a different set of adjustments and try it again. No joy.
In the mid 80s I frequently drove on a freeway past a storage facility where there were a flock of Fiestas parked. At least 8 or 10. A few years later, Festivas started joining the Fiestas.
Steve
I haven’t driven a Mk1 but the latest Fiestas have plenty head and leg room for me,I’m 6’1 and a half with a 36″ inside leg and often put my hair up.I often get a Fiesta hire car from work
I’m 6’1 and a half with a 36″ inside leg
You’re all leg. I’m 6′ but only a 30″ inseam, and, back then, 160 lbs. Develed by lack of headroom all my driving life. Passed on a 78 Corolla Liftback because no headroom. Barely made it into an Acura RSX, forget the Integra. Early 70s Opel Manta was hopeless. Only reason I could fit in a Renault R5 was the vinyl sunroof, which added more than an inch. Passed on a Mazda Protege5 because it’s sunroof stole too much headroom.
I once knew a coworker who was 7′ tall (or maybe less), & I couldn’t believe it when I learned he drove a Mk1 Fiesta. I’m 6′ myself but felt a bit intimidated around him even though he had an unthreatening personality.
In hindsight, wish I bought a Fiesta instead of the first U.S. Escort, but at the time I couldn’t get past the Fiesta’s higher price (Mark vs. Dollar) & cheaper fittings.
I learnt to drive on a 1978 Fiesta 1.1L in white, and now drive a 2011 1.4TDCi, and I’ve drvien many variations in between.
They’re not going to replace an MX-5 for fun, but are now one of the best, probably the best, in their class and a justified best seller
My cousin had one when he was in college. We drove it once from Ontario to South Carolina on school break. Many funny memories but here is the most telling: the car had no radio built in, so I brought along a full size ‘boom box’ stereo.
The road/tire/wind/engine noise was so high at 70mph the stereo was completely drowned out. Only usable in the city.
The road/tire/wind/engine noise was so high at 70mph the stereo was completely drowned out.
A road test in R&T or MT of the Fiesta noted that at highway speeds the airflow would pull the tops of the door windowframes away from the body, causing the high wind noise levels. I noticed the same thing in my 85 Mazda GLC: the windowframes were pulled so far out at 70 that I could see daylight through the gap.
When I had my 80 Jetta I noticed the rear seat had mounting points and cutouts in the rear parcel panel for 3 point belts. At U pull I took out the front belts from a Fiesta and they fit like they were made for the Jetta, Klippan brand and even fit the lap belt buckle’s perfectly.
I have a sense that it has been repainted. It looks almost too nice, to be original. There appears to be light colored overspray (or gray primer) inside the top of the rear wheel well in the second photo. The lip of the wheel well seems too perfect, with no discernible chips or discoloration. Even the small plastic piece of trim in the center and middle base of the hatchback weatherstripping is intact. It’s meant to conceal where the weather stripping comes together, and has to deal with the expansion and contraction of the rubber stripping. That would be amazing for a thirty something year old car. Even in BC’s climate. As it’s only clipped/glued in place, if I recall. Even the wheels, don’t show normal wear.
I think it has been refreshed/restored to some degree. Or has very low mileage. As it looks consistently refreshed all over. Still looks great. Makes cars like the AMC Pacer or Spirit, look like the Dodo Bird.
Even when these were current with the times, I never remember seeing them other than the odd blue moon growing up in here in the upper Midwest. Curious, because Chrysler’s captive import, the Colt, was absolutely everywhere in comparison. It makes me wonder if parts support was lax for these cars in the latter part of the 80’s, or did people just move on to larger offerings again and treat these as disposable?
One of my “carpool” mates had a nice Burgandy ’78 Fiesta….we alternated every 3rd week driving (we had 3 cars between us) on my first “professional” job out of college.
I think the place I worked gave carpools preferential parking, otherwise it made not much sense, as we lived 15 minutes from work in an apartment complex. We all had 2 door cars back then (my have things changed, 2 door cars used to be much more common than they are now) all of which were subcompact, so someone had to occupy the back seat.
My car was a ’78 Scirocco which was probably the least carpool-friendly vehicle of the 3, but at least it had a back seat. Though I preferred my Scirocco, I thought the Fiesta was pretty nice car, very small but space efficient…it was very spartan (all vinyl interior, think he did have an AM radio, and I think 5 speed transmission was only offering on it). He bought it new, it was a car for its time (I remember when in the late 70’s the gas prices shot up again, maybe $0.90/gallon, which back then seemed very high)…this car certainly got better gas mileage than my Scirocco. The other car in our carpool was a ’79 Datsun 310 Coupe….Eventually the 2 other members of my carpool got married and moved out of the complex (which of course ended our carpool days). I haven’t been in a carpool since then (more than 30 years ago).
