1978 Ford Fiesta Ghia on 2040-cars

1978 Ford Fiesta Ghia

This is a very rare American version of one of Fords most popular European cars, it was imported to the United States from 1978-1981.  I am not entirely sure if you could find another one that hasn’t been crushed or scrapped left in the US.

The condition is unbelievable and almost everything is in perfect original condition. It is great little running car and has been getting a little over 30 miles to the gallon for the 1000 or so miles that I have put on it.

The carpet is in almost new condition.

Seats are slightly faded but in generally good condition and have a few worn sections with some patches on the shoulder rests where they got a little too much sun.

The exterior is faded with some surface rust spots right under the rear window. They have been painted with red primer to prevent further rusting.  Generally the exterior is in fantastic shape for the age of the car.

It took me a little work to get it running properly so here is what has been done so far.

All fluids changed (Engine oil, Antifreeze, Transmission, Brake fluid) Gas was also drained and replaced.

New Battery

Fuel filter replaced

Brake master cylinder replaced

Both rear wheel cylinders replaced

Valve adjustment

Valve cover gasket replaced

Water pump replaced

Alternator/Water pump belt replaced

Windshield wipers replaced

Spark plugs

Distributer cap/rotor

I also made some minor modifications by removing the original bumpers and adding LED backup lights in the back and new turn signals in the front.  These in no way effect the originality of the car because no holes were drilled during this process and the original bumpers can easily be put back on the car if you prefer that look.

There are a few extra parts that will also be included with the car. 

The original bumpers and bolts that hold them on

2 extra wheels with studded snow tires in excellent shape

(car also has a full size spare in the trunk with a new tire mounted)

Tire chains

Original shop manual and some odds and ends spare parts in the trunk.

Here are the issues that I know about, there may be more but I have only had this car for about two months and have fixed almost everything I have come across.

When I first started driving the car it would puff a little blue smoke when first started.  However since the valve adjustment this has pretty much stopped.  I would guess that the valve seals were leaky and may need to be replaced at some point.

Muffler has some small rust holes that I patched with some cheap muffler putty, it makes it a little quieter but it will eventually need replacing. The exhaust system in general is in good shape but a lot of sitting took its toll on the muffler.

The car leaks a little bit where the driver’s side CV enters the transmission, it’s not a lot but it is enough to slowly build up in the driveway.

The radio antenna is missing.  The radio turns on and makes noise through the speakers but I have been unable to actually pick anything up.

There is a crack in the windshield where the rearview mirror attaches.

The hatchback lift struts on the rear door don’t work so I have been propping it up with a broom handle. Depending on how much the rear hatch will be used these can usually be replaced from $30-$50.

There may be more issues as I have not owned the car for very long and I can make no guarantees that something else won’t go wrong after you buy it.  It is over 35 years old and previous to my ownership sat in a garage for a very long time.  However with that being said this is an awesome little car that runs and drives great.  It is fast around town and can easily manage freeway speeds 75-80.  I have been driving it to work on a daily basis and I would not hesitate to drive this car across the state to visit my mother.  It has been a great daily driver and would make a fantastic start for a full restore or could have excellent potential as a little race car.

Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like me to send you pictures of something specific.  If you are local to Loveland Colorado, please feel free to come check it out. 

$500 is due at the auctions end, with the rest due within 7 days.  All payments will need to be completely cleared and posted before you may take the car or have the title signed over.  There are no warranties expressed or implied, car is "as is".  Local pick up only, I will not ship the car. Buyer is responsible for transportation, fees, taxes and any other charges related to the purchase of the car.

Happy Bidding!