If these cars were good enough for comfort and listerning to the radio and music while driving and traveling in then the cars today are just an extra gift
I was 12 yrs old in 1983, when the MK1 Ford Orion was lunched. And I remember the first time, when I was sitting in the backseat of my mum and dads MK3 Ford Cortina Estate, driving along, towards home, which looked worst for wear for its years, because it was full of corrosion, and was yellow. Yellow of all colours, making the rust more noticeable as well, lol. But that moment when I saw the Ford Orion’s in the Ford showroom, gleaming from the distance. I said to my dad, look, Ford have redesigned the Escort and put a boot on it. I just wanted my dad to own one, but he never did, but he did replace the car we had with a Ford MK2 Escort Ghia in a light green colour with all the chrome trimmings and magnolia interior. And a couple of years after that, replaced that car with a Ford MK3 Escort 1.6 GL in dark brown. Fond memories of yesteryear.
I had an LX, and it was a very nice car, though second hand. Had the 1.4 which was good around town, but needed a bit more for motorway hills. Turning circle was really bad for a small car but impressed by the build quality. Sold it to my parents and they finally got rid of it at 138,000 miles.
I had my Ford Escort 1.8 Diesel in for a service back in 1989 . I had a courtesy car booked but the dealer double booked it ! The service manager got involved and to keep me on the road he loaned me his Ford Orion GLS which was a sporty version! Now I would say extremely rare? I do remember him being more worried about his golf clubs in the boot than me loosing his car !! What days heah!!!
My stepdad had a Mk1 Orion when I was a kid, back in the early 90s. Used to think it was so cool, and for some reason remember thinking the slatted sunroof cover was cool. Also think that car has one of the best looking rear ends of any of the cars of that era
Ford brought out the Orion to answer previous Cortina owners requests for something saloon like in the wake of the Cortina and just as equally nice to drive. The Orion answered that brief perfectly, and fitted precisely in the shoes of the previous car. The classical strings music on the advert is lovely too.
actually the Sierra Sapphire was teh replacement for the Cortina Saloon as the Sierra replaced the Cortina. the Orion was added to subdue the complaints that there were no Saloon cars left in the Ford range after the Escort went hatchback (mk3 from mk2 saloon) and Cortina was replaced by Sierra. the Granada (in mk 2 guise) was out of the financial reach of most people (and itself became hatchback in the mk3 in around 1985, looking like an oversized sierra, just as the mk2 looked like an oversized Cortina)
@@petelattimer6808 The Sierra Sapphire did NOT launch at the Cortina's demise, it was brought out to provide a saloon for those who wanted a saloon to drive.
Builtt in lights. And bumpers. And a stylish grille. Who'd have thought it?! Even for 1983, what were they on referencing such aspects?! Entertaining and bizarre footage! I had a Mark III in the early 90s, great motor!
Looking like the (by then outdated) Cortina doesn’t make it a better replacement, only from a familiarity point of view. I have to admit that as a Cortina fan I hated the Sierra in the 80s, but its design has stood the test of time way better than most cars of that era, and dynamically it’s in an entirely different league to the Orion.
they expanded the trim levels in the mk2 so thats why. most were base models. the original mk1 wasnt available in L trim for a while initially so theyre rare
They cheapened everything with the Mk 2. They got rid of the footwell lights, low oil/coolant/screenwash warning lights and introduced those godawful stubby indicator stalks with a hard plastic dash. Also the plush interior of the Mk 1 gave way to a horribly cheap cloth even on Ghia models. It was a massive step backwards that was almost certainly driven by cost cutting.
