Ford Granada
The Ford Granada was the name for several cars produced by the Ford Motor Company. A series of cars was produced under this name in Europe, while an unrelated automobile used the name in North America.
Europe
In Europe, the Ford Granada was produced at both its German factory in Cologne and its British factory in Dagenham from between 1972 until 1976 when production switched entirely to Germany until it was discontinued in 1985. From 1985-1994 the Granada name was used in the UK only.
1972
The 1972 release Granada succeeded the English Ford Zephyr/Zodiac, and the German Ford 17M/20M/26M, as Ford's full-size European offering. Apparently Granada Television were not happy with the choice of name for the car and considered legal action, although they soon backed down.
It soon became common as taxi, fleet and police usage. It was also converted into limousine and hearse versions by the British companies Coleman Milne and Woodall Nicholson. At first, lower models in the range were called the Ford Consul, but from 1975 on they were all called Granadas. It was best known for its appearance on the television series The Sweeney.