The Ford Fiesta Mk 1 launched in 1976. Ford Ireland is now looking for Ireland’s oldest Fiesta.The Ford Fiesta is 40 years old this year and as part of the car’s 40 year celebrations, Ford in Ireland is hoping to uncover Ireland’s oldest Fiesta.
First introduced in 1976, the Fiesta is Ireland and Europe’s favourite small car, and has sold more than 17 million units around the world since launch.
In Ireland, some 180,000 Fiestas have been sold giving it a rightful claim to the country’s longest-standing and favourite small car.
“The Fiesta has had such a unique and exceptional heritage in Ireland,” commented Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford in Ireland. “It has been part of the family for countless households down through the years and is the car that most of us actually learned to drive in – experiences like that build a unique and strong affinity.”
“Fiesta succeeded in staying popular by changing with the times and always staying right up to date. The latest version is a testament to that – stylish, great driving dynamics, excellent fuel economy, but as technologically advanced as models selling for a multiple of the price of the Fiesta. That is why the latest version of Fiesta has been the top-selling small car in Europe for the last four years and I am sure the next 40 years will be just as successful for Fiesta.”
Back in 1976, the Fiesta went on sale for the price of £2,365 and came with options including a screw-off aerial. Today’s Fiesta is geared towards the ‘connected’ generation, with connectivity to smartphones, apps and the latest voice control technologies.
In its search for Ireland’s oldest Fiesta, Ford is hoping that owners of early Fiestas will come forward and contact their local Ford Dealer. The owner of Ireland’s oldest Fiesta and their car will be guests of honour at a special celebratory event for 40 years of Fiesta that will take place in late September.
For details of your nearest Ford Dealer go to ford.ie and also keep an eye on the Ford Ireland Facebook page for regular updates on Fiesta 40 activity.
Caroline Kidd