Comments on: How Ford put the boot into the Sierra

By: richard

richard — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:30:20 +0000

Wow – great feedback: thanks, Sven! Appreciate the comment.

Always feel free to drop over any other thoughts on EU cars, too.

Best,
Richard.

By: Sven M.

Sven M. — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:14:38 +0000

Actually, the Sapphire’s front grille didn’t go entirely unused on the continent. However, it wasn’t linked to a particular body version there, but to an engine choice instead: the diesel-engined versions in the Sierra range got the grille, regardless of body style. The Sapphire moniker wasn’t used on the continent either, the saloon was simply marketed as another body choice within the Sierra range there.

By: richard

richard — Tue, 11 May 2010 05:59:05 +0000

Ian, the cameras never lie: check these out! Ford Orion Ford Cortina

By: richard

richard — Tue, 11 May 2010 05:50:16 +0000

Ian, that fact has made my day – thanks! Amazing… Now to find a nice 1986 1.6 Ghia in that familiar maroon colour to compare with a Crusader!

By: Ian Robertson

Ian Robertson — Sun, 09 May 2010 16:57:22 +0000

Another interesting fact to do with the Ford saloon era, is that when Ford created the Orion, it took the Cortina Mk 5 rear tail lights and adapted them for the Orion. If you look at the clusters side by side, the indicators, reversing and brake lights are in identical positions – just in a more modern and up to date design.

By: richard

richard — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:27:11 +0000

Thanks Massimo! In retrospect, original hatch is still the best (unless the Saph is a Cossie..!!). But, given that it looks mildly contemporary today, compared to the shocking datedness of the Cortina, it’s unsurprising people were shocked/amazed/etc…

So often, Ford design has led trends. I’d say it’s still doing it today: current Fiesta is a blinder, Mondeo is great, S-Max set trends. Mind you, for me, the current modern classic is the ’98 MkI Focus. How good does it still look today?!

By: Massimo Pini

Massimo Pini — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:25:01 +0000

Fascinating piece…

Stylistically, however, the tweaks around the windows (tighter radii, etc) were also designed to get away from the ‘jelly-mould’ jokes which plagued the first gen Sierra hatch.

Looking back now, I think the original is still the best. I believe even Giugiaro, when asked in the mid 80s if there was a car he wished he had designed, cited original Sierra.

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[...] How Ford put the boot into the Sierra [...]

By: Richard Aucock » Advice from Ford’s Walter Hayes

Richard Aucock » Advice from Ford’s Walter Hayes — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:57:31 +0000

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