Ford Scorpio - a model that failed to repeat the success in the second generation

The vast majority of developments in the appearance of Ford cars produced in the European branch belonged to the talented German designer Uwe Bahnsen. It fell to him to supervise the work on the creation of the Greta prototype. This ambitious project, which involved about 500 designers and technicians, was to create the most streamlined car with an eye to the future. This happened in 1978 and was the first step towards creating a body for a promising model - the Ford Scorpio.


At that time, graphic programs and computer modeling were already available to designers. We decided to apply their achievements in the upcoming car using the AutoCAD program. As a result, Greta received the most aerodynamic shape, and a significant degree of glazing was adjacent to the softly transitioning from smooth to convex, rounded silhouette lines.

Scorpio as successor to the Ford Granada II

Improvements in the design of the new car continued for 6 years, the designers wanted to achieve maximum perfection. Perhaps they succeeded, because the final version, obtained by 1984, had a drag of 0,33. Only a year remained before mass production.



Such thorough preparation betrayed Ford's plans to create significant competition for local Mercedes and BMW in the executive car sector. This was indicated by such factors as heated leather seats in the cabin, on-board computer, cruise control, heated windshield, etc.



On the European assembly line, he became the successor to another model produced in Cologne by Ford Motor Company, Granada II. The base model of the Scorpio was a 5-door hatchback with rear-wheel drive. He, in comparison with his predecessor, had improved indicators of active and passive safety. This was achieved, among other things, by increased legroom for passengers sitting in the back. An ABS system was also installed, which for the first time became publicly available for the entire model line.

The production of new items required the modernization of the capacities of the Cologne plant and partial robotization of the technological process. For this purpose, 164 assembly robots were purchased and installed immediately. Already in April, the first car of a promising model rolled off the updated assembly line. Its parameters were quite advanced for their time:

✅ Ergonomic driving seat
✅ spacious and roomy trunk
✅ comfortable lounge
✅ unusual design

If you dwell in more detail on the luggage compartment, then it was designed very thoughtfully and as conveniently as possible. For example, the tailgate had a low landing and a wide amplitude, which made loading and unloading more comfortable. The maximum increase in its width was achieved thanks to the vertical design of the rear lights. In addition, the size of the luggage compartment could be adjusted thanks to the partially folding rear seat. So it turned out three options for its volume:

✅ 440 l - with a full load of the passenger compartment
✅ 833 l - with partially folded rear seat back
✅ 1350 l - when the passenger compartment is reduced to two front seats

The model was warmly welcomed by experts in the automotive industry. This allowed her to be nominated next year for the prestigious European Car of the Year competition. And the Scorpio emerged victorious from it, becoming the best car on the continent in 1986.

Modifications of different years and their engines

Such a well-deserved appreciation and high popularity contributed to the fact that in the same year the first modification of the car came out - the all-wheel drive Scorpio 4x4. But the car with a sedan had to wait another four years. He saw the light only in the early 90s. A year later, in 1991, a station wagon with an increased useful volume of the luggage compartment Scorpio I Turnier got on the factory conveyor.



In March 1992, the new Mark I was introduced. It received changes both externally and internally. The old Peugeot XD3 diesel replaced the powerful VM Motori and the headlights and taillights were reconfigured. The other was also the shape of the hood and dashboard of the car.

Interestingly, for the British market, which very much accepted the previous model of the Granada II Corporation, it was decided to apply a marketing ploy and keep the favorite name. So Scorpio became, in fact, the Mk III Granada for buyers in the UK and Northern Ireland. The original name was used only as the name of the car interior trim. This trend continued until 1994, when a completely updated version of the model got on the conveyor.



European success prompted a version of the car for the North American market. It was called the Merkur Scorpio and was produced during the year, starting in 1988, distributed through the Lincoln-Mercury dealer network. Its power unit was adapted to US environmental requirements, so the modification was represented by only one type of engine - a 140-horsepower V6 Cologne 2,9 liter. But the gearbox was of two varieties: either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual. Although, only automatic cars were offered for the Canadian market.

Initially, the company tried to enter the mid-size luxury car segment, but still failed to repeat the European success. A year later, production was ingloriously curtailed, and the Merkur nameplate no longer appeared among Ford models.



The variety of proposed power units of the model was quite extensive. The petrol version ranged in engine power from 90 to 195 hp. with., with a working volume of 1800 to 2900 cubic meters. see. The number of cylinders was also different, either four or six. In 1991, they were 5% equipped with a catalyst to reduce the harmful effects on the environment. Because of this, they lost 2,5 “horses” in power. With a diesel engine, everything was much simpler: with a 69-liter volume, it had a power run from 116 to XNUMX hp. With.

End of issue and surviving examples

By 1994, it became clear that the model required a deep restyling. This year marked the beginning of the production of the second generation Ford Scorpio. Although it even surpassed the previous one in some respects, its unusual design (for example, headlights that have an elongated oval appearance) did not appeal to European consumers. It was not possible to achieve the popularity of the first version of the Scorpio II model, so its production was completely discontinued in 1998.



Today, almost a quarter of a century after the production of this model was stopped, it is still possible to purchase a Ford Scorpio with solid mileage, but in good condition. Prices on the sites start from 20 thousand rubles, but I think everyone understands that for a double-digit price you will get not a four-wheeled friend, but, as the St. Petersburg people say (which Muscovites will say in this case, I hope everyone knows), a headache.



Therefore, it is worth looking at prices starting from 150 thousand. Used cars are already offered here, which you can try and ride, at least for a while, without major repairs. From 200 to 400 thousand rubles are asked for the newest Scorpio II, which are no more than 25 years old. True, there is one offer for the sale of a 35-year-old car of the first generation, according to the author, “from under the grandfather, with excellent metal condition” for 210 thousand. In general, if there is a desire to find just such a car in working condition, it is quite possible to implement it.