1981 Ford Dorchester MKVI Limousine

Lot details
Registration No: NAN883X
Chassis No: WF0FXXGAGFBB84816
Mot Expiry: Nov 2010

Ford's all-new Consul appeared in 1972 to replace the long-running Zephyr / Zodiac series. With all-round independent suspension and an impressive choice of engine and trim options, it was marketed clearly as a competitor to BMW's large E3 and later E12 / E28 saloons; in 1975 all versions took the name Granada. A `MkII' reskin in 1977 sharpened up the looks, and at the same time the `Cologne' 2.8 litre V6 engine became the top engine option, replacing the 3-litre Essex, since all cars were by then built in Germany. Special-bodied versions were made by Coleman Milne, founded by John Coleman and Roderick Milne in 1953, at first building horse boxes and carrying out vehicle repairs, but quickly finding their niche using those coachbuilding skills to create limousines and funeral hearses. The well-respected Granada was used as the basis for both Dorchester limousines and Cardinal hearses, in which wheelbases were extended and rooflines raised for extra leg and seating room.

This particular example has reportedly just been retired from 29 years in the funeral trade, which explains its low odometer reading of 43,600 miles, and is being sold by the company that built it. We are further informed that the limousine has service history from 1989 and a stainless steel exhaust. Apparently, all the windows (including sliding glass division) work smoothly and the air suspension pump and gauge operate, as does the original AM/FM radio and electric aerial. The original stainless steel wheel trims are still with the car. It is understood to have had only two former keepers, the first being Coleman Mile which sold it to its second owner in 1985. The vendor describes the car as "very good" in respect of its 2.8-litre V6 engine, automatic transmission, coachwork, paint and electrical equipment and "good" in respect of its interior, adding: "To find one of these vehicles in such good condition, with such low mileage and with the documentation is becoming very hard". This imposing limousine comes with handbook, service book, suspension operating instructions, Protectol rustproofing warranty card and stainless steel exhaust warranty card, plus spare keys.