@@DrFod most of the warning lights were Ghia spec only on the mk1. the velour seats in the mk1 ghia were also fitted to the mk2 ghia (in a different pattern). the mk2 Ghia (in Injection form) gained fuel computer (if it was an option, i havent seen one without it, and ive seen a LOT) and the only useful thing it lost were the footwell lights. the washer fluid warning was no longer required as the mk2 had a screenwash capacity of around 5 litres, vs the 1.5-2 of the mk1, brake pad warnings were scrapped because people complained they were over sensitive (came on half way through the pads life, not near the end) and the 'hard plastic' dash was also padded on the GL and Ghia trims in front of the passenger (as was the case on the mk1.) as for the stubby stalks on the mk2, many people, myself included, preferred them over the big flimsy looking things in the mk1. and both were better than the modern offerings where you cant 'flash' your headlights with the lights on, as theyre now pul towards you for high beam, and again for dipped beam, rather than away from you for high beam, towards you for dip, and a spring loaded towards you flashed the lights (if that makes sense)
@@petelattimer6808 Never driven an Orion but agree totally about the new crappy design for flashers. Always end up on full beam for about 2 seconds by accident if I pull a little too hard. Also takes away the fun of the hair trigger finger hovering over the stalk to flick off high beam at the exact moment the other car pops around the bend. It's the small things.....
I had a Mk3 Escort 1.6 Ghia, which was basically the same car with a hatchback. Although the Escort didn't have rear head restraints. But it did have wood door inserts, tinted windows, and crushed velour seats. Wasn't sure what made it so different fron the GL trim except the wood inserts on the doors, but it was a big improvement over the bog standard L version. I also swapped the four spoke steering wheel for the three spoke wheel from an XR3, which had a fatter rim and leather, so it was much nicer to hold, and grippier.
in the mk3 Escort, Ghia got tachometer instead of a Clock in the dash of the GL, Ghia had instrument cluster variable illumination brightness, variable intermittent front wipers, central locking, velour over cloth in the GL, full wheel covers, not just centre trims, wood inserts, and from memory there was more external chrome trim on the Ghia. possibly tilt/slide sunroof on Ghia too, depends on the age of the GL from memory
Ford knew there was still a considerable demand for small saloons and had been annoyed by the lukewarm reaction to the Sierra, so brought out the Orion, which even copied the rear lights from the Cortina. Sensibly Ford made the Orion in GL and Ghia trim, making trhe car more upmarket, and loaded it with standard equipment. Also the harsh suspension inherited from the Escort was modified to make a smoother ride and engine noise was reduced with a standard five speed transmission.
2:17 They could have bought anything for there Orion’s cassette player but they choose to listen to a tape (presumably from the dealership) of the different trim levels available on a Ford Orion LOL
When this car was launched, that music "The Orion Variations" that the lady put into the car radio cassette player, was actually released on a cassette and given away free to buyers of new Ford Orions, and you could pick a cassette of the music up for free too, from your local Ford dealer to listen to at home.
in many ways these are better than the over complicated rubbish they churn out TODAY. and the ROD gear linkages (instead of the crappy cable things they use now) were FAR more precise, with a better feel and just nicer to use. yes they may transmit a little vibration to the driver from the engine but its a small price to pay for something that would transform the cars so much!
Agree about modern over complication, but I’m not sure on those gear linkages. I have a mk4 and the gearshift is sloppy as hell compared to a modern FWD car.
i rated them better than the escort they were based on (in mk1 and 2 forms at least) and i personally had numerous examples of each. in the family as a whole we had (mk3.4 escort and mk1.2 orions) around 6 orions, 2 Escort Estates and 5 escort Hatcbacks. we ALL preferred the Orion
I like the advertisement character that such rich people would drive such a car to shout out the quality and features of this car in comparison to the competitors...If anybody would have believed in this? Obviously because it didn't change today for some low quality brands...But the GHIA Version from Ford had indeed a lot of nice features, I remember my mk1 sierra and 1991 scorpio v6 Ghia ( granada 2 in UK)....
I think if they'd shown up at a real upmarket hotel with a Ford Onion, the valet would have asked them to use the rear car park to avoid embarrassment.
i have NEVER known a 1.6D overheat. id say something was wrong, like blocked radiator (which ive heard of happening even in a new car. rare but has happened before)
It was a 1.6 petrol. The garage couldn't fix it. Year's later I got a Corrado 2.0 16v 94M I sat at the lights steam came out the bonnet VW couldn't fix it. Both car's were probably thrashed by previous owner's.