The only transmission available on the Mk1 Fiesta was a four-speed. Ford unfortunately didn’t have a five-speed yet and there was no automatic option, which can’t have helped in the U.S.
I would pay 799.00 same thing I paid for my 78 in 1986. I miss that car, even with the constant broken interior and exterior door handles, and the strange thumping noise from the front that occurred every winter.
Pocket rocket indeed! A ’78 Fiesta L was my first car…wanted an S but couldn’t find one at the time, and my folks who were buying it liked the L better. He who has the gold makes (or in my case made) the rules. Anyway, drove my Fiesta all through high school and most of college. It was a blast to drive. So light weight and simple. Pretty tinny, but well built. My best friend at the time had a Rabbit, which had nothing on that Fiesta. We got into all kinds of trouble rat racing each other all over town. Did a few mods to mine… tires, wheels, header, removed the bumpers. Miss that car. Bought my son a new Fiesta in late 2012, and although it weighs a half ton more than the original, it’s just as fun. Even more so in ST trim. I’d buy one if I were in the market for a new pocket rocket.
We had two 1980 Fiestas in our family:
– Sister: Ghia, dark blue w/tan velour interior and factory (installed at the port in the us) air conditioning, luggage cover and rear wiper;
– Me: Decor, metallic ice blue w/tan houndstooth cloth;
both w/ the glass/metal sunroof, RH mirror, factory stereo, 4-spoke steering wheel, and argent steel wheels (much better than the optional cast alu wheels which tended to corrode at the tire bead and then leak air.
When the cat broke on mine, I replaced it with a straight pipe and removed all the emissions equipment (needed to keep the thermactor pump as an alternator pulley, so just connected the air-in/-out ports together.
Drilled and drained the hydraulic shocks supporting the bumpers and collapsed the bumpers against the body (because I was using mine for a daily commute to college, I tried for maximum aerodynamics, but had to keep the bumpers due to the turn signals in front.)
I also noticed the rear mounting points for 3 point safety belts in the rear, so I salvaged a set of front harnesses from a crashed Fiesta and (easily) modified the mounting hardware to fit them to the rear seat and they worked like a charm… (If there had been a way to install rear headrests in the back seat I would have.)
I bought mine with 69k miles and sold it with 200k for more than I had paid.
Sisters was scrapped when something in the trans failed at high mileage and repair was uneconomical.
Brakes needed a lot of tlc, and the water pumps were difficult to replace, and the RR window defrost switch had no timer and tended to overheat and melt if left on, and the both the windshield and rear hatch glass eventually needed to be pulled and have a bead of silicone placed on both sides of the gasket to keep water out of the interior.
The interior packaging and seats were both excellent, I’m 6’2″ and my sister 5’10”, and we both had more than adequate comfort. (Four tall adults actually fit well, and the rear seat was far more usable than today’s BMW Mini.
We really loved these little cars. The were quick and light and toss able and very economical to operate.
I am surprised that no one has mentioned the Donald Healey modified Fiesta that appeared on the cover of R&T back in the day. If memory serves me correct, Healey built one as a prototype looking for a partnership with Ford But that never happened.
The mild weather here in Vancouver indeed makes finds like this possible. But these days, there are hardly any old cars on the road here. Perhaps it’s because today, you can get a new Civic will all the dosh for $250 a month all in, so why would you bother with an old money pit?
But these old cars have to go somewhere. Perhaps the value of scrap metal makes them too valuable as such. But like Holden and his ducks, I am perplexed.
Late as usual on this, but I test drove one of these in ’78 and compared to the 10 year old Dart I was driving at the time, it was slow and very noisey and had a tendency to tip back and forth in a lane change. Just seemed tinny and lite, but the Dart was a great car for the time. Doesn’t sound like the same car others have talked about. The ’74 pinto I got later was much quieter, faster and handled better it had the 1600cc engine, which I didn’t know was the same as the Fiesta, maybe it was faster because of less smog controls.
We almost bought one for around $3000… a lil too much considering the better competition you could get for that price…
although, they wouldn’t be as RARE or as COOL.
The other available rare choice ,at the time, was a green 77 Honda Civic for $2500. lol