Ford Fiesta Mk1 1.0
Ford's first tiny front-wheel-drive hatchback put its engine sideways to leave useful room for people and luggage.
1976 Ford Fiesta MKI (4670465738).jpg · Spanish Coches · CC BY 2.0
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More than a set of wheels.
Ford developed the Fiesta under the Bobcat code name, announced its final name in December 1975 and began European production in May 1976. Saarlouis and Valencia supplied Continental buyers before UK sales began in 1977. Ford's German history identifies the entry model as the 1.0-litre 40 PS car priced at DM 8,440. The small three-door combined a transverse engine, front-wheel drive, folding rear seat and simple suspension in a package designed for fuel-conscious families.
Look a little closer.
The 957 cc engine was offered in two tunes: 40 PS with lower compression and 45 bhp DIN with higher compression. This profile fixes Ford Germany's 40 PS entry car instead of blending them.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
A new kind of Ford package
Unlike Ford's familiar rear-drive saloons, the Fiesta put its engine across the nose and drove the front wheels. The period engineering report describes the gearbox in line with the engine and a spur-gear final drive, making a compact power pack for a very short car.
Source: Motor Sport · The Ford Fiesta (August 1976) ↗One launch, different calendars
The Fiesta is correctly a 1976 European car even though British showrooms did not receive it until 1977. Ford records May 1976 production in Spain and Germany, while the contemporary road report expected Continental sales in September and the UK launch the following January.
Source: Ford Media Center · Fiesta celebrates 40 years ↗Where these facts come from
- Ford Media Center Germany · 40 years of Ford Fiesta
- Ford Media Center UK · Fiesta celebrates 40 years
- Motor Sport · The Ford Fiesta (August 1976)
- FIA Historic Database · Ford Fiesta 957 homologation
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed October 1, 2026.