By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
Finding a rare Ford Orion Mk2 1.6i Ghia for sale with a North Yorkshire classic car dealership really piqued my interest in this sometime forgotten British saloon.
The Orion made its debut in 1983 in response to the growing demand for mid-sized sedans. It would succeed the popular Cortina range which ceased production the year before.
The Orion was based on the Mk3 Ford Escort – but with a good-sized boot – and sold in big numbers. It was also available alongside the Sierra model, which was initially launched as a hatchback and estate.
Whilst an impressive 3.5 million were produced, four decades on only around 300 Orions are still left on UK roads.
This four-door Ford was launched with 1300 and 1600cc engines, but it was the 1.6i version – sharing the same engine as the Escort XR3i – that would catch the eye. Interestingly, the 1.6i Ghia could be insured for a lot less than the XR3i which added to its appeal.
A limited run sporty 1600E came out in 1988, with a model name inspired by the Mk2 Cortina 1600E from 20 years earlier.
The Orion range proved a regular top 10 best-seller in the UK at a time when other manufacturers were adding boots to their hatchback range. They included the Vauxhall Belmont, VW Jetta and Rover 200 series saloon.
In 1990, a third and final version of the Orion was rolled out, but like the fifth generation Escort it came in for criticism for its design and refinement to its engines. The Mk3 also brought the 1.8L Zetec model.
Three years later Ford retired the Orion, but would live on in the guise of a new Escort saloon. Alas, as customers tastes changed the Escort saloon was discontinued in 1998.
Today, prices for the Orion are climbing – by over 15 percent in the last three years. In particular, buyers are on the look out for standout models like the 1.6i Ghia and 1600E. Both cars offer a shrewd investment and not as pricey as an XR3i.
What a great car – a staple company car option at the time for junior managers. I hankered after an XR3i at the time but was only allowed an Orion – a 1986 red Ghia first which was such a great car my disappointment at not getting an XR3 was sort lived! I then chose an F registered black Ghia just like the one in this article.
Alas the Mk 3 was then launched. Not a patch on the previous version on my opinion, so it was time to move to a different manufacturer when my car was up for change.
Thank you for the great owner insight John. Certainly an under-rated eighties Ford