Oxford celebrates some of the key milestones in Ford modern motoring history with these five highly popular models, each of which made their own impact on the road scene of the day and have proved iconic in their own way.

First up is 76CAP004 the Ford Capri Mk III, 2.0L  Laser in Sebring Redwith contrasting racy side stripe, registered D272 REM from the last year of production in 1986. It featured a sloping bonnet, quad headlights, slatted radiator grille, a rear spoiler and new ‘sawtooth’ style rear lights. The interior is dark grey and the Ford Capri Laser lettering is printed in white across the nearside edge of the boot.

Following closely behind is 76COR3002 Cortina Mk III in Daytona Yellow representing the 3rd generation of the marque, manufactured between 1970 and 1976. Here we see the zappy little motor decorated in striking bright yellow with black roof and black interior, registered XMJ 145L from 1974/75.

Next up is 76FC006 Ford Granada Mk1, 3.0 GXL in black, as launched in March 1972 with the lower end models being known initially as the Ford Consul. The Granada was originally assembled in Germany but Ford Europe opened up production in Dagenham, Essex from 1972. Our model is based on the four-door saloon which came with a 4-speed manual all-synchromesh gearbox and a 3.0L V6 engine. Classed as an executive car, our model is registered PLF 10L from 1972-3, the first year of manufacture in the UK.   Decorated in all over black, the interior seating, steering wheel and dashboard are moulded in bright red. The roof is masked in a matt black while other exterior trim is finished in silver/chrome, including bumpers, front grille and wheels. 

Fourth in the line-up is 76FF005 Ford Fiesta Mk 1.1L in Jade Green with beige interior. The highly popular little hatchback covers the late 1970s and early 1980s.  It is registered OMV 786W from 1980-1981 and featured a distinctive radiator grille with the blue Ford badge embedded in the centre, complete with silver and orange headlights to each side.  

Rounding off the set is 76XR006 Ford Escort XR3i in Caspian Blue. The Ford Escort XR3i belonged to the third generation of the Escort car made by Ford Europe and the XR3i was developed as a sporting rival to the VW Golf GTI.  The Mk III Escort was the most common car on British roads in the 1980s, with the most desirable being the XR3i with its upgraded suspension, cosmetic modifications and fuel injection. 

Registered OGT 539Y from 1982/83, this two-door saloon is decorated in a blue colour scheme with deep grey interior and black trim to aerofoil, bumpers, window surrounds and radiator grille.