Ford never made an RS Orion. you may have one with an RS bodykit added which was a dealer optionfrom the accessories catalogue, but thats it. there are some with RS Turbo engines transplanted into them also, but there was never an actual RS orion.
Had a red Orion H reg 1.6l. Starter motor went one day and left us stranded on the Yorkshire moors. Had plenty of problems that car but made it to 2004 before scrapped.
If these cars were good enough for comfort and listerning to the radio and music while driving and traveling in then the cars today are just an extra gift
I was 12 yrs old in 1983, when the MK1 Ford Orion was lunched. And I remember the first time, when I was sitting in the backseat of my mum and dads MK3 Ford Cortina Estate, driving along, towards home, which looked worst for wear for its years, because it was full of corrosion, and was yellow. Yellow of all colours, making the rust more noticeable as well, lol. But that moment when I saw the Ford Orion’s in the Ford showroom, gleaming from the distance. I said to my dad, look, Ford have redesigned the Escort and put a boot on it. I just wanted my dad to own one, but he never did, but he did replace the car we had with a Ford MK2 Escort Ghia in a light green colour with all the chrome trimmings and magnolia interior. And a couple of years after that, replaced that car with a Ford MK3 Escort 1.6 GL in dark brown. Fond memories of yesteryear.
I drive my Orion mk1 every day and i love this car so much. Yes Orion mk1 in 2023 and, not in UK
I’m jealous
The Ghias were really nice cars and back in the day having the 1.6i or 1600E version meant you was da man. Lol.
I had an LX, and it was a very nice car, though second hand. Had the 1.4 which was good around town, but needed a bit more for motorway hills. Turning circle was really bad for a small car but impressed by the build quality. Sold it to my parents and they finally got rid of it at 138,000 miles.
I had my Ford Escort 1.8 Diesel in for a service back in 1989 . I had a courtesy car booked but the dealer double booked it ! The service manager got involved and to keep me on the road he loaned me his Ford Orion GLS which was a sporty version! Now I would say extremely rare? I do remember him being more worried about his golf clubs in the boot than me loosing his car !! What days heah!!!
one of the best cars Ford ever made, given the era it was made in! i regret selling mine!
My uncle had a 1.6d that weirdly had ABS
My stepdad had a Mk1 Orion when I was a kid, back in the early 90s. Used to think it was so cool, and for some reason remember thinking the slatted sunroof cover was cool. Also think that car has one of the best looking rear ends of any of the cars of that era
Ford brought out the Orion to answer previous Cortina owners requests for something saloon like in the wake of the Cortina and just as equally nice to drive.
The Orion answered that brief perfectly, and fitted precisely in the shoes of the previous car.
The classical strings music on the advert is lovely too.
actually the Sierra Sapphire was teh replacement for the Cortina Saloon as the Sierra replaced the Cortina. the Orion was added to subdue the complaints that there were no Saloon cars left in the Ford range after the Escort went hatchback (mk3 from mk2 saloon) and Cortina was replaced by Sierra. the Granada (in mk 2 guise) was out of the financial reach of most people (and itself became hatchback in the mk3 in around 1985, looking like an oversized sierra, just as the mk2 looked like an oversized Cortina)
@@petelattimer6808 The Sierra Sapphire did NOT launch at the Cortina's demise, it was brought out to provide a saloon for those who wanted a saloon to drive.
I love the Cortina MK5 look alike rear lights
And Cortina Mk5 lights would fit on an Orion
Builtt in lights. And bumpers. And a stylish grille. Who'd have thought it?! Even for 1983, what were they on referencing such aspects?! Entertaining and bizarre footage! I had a Mark III in the early 90s, great motor!
I always considered this a better Cortina replacement than the Sierra ever was. Certainly in terms of look.
Even the rear light clusters are styled upon the Mk5 cortina ones, it is a very Cortina like car overall I agree.
Looking like the (by then outdated) Cortina doesn’t make it a better replacement, only from a familiarity point of view. I have to admit that as a Cortina fan I hated the Sierra in the 80s, but its design has stood the test of time way better than most cars of that era, and dynamically it’s in an entirely different league to the Orion.
