Delivery mileage only
1978 Ford Fiesta Hatchback
Registration no. not registered
Chassis no. 58259

Introduced in 1976 and an immensely significant model for Ford, the Fiesta was its first 'super mini' and would prove an outstanding success. As well as in established British and German plants, the Fiesta was also built in a brand-new factory in Spain, selling to markets all over the world. A three-door hatchback, it followed the layout pioneered by the Issigonis-designed Mini, with transverse engine and front-wheel drive. Four engine types were available, displacing 957cc, 1,117cc, 1,298cc and 1,598cc, all of them overhead-valve units. A four-speed manual gearbox was the sole transmission offered. The Fiesta was face-lifted for 1984, gaining a more rounded nose and tail, and in this mildly revised form continued in production until replaced by the Mk2 in 1989, by which time close to five million had been made.

Unused and never registered, this 957cc example was been displayed/stored at the Science Museum, London since 1980 having been donated (with only delivery mileage recorded) by a Ford dealer. Sold by the Museum in March 2017, it has since been re-commissioned and is now in full running and driving order, MoT'd to April 2019. This Fiesta has been authenticated by the Ford GT Register: 'as new delivery miles 1978 matching numbers Ford Fiesta'.