By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse
A milestone was reached last Friday with the ending of production of the Ford Fiesta in Germany.
The move comes as Ford Europe prepare to ramp up electric car sales.
The UK’s best selling car ever debuted in 1976 and became an instant hit as a fuel-efficient runaround in the wake of the 70s oil crisis.
It was made in Dagenham until 2002, but it is a car with international heritage with models made in Europe, Central and South America, the Far East, India and South Africa.
Over 22 million Fiestas have been produced globally. In 2022, DVLA figures show a healthy 1.5 million Fiestas were still on UK roads.
Despite car production ending, UK sales of the Fiesta have been buoyant and there is no doubt savvy buyers will turn this little Ford into a modern day classic.
In 2025, it will be joined by the demise of the Focus as electrification is seen an opportunity to freshen up the Ford brand.
Alex Buttle, co-founder of the used car website, Motorway, said the car would remain popular with buyers, saying: “The ceasing of production of new Fiestas may mean the end of an era but the used car market will continue breathing new life into this much sought-after car for years ahead.”
Motorway say used car prices have shot up by 14% in the last few months.
It does seem a great time to pick up a Fiesta whilst prices are still in reach. Premium models such as the XR2, RS, first generation ST150, Ghia and later ST versions are all expected to be in demand.
Prices are also on-the-up for Mark 1 Fiestas and the Popular range from the late 70s.
If you haven’t owned a Fiesta chances are someone you know has. So maybe now’s the time to snap up this Ford before another piece of petrol-powered motoring history is consigned to the record books!
Five facts about the Fiesta
· The early design project for the Fiesta was called ‘Bobcat’
· There has been seven generations of the car since 1976
· The Fiesta was named Car of the Year in 1989 and 2009
· Since it debuted in 1976 it has accounted for one in 20 of all cars sold in the UK
· In 1976 the base model cost just £1,856.
It’s a big shame that Ford have made this decision, they used to be champions of providing affordable transport for the masses, and some of those vehicles were truly special. Still, there are plenty of other manufacturers ready to step into those shoes so all is not lost.