Actually the MK 1 Onion was better appointed than the MK 2 model strangely
they expanded the trim levels in the mk2 so thats why. most were base models. the original mk1 wasnt available in L trim for a while initially so theyre rare
They cheapened everything with the Mk 2. They got rid of the footwell lights, low oil/coolant/screenwash warning lights and introduced those godawful stubby indicator stalks with a hard plastic dash. Also the plush interior of the Mk 1 gave way to a horribly cheap cloth even on Ghia models. It was a massive step backwards that was almost certainly driven by cost cutting.
@@DrFod most of the warning lights were Ghia spec only on the mk1. the velour seats in the mk1 ghia were also fitted to the mk2 ghia (in a different pattern). the mk2 Ghia (in Injection form) gained fuel computer (if it was an option, i havent seen one without it, and ive seen a LOT) and the only useful thing it lost were the footwell lights. the washer fluid warning was no longer required as the mk2 had a screenwash capacity of around 5 litres, vs the 1.5-2 of the mk1, brake pad warnings were scrapped because people complained they were over sensitive (came on half way through the pads life, not near the end) and the 'hard plastic' dash was also padded on the GL and Ghia trims in front of the passenger (as was the case on the mk1.) as for the stubby stalks on the mk2, many people, myself included, preferred them over the big flimsy looking things in the mk1. and both were better than the modern offerings where you cant 'flash' your headlights with the lights on, as theyre now pul towards you for high beam, and again for dipped beam, rather than away from you for high beam, towards you for dip, and a spring loaded towards you flashed the lights (if that makes sense)
@@petelattimer6808 Never driven an Orion but agree totally about the new crappy design for flashers. Always end up on full beam for about 2 seconds by accident if I pull a little too hard. Also takes away the fun of the hair trigger finger hovering over the stalk to flick off high beam at the exact moment the other car pops around the bend. It's the small things.....
@@petelattimer6808 nope,the warning lights ir clean hands system as it is correctly called was on GL and above.
I had a Mk3 Escort 1.6 Ghia, which was basically the same car with a hatchback. Although the Escort didn't have rear head restraints. But it did have wood door inserts, tinted windows, and crushed velour seats. Wasn't sure what made it so different fron the GL trim except the wood inserts on the doors, but it was a big improvement over the bog standard L version.
I also swapped the four spoke steering wheel for the three spoke wheel from an XR3, which had a fatter rim and leather, so it was much nicer to hold, and grippier.
in the mk3 Escort, Ghia got tachometer instead of a Clock in the dash of the GL, Ghia had instrument cluster variable illumination brightness, variable intermittent front wipers, central locking, velour over cloth in the GL, full wheel covers, not just centre trims, wood inserts, and from memory there was more external chrome trim on the Ghia. possibly tilt/slide sunroof on Ghia too, depends on the age of the GL from memory
The early Ghia also had those unique side stripe decals on the doors too. Possibly enhanced sound insulation over the lesser models.
I preferred the Orion overall, though naturally I owned both, simultaneously.
@@TheGalacticEmperorOfLabels Naturally!
Your gonna need that back seat soon
🤭🤭🤭
You know you're getting desperate when deep set moulded bumpers are a selling point!
Ford knew there was still a considerable demand for small saloons and had been annoyed by the lukewarm reaction to the Sierra, so brought out the Orion, which even copied the rear lights from the Cortina. Sensibly Ford made the Orion in GL and Ghia trim, making trhe car more upmarket, and loaded it with standard equipment. Also the harsh suspension inherited from the Escort was modified to make a smoother ride and engine noise was reduced with a standard five speed transmission.
2:17
They could have bought anything for there Orion’s cassette player but they choose to listen to a tape (presumably from the dealership) of the different trim levels available on a Ford Orion LOL
When this car was launched, that music "The Orion Variations" that the lady put into the car radio cassette player, was actually released on a cassette and given away free to buyers of new Ford Orions, and you could pick a cassette of the music up for free too, from your local Ford dealer to listen to at home.
in many ways these are better than the over complicated rubbish they churn out TODAY. and the ROD gear linkages (instead of the crappy cable things they use now) were FAR more precise, with a better feel and just nicer to use. yes they may transmit a little vibration to the driver from the engine but its a small price to pay for something that would transform the cars so much!
