top of page

Ford Fiesta Mk 1 (1976-83)

Production Total: 1,000,000
Recorded in UK 2024
XR2 Licensed: 412 SORN=1914

Ford Fiesta Mk 1 (1976-83)

The **Ford Fiesta Mk1** had its share of common issues. Here are some to be aware of:

1. **Clutch Problems**: Check for smelly, slipping, or faulty clutches. Ensure smooth clutch engagement and easy gear changes.
2. **Turbo Function**: If equipped with a turbo, ensure it works properly. You should feel a surge of power when it kicks in during acceleration.
3. **Alloy Wheel Condition**: Inspect alloy wheels for kerbing, scuff marks, and signs of buckling.
4. **Service History**: Verify the completeness of the service history; ex-fleet or lease cars may have missed maintenance.
5. **Interior Materials**: Some owners have complained about dashboard and door card plastics marking easily.
6. **Stereo and HVAC Issues**: Stereos can develop faults, and the heating/ventilation system may malfunction.
7. **Water Leaks**: Check for damp front footwells due to water leaks. Lift the mats during inspection.

Remember, thorough checks can help you find a reliable Fiesta!
*****

Body Style/Variants
The **Ford Fiesta Mk1** had **nine core models** during its production run:

1. Base
2. Popular
3. Popular Plus
4. L
5. GL
6. Ghia
7. S
8. Supersport
9. XR2

Additionally, there were numerous special editions like the Anniversary, Kingfisher, Millionth, Sandpiper, Firefly, Festival, Bravo, Quartz, and Finesse.
*****

Trim Levels
The Ford Fiesta Mark 1, produced from 1976 to 1983, came with several trim levels. These included:

- **Base**
- **Popular**
- **Popular Plus**
- **L**
- **GL**
- **Ghia**
- **S**
- **Supersport**
- **XR2**

Additionally, there were various special editions such as the Anniversary, Kingfisher, Millionth, Sandpiper, Firefly, Festival, Bravo, Quartz, and Finesse.
*****

Engines
The **Ford Fiesta Mk1** in the United Kingdom featured several engine options:

1. **Valencia 957cc**: A three-bearing unit unique to the Mk1 Fiesta.
2. **Valencia 1,117cc**: Another three-bearing unit used exclusively in the Mk1 Fiesta.
3. **Kent Crossflow 1,300cc**: Introduced in 1980, this engine was adapted to fit the small engine bay³.

The **Ford Fiesta Mk1** in the United Kingdom received a **1600cc engine** in **April 1984**. This engine option was available on the **Popular Plus** and **L** models.
*****

Performance
The Ford Fiesta XR2 Mk1, produced between 1981 and 1983, was a popular hot hatch of its time. Here are some key performance figures:

- **0-60 mph (0-97 km/h)**: Approximately 9.3 seconds.
- **Top Speed**: Around 105 mph (169 km/h).
- **Power Output**: 84 bhp (62 kW) at 5500 rpm.
- **Torque**: 122 Nm (90 lb-ft) at 2800 rpm.

The XR2 was known for its nimble handling and sporty feel, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts in the 1980s.
*****

Spares
If you're looking for **Ford Fiesta Mk1** spare parts in the United Kingdom and Ireland, here are some options:

1. **Fintona Auto Spares** (Northern Ireland):
- Based in Fintona, Northern Ireland, they specialize in dismantling and selling new parts for various car ranges, including Vauxhall/Opel. They supply parts worldwide².

2. **TrustFord Belfast Fleet Service Centre**:
- Located in Belfast, they offer new Ford cars, commercial vehicles, used cars, and vehicle servicing. Check their Newtownards Road, Lisburn, Craigavon, Mallusk, Ballymena, and Coleraine centers³.

3. **TrustFord Belfast - Mallusk Car & Transit Centre**:
- Visit their Mallusk dealership for new Ford car sales (including Fiesta, Focus, and Kuga), commercial vehicle sales, used cars, Motability scheme, and vehicle servicing.

4. **Day's Ford Aftersales Servicing, MOT And Parts Neath** (South Wales):
- Day's Motor Group specializes in all things Ford. Contact them for new and used Ford offers, servicing, and Motability.

Remember to explore these options based on your location and specific needs!
*****

Specialists

**NORTHERN IRELAND FORD SPECIALIST LIST**


Ford specialist mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:
1. McMillan Specialist Cars
o Address: Unit 10, Plasketts Close Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN
o Phone: 028 9335 4911
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00, Saturday 09:00 - 12:30
o Services: Maintenance, repairs, pre-purchase inspections, full restorations.
2. ACSR Ltd
o Address: 24 Antrim Road, Crumlin BT29 4DX
o Phone: 028 9446 2841
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30
o Services: Servicing, repairs, spares.
3. TrustFord Ballymena Car & Transit Centre
o Address: 14 Larne Rd, Ballymena BT42 3HB
o Phone: 0343 317 9500
o Hours: Monday to Friday 07:45 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.
4. TrustFord Belfast - Mallusk Car & Transit Centre
o Address: 31 Mallusk Rd, Newtownabbey BT36 4PP
o Phone: 028 9083 7700
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 18:00, Saturday 08:30 - 15:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.


Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:
1. NI Vans
o Address: Tandragee, Co. Armagh
o Phone: 028 3884 9777
o Services: Repairs, servicing, MOT, PSV for both Ford vans and cars.
2. McMullan Auto Services
o Address: Armagh
o Phone: Available upon request
o Services: Servicing and maintenance for all makes and models, including Ford.
3. Approved Garages
o Location: Various locations in County Armagh
o Services: MOT, servicing, and repairs for Ford vehicles.
I hope this helps! If you need more details or have any other questions, feel free to ask.


Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Down, Northern Ireland:
1. TrustFord Belfast - Newtownards Road Ford Store
o Address: 391-397 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 3LH
o Phone: 028 9065 4687
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 18:00, Saturday 08:30 - 15:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.
2. TrustFord Belfast Fleet Service Centre
o Address: 16 Maryland Industrial Estate, 286 Ballygowan Road, Belfast BT23 6BL
o Phone: 028 9044 9450
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:30
o Services: Fleet servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
3. The Motor Gym
o Address: 18A Balloo Avenue, Bangor BT19 7QT
o Phone: 028 9145 3310
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing and repairs, specialising in Ford.
4. The Dent Man NI
o Address: Bangor, County Down
o Phone: Available upon request
o Services: Dent removal and car body repairs.
I hope this helps! If you need more information or have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland:
1. Pat Kirk Ltd.
o Address: 53 Brookmount Road, Omagh BT78 5HZ
o Phone: 028 8225 0777
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
2. Monaghan Bros
o Address: 1-3 Main Street, Lisnaskea BT92 0JB
o Phone: 028 6772 1147
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: Servicing, repairs, and MOT for Ford vehicles.


Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
1. Desmond Motors
o Address: 173 Strand Road, Londonderry BT48 7PU
o Phone: 028 7136 7137
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, MOT, repairs, and maintenance2.
2. Lloyd Cooke Motors Ltd
o Address: 1A Drumahoe Road, Londonderry BT47 3SD
o Phone: 028 7130 1234
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: Vehicle repairs, servicing, and maintenance.
3. ClickMechanic
o Location: Various locations in Londonderry
o Services: Mobile mechanics offering servicing and repairs for Ford vehicles.


Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. Pat Kirk Ltd.
o Address: 53 Brookmount Road, Omagh BT78 5HZ
o Phone: 028 8225 0777
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
2. Approved Garages
o Location: Various locations in County Tyrone
o Services: MOT, servicing, and repairs for Ford vehicles.
3. ClickMechanic
o Location: Various locations in County Tyrone
o Services: Mobile mechanics offering servicing and repairs for Ford vehicles.

*****

Racing
The Ford Fiesta Mark 1 was indeed used in racing! Here are some notable instances:

1. **Rallying**: The Fiesta Mark 1 participated in rally events, including the Monte Carlo Rally in 1979. Although it didn't win, one of the two Fiestas entered finished 9th overall.

2. **Touring Car Racing**: The Fiesta Mark 1 was also used in various touring car championships, particularly in the UK.

3. **One-Make Series**: Ford introduced the Fiesta Challenge, a one-make racing series, which featured the Fiesta Mark 1. This series allowed drivers to compete in identical cars, emphasizing driver skill over car performance.

4. **Club Racing**: The Fiesta Mark 1 was popular in club racing events, especially in the UK, where it was a staple in series like the XR Challenge.

The Fiesta Mark 1's nimble handling and affordability made it a popular choice for both amateur and professional racers.

While the Ford Fiesta Mark 1 wasn't as prominent in the hands of world-famous drivers as some other models, it did see action from several notable figures in the racing world:

1. **Roger Clark**: A well-known British rally driver, Roger Clark, drove a Fiesta Mark 1 in the 1979 Monte Carlo Rally. His participation helped boost the car's reputation in rallying.

2. **Ari Vatanen**: Another famous rally driver, Ari Vatanen, also drove the Fiesta Mark 1 in various rally events. Vatanen later became a World Rally Champion, adding prestige to the Fiesta's racing history.

3. **Björn Waldegård**: The Swedish rally driver, who was the first official World Rally Champion, also competed in a Fiesta Mark 1 during its early rallying days.

These drivers helped establish the Fiesta Mark 1 as a capable and competitive car in the world of motorsport.

bottom of page