The ESS(European Sports Sedan) was available in
1979 and 1980. It was optional on sedans and Runabouts, with black grille and
exterior accents, black hinged glass third door, wide black bodyside moldings
and sports type equipment. In 1980 the package included a charcoal grille and
headlamp doors, black windshield and backlight moldings, dual black racing
mirrors, glass third door with black hinges, blackout paint treatment, black
wheel lip moldings, 'ESS' fender insignia and and black window frames. The price
was $281 to $313.
1979 ESS Hatchback
View of the blacked out
front
Note - hood scoop is not original
Optional Vinyl - Cloth Interior
Sports
Interior
Including Sports Dash, with tach; three gauge panel in the
center and the Sports steering wheel
1980 ESS Hatchback
ESS Granada
The ESS option package was first available on the 1978
Granada, two and four door models. Included was a blackout vertical grille
texture as well as black rocker panels, door frames and bodyside moldings, black
rubber bumper guards and wide rub strips and a unique interior. The ESS had
color keyed wheel covers, a heavy duty suspension, dual sport mirrors, decklid
and hood pinstriping, leather wrapped steering wheel, FR78 x 14 SBR tires, and
individual reclining bucket seats. ESS also had unique half covered, louvered
quarter windows. Low on the cowl was an ESS badge, above the Granada
script.
In 1979 the Granada ESS was similar with exception of the ESS
badge was now below the Granada badge. The individual reclining bucket seats now
had Euro headrests. Option speed control for the 79 ESS included a black leather
wrapped steering wheel. 1980 was the last year of the ESS model in the
Granada.
ES Fairmont
In 1978, the first year of the Fairmont, an ES(Euro
Style) option was available. This option was similar to the ESS Pinto and
Granada. It displayed a blacked out grille and cowl grille, rear quarter window
louvers, black window frames and lower back panel, and turbine spoked wheel
covers. Also included, a sports steering wheel, color keyed interior trim and
unique black instrument panel with gray engine turnings. Its specially tuned
suspension included a rear stabilizer bar. This model also ended in
1980.
Mercury
Monarch ESS 1978-80
New for 1978, the ESS option package
included a blackout grille; black wipers, black hood paint stripes, and
front/rear bumper guards with horizontal rub strips. Also, bright wide wheel lip
moldings, dual racing mirrors, color-keyed wheel covers, black/argent lower back
appliques, black bodyside molding with bright mylar insert, black rocker panel
paint treatment, and black side window surround moldings. Two doors had a
louvered opera window applique. ESS equipment included a leather wrapped three
spoke sport steering wheel, day/night mirror, dual tone horn, Flight bench seat,
FR78 x 14 tires and heavy duty suspension.
Zephyr ES 1978-80
The ES option displayed a different front
end look with blackout grille, black rear hood grille and no hood ornament. ES
also had black window frames and rear window ventilation louver, bright full
length lower bodyside moldings, black lower panel, and styled wheel covers.
Inside was a black three spoke sports steering wheel, black instrument panel and
pad, and full width gun metal gray instrument panel applique. Dual black outside
mirrors were standard. The ES handling suspension included a rear stabilizer bar
as well as modified spring rates and shock valving. Rocker panel moldings and
upper bodyside paint stripes were deleted.