Agree about modern over complication, but I’m not sure on those gear linkages. I have a mk4 and the gearshift is sloppy as hell compared to a modern FWD car.
I have one of these that actually works
The Ghia versions were very nice indeed, but having said that there was nothing wrong with any of the Orions at all.
i rated them better than the escort they were based on (in mk1 and 2 forms at least) and i personally had numerous examples of each. in the family as a whole we had (mk3.4 escort and mk1.2 orions) around 6 orions, 2 Escort Estates and 5 escort Hatcbacks. we ALL preferred the Orion
I like the advertisement character that such rich people would drive such a car to shout out the quality and features of this car in comparison to the competitors...If anybody would have believed in this? Obviously because it didn't change today for some low quality brands...But the GHIA Version from Ford had indeed a lot of nice features, I remember my mk1 sierra and 1991 scorpio v6 Ghia ( granada 2 in UK)....
1991 would be Granada 3 in the UK actually.
Look at Ford today with the awful sounding Vignale trimmed cars.
Ghia just sounds so much nicer...
I think if they'd shown up at a real upmarket hotel with a Ford Onion, the valet would have asked them to use the rear car park to avoid embarrassment.
Princess Diana drove the escort ghia. I doubt that.
I doubt that, given that the royal family owned various examples of the contemporary Escort.
I had an Orion mk2 1.6GL 87D. It overheated so I traded it in for a Nissan Bluebird 1.6LX saloon 1989F
i have NEVER known a 1.6D overheat. id say something was wrong, like blocked radiator (which ive heard of happening even in a new car. rare but has happened before)
It was a 1.6 petrol. The garage couldn't fix it. Year's later I got a Corrado 2.0 16v 94M I sat at the lights steam came out the bonnet VW couldn't fix it. Both car's were probably thrashed by previous owner's.
The mk I was a good car especially the frugal diesel models
mk1 diesels are rare as hens teeth in a pile of rocking horse manure in the UK
A ford escort with a boot
I have just such a Ford Orion RS now making a video on its restoration I wonder if you come to visit me !!!
Ford never made an RS Orion. you may have one with an RS bodykit added which was a dealer optionfrom the accessories catalogue, but thats it. there are some with RS Turbo engines transplanted into them also, but there was never an actual RS orion.
@@petelattimer6808 Maybe you are right..
But Ford Escort Rs is also in accessories...
I'm not talking about RS Turbo..
I have a Ford Orion RS
Does it come with the Lady?
Hi. Do you have the Ford Advert from 1990s, which has "Show Must Go On" soundtrack? I've been searching it for years. Please upload it.
No
@@Rosbergen80 Thank you I've found it: ruclips.net/video/14qHGu1FrgY/видео.html It's published on Turkish TV (1997)
@@murocossie thank you my friend
Тачка на все времена
I think they were better equipped in the UK, can't remember having those rear headrests in Germany.
the headrests were only on ghia models.
Jeeves hoping for a tip taking so long to load the boot........
Twas a lovely car back in the day,a cut above those plebs in their Escorts.....😉
Like the Mk.3 Escort, saddled with the lacklustre CVH engine.
Old reliable
The Ford iran according to the subtitles lol
I like how the man and woman engage in a kiss while their butler loads the boot.
I WISHD ID HAD RED ORION AND GREEN GRANADA
Had a red Orion H reg 1.6l. Starter motor went one day and left us stranded on the Yorkshire moors. Had plenty of problems that car but made it to 2004 before scrapped.
LADA 1200 S
Per molto tempo papà ho guidato la tua smart in maniera sacrificata poi ho detto ora basta
Luxury?
Yes
Luxury = Orion
auto wingmirrors in 83??!!! what?
They had them in the 60s in America
Buy a Ford be a Lord
LOL, acting like they're selling a Rolls ...
The wheel covers look like their from a Mercedes and the side looks like a Mercedes
plvSS vltra rAE 1492
Ma😭
Onion gear