MEET THE OWNER – PAUL MATTHEWS AND HIS FORD FIESTA SANDPIPER II
By Andrew Roberts |
21st January, 2021
About twenty years ago, the first-generation Ford Fiesta seemed to largely vanish from Britain’s roads – which is one reason why Paul’s 1981 model attracts attention wherever it goes. And course, any Sandpiper II automatically stands out in any classic car gathering.
The Ford unveiled the Fiesta in 1976, with British-market versions becoming available in the following year. By early 1980 over 1.5 million examples had found customers. On 8th March of that year, Motor pointed out that it was the company’s ‘most successful new model of all time. Last year only five cars (two of them Fords) outsold the Fiesta in the UK, where it is the most popular small hatchback by a huge margin’.
However, Dagenham was always keen to expand the line-up to better rival the Fiat 127, Peugeot 104, Renault 5 and VW Polo. A spate of limited edition models paved the way for the GL trim level, which Ford introduced in February 1980. These ranged from the 75th Anniversary and the Kingfisher to the Millionth Edition and the Sandpiper, which debuted in 1979.
The last-named was essentially a 1.1L with a greatly enhanced list of standard fittings - plus that distinctive Roman Bronze over Cordoba Beige paint finish. There was a three-band push-button radio, a clock, a centre console, front head restraints, a separate locker under the boot floor, twin vanity mirrors, and a four-spoke steering wheel. Best of all, the seats were upholstered in ‘Tan Verona and Chocolate Crushed Velour’.
Naturally few motorists could resist such luxury, and the Sandpiper proved so successful that in March 1981 Ford announced an additional 4,000 units of the “Sandpiper II”. There was a new colour scheme of Roman Bronze over Solar Gold, which was certainly eye-catching. Looking at Paul’s car today, it is quite understandable why this was a Fiesta that drew people to their local Ford dealer.
It is also easy to forget just how Spartan most entry-level cars were nearly forty years ago. In the early 1980s, manufacturers would charge extra for the windscreen and the doors, given half a chance. By contrast, a car fitted with tinted glass, and a sunroof was sheer decadence. Anyone who owned a Sandpiper was probably a suave type with an avocado bathroom suite, and boxes of After Eight in their cocktail cabinet.
The March 1981 Ford brochure vividly illustrates the gulf between the Sandpiper and a bottom-of-the-range Fiesta. The Popular lacked reclining front seats, a rear wiper, a passenger sun visor, a heated back screen and, incredibly, fresh air vents. Many a company Fiesta driver must have aspired to Sandpiper ownership; the good life for a mere £4,060 or just £267.54 more than the standard Fiesta L.
Limited Edition Fiestas such as the Sandpiper also enhanced the line-up when the British motoring press devoted a great deal of space to the Austin Metro. The Mk. II replaced the Fiesta Mk. I in August 1983 and today you would be hard-pressed to find any Sandpiper on the road. Paul inherited PUT 289 W from his aunt, and its condition is a testament to his enthusiasm. After nearly four decades, it is still the Fiesta that was a ‘high-flyer at a down-to-earth price’.
With Thanks To: Paul Matthews
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