The Ford Granada Scorpio 24V looked like a restrained executive hatchback, but its bonnet concealed one of the most intriguing engines ever fitted to a mainstream European Ford.
1. The Cosworth badge referred to the engine
Unlike the Sierra Cosworth, the Granada was not a homologation special with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Cosworth Engineering redesigned Ford’s 2.9-litre Cologne V6 with four camshafts and 24 valves.
2. Its block had very ordinary origins
The BOA engine retained the basic cast-iron Cologne V6 block used by much humbler Fords. The transformation came from new aluminium cylinder heads, revised internals, electronic management and the ability to breathe at higher engine speeds.
3. It produced nearly 200bhp without a turbo
Ford quoted approximately 195bhp for the original BOA. That was a major increase over the 12-valve 2.9 V6 and gave the large Granada effortless motorway performance without forced induction.
4. Cosworth assembled the early engines
The BOA was more than a Ford engine wearing a famous name. Cosworth manufactured and assembled key parts at Wellingborough, while Mahle pistons and extensively reworked heads helped justify the badge.
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5. The timing system was extraordinarily complex
A long duplex chain drove the four camshafts. The arrangement gave the engine its distinctive appearance and performance, but age, guides and tensioners now make careful maintenance essential.
6. Most buyers had an automatic gearbox
The 24V was normally paired with Ford’s A4LDe four-speed automatic. Manual conversions exist and can be entertaining, but they should not be confused with an ordinary factory UK specification.
7. The Scorpio name meant luxury equipment
In Britain the flagship Granada wore Scorpio trim, bringing leather, climate-related equipment and numerous electric conveniences. The mechanical sophistication arrived inside a car designed primarily for quiet long-distance travel.
8. A later BOB engine was different
The controversial 1995-on Scorpio used the evolved BOB V6. Variable-length induction, revised chains and updated management raised output to roughly 207bhp, but it was not identical to the earlier Granada’s BOA.
9. It was a true sleeper
Aside from badges, wheels and trim, the Cosworth-powered Granada could disappear among company cars and airport taxis. Its understated appearance is central to its modern appeal.
10. Survival is harder than engine fame suggests
The Cosworth name attracts attention, but restoration involves an entire ageing executive Ford: body corrosion, complex electrics, automatic transmissions, rare trim and model-specific engine parts. A complete documented car is far more valuable than an apparently cheap project.
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Research note: engine figures and BOA/BOB differences were checked against Ford technical specifications and contemporary specialist documentation.
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