Ford Fiesta sells 4 million in UK & Fiesta history in pictures

Ford UK is celebrating selling four million Fiestas since the Fiesta launched in 1976 and we have a photo gallery chronicling the Fiesta’s history.

The 4 millionth Ford Fiesta sold in the UK (pictured) has arrived with it owner

[nggallery id=1574 template=customlinks]

It’s 37 years since Ford launched the first Fiesta, and in that time it’s been the best-selling small car for 27 of those 37 years and the best-selling car in the UK overall since 2009.

In that time Ford has managed to sell 4 million Fiestas in the UK, with the four millionth Fiesta – a Fiesta Zetec in Candy Blue with the excellent 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine – presented to its owner, Michelle Wardale, by her local Ford dealers in the North East today.

Ford Fiesta production started in the days when Dagenham was a big builder of Ford cars, and the first 3 million Fiestas (bound not just for the UK) rolling out of Dagenham between 1976 and 2002.

The first Fiesta arrived in 1976 with a list price of £2,000, PVC seats, a set of carpets, a laminated windscreen – and not a lot more.

By contrast, today’s Fiestas feature a plethora of toys and technology with engines from the stunning 1.0 litre EcoBoost to the 1.6 litre EcoBoost fitted to the new Fiesta ST that turns in a 0-62mph of 6.9 seconds and hits 137mph, a feat even Ford’s range-topping 3.0 litre Capri couldn’t manage in 1976.

Here’s to the next 37 years of Britain’s favourite small car.