Ford recently discontinued the Ford Fiesta, ending production of a car that covered seven generations and spanned nearly 50 years. Most people who love cars have probably owned one at some point in their lives and as hot hatches go, there surely can’t be many which are better. Over the weekend when the last Fiesta rolled off the production line, Car & Classic, the biggest classic and niche vehicle marketplace in Europe, revealed that there has been a substantial increase in the number of Ford Fiesta searches with a 206% spike on its online platform. Compared to the previous four weeks prior to the announcement, the increase in searches shows scarcity combined with nostalgia can be a potent combination when it comes to car ownership.

Originally developed in 1976, the Ford Fiesta has been an overwhelming success for the Blue Oval. Having sold over 22 million Fiestas since that year, it is one of the best selling Fords, behind the Escort and F-series. Despite Car & Classics data only covering Europe, the Fiesta has been manufactured all over the world, including Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico, Taiwan, China, India, Thailand and South Africa. The model’s versions that proved most popular were the Fiesta XR2 and RS, but as the world moves towards greener alternatives, Ford will be hoping to replicate that success with its new hatchback that will take the place of the Fiesta.

Car & Classic typically lists around 30,000 vehicles at any one time, with a range of prices from ‘no reserve’ to £10 million and Ford is the most searched brand on the online platform. Whilst there has been an upturn in searches for the Fiesta, it is only responsible for 6% of those searches, whereas the Escort, Capri and Cortina make up around 34%.

But what now for the Fiesta? The rise in searches shows the impact that these cars had on petrolheads and the wider public. Car & Classic Head of Editorial Dale Vinten believes that they will be around for a while yet:

“It shows how the end of the line for a much-loved model in the UK may not necessarily mean the end of its presence on the roads. The classic (and modern classic) car community will ensure that we shall see Fiestas being driven for many years to come.”

And what about valuations? Could the Fiesta even be a future classic? Vinten believes so: “The knowledge that you may be driving a car whose current production has stopped plays a part, but rare and restored classic models will also always command a premium: both these immaculate 1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport MkI and 1981 Ford Fiesta 1300 Supersport MkI sold for £15,500 and £17,750 in May and March this year respectively.”

Who knows…it may just be worth holding on to a Fiesta if you have one.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Car & Classic