Ford Belina II: Icon of Brazilian Station Wagons

In 2024, the passion for classic cars remains alive in the hearts of many enthusiasts, and the Ford Belina II, an icon of the national automotive industry, continues to be one of the most coveted models by those who appreciate the nostalgia and history of the automobile market in Brazil. Launched in 1978, the Belina II was an evolution of the Corcel II, offering a unique design and a series of updates that made it one of the most popular station wagons of its time. In this article, we will explore the trajectory of the Belina II, its features, evolution and how it fits into the context of today's vehicles.

The Beginning of Belina II

A Ford Belina II was launched in 1978 as an improved version of the Corcel II, which was already known for its comfort and practicality. The great innovation of the Belina II was its glazed area enlarged, which gave the model a feeling of more interior space and visibility for passengers. The design was one of the car's greatest qualities, as it presented a modern style for the time, with straight lines and a front end that resembled other more sophisticated models.

One of the biggest advantages of this model was its trunk of impressive 768 liters, which stood out among its competitors. This generous size helped the Belina II to be considered an excellent option for those looking for a family car, ideal for long trips or transporting bulky loads. The station wagon's design was designed to provide maximum comfort and functionality to drivers and passengers.

Performance and Fuel Economy

As far as performance is concerned, the Ford Belina II offered two engine options. The basic model was equipped with the engine 1.4, which offered a consumption of about 12 km/l, which for the time was considered quite efficient. The maximum speed achieved with the 1.4 engine was 133.8 km/h, while acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h took 21.5 seconds.

This performance, although not that of a sports car, was sufficient for those looking for a comfortable model for everyday use and travel. In addition, fuel economy was an important feature, since the Brazilian market, in the 1970s, was beginning to deal with the effects of the oil crisis and consumers began to pay more attention to fuel efficiency.

As the years went by, the Ford continued to improve the model, and in 1984, the Belina II was equipped with the engine CHT (Compactor High Torque), which was already used in Ford Escort. This new engine brought a significant improvement in fuel economy, increasing the average to 13 km/l. This made the model even more attractive to drivers looking for good performance combined with energy efficiency.

The Evolution of the Belina II: The 1.6 Engine and More Power

In 1982, the Ford Belina II started offering a version with the engine 1.6, which increased the maximum speed from the model to 144 km/h. With this engine, acceleration was also improved, with the car going from 0 to 100 km/h in 18 seconds. This more powerful version offered a more agile driving experience without compromising fuel economy.

Although the top speed was not impressive by sports car standards of the time, the Ford Belina II with a 1.6 engine offered the perfect balance between performance, comfort and practicality. The station wagon gained popularity not only among families, but also among professionals who needed a car versatile for the transportation of cargo and passengers.

The Transition to the 1.8 Engine and the Del Rey Model

In 1989, the Ford brought a big change to the Belina II. The model was equipped with the engine 1.8 from the Volkswagen, an engine that brought even more strength and reliability to the model. This change in engine also coincided with a change in the vehicle's nomenclature, which became known as Del Rey. The transition to the 1.8 engine not only improved performance, but also gave the Belina II a new image in the Brazilian market.

The 1.8 engine offered a superior performance, with the model reaching even higher speeds, as well as improved acceleration, while maintaining the fuel efficiency. The arrival of the 1.8 engine was an important step in evolution of the Belina II, making it an even more interesting option for those looking for a comfortable vehicle with good performance and reliability.

The Ford Belina II in the Current Context

Even with the passing of the years and the arrival of new models on the market, Ford Belina II remains a reference model for collectors and vintage car enthusiasts. Today, it is possible to find some restored units, which keep the essence of the station wagon, with its original features and modest performance.

Although the design and engine of the Belina II do not compare to the modern cars, it represents an era in which the simplicity and the efficiency were fundamental values for vehicle production. The Belina II was one of the last great representations of a functional car for Brazilian families, before the arrival of the more sophisticated models that marked the following decades.

The Restoration of the Ford Belina II and Its Market Value

Nowadays, anyone looking for a Ford Belina II You need to be prepared to face the classic car market, where the value of restored models can vary greatly. However, a well-preserved or restored model, with an original engine and period features, can fetch considerable values. Units in good condition can be found for values around R$ 35,000.00 to R$ 50,000.00, depending on the state of conservation and local demand.

For collectors, the restoration Repairing a Ford Belina II can be an exciting and challenging project. Many enthusiasts dedicate themselves to restoring the model to its original configuration, using quality genuine or aftermarket parts, ensuring that the vehicle regains its original condition. originality and historical value.

The Ford Belina II in the Memory of Brazilians

For many Brazilians, the Ford Belina II It is more than just a car – it is a symbol of a time of change and growth for the country. It represents the transition from a developing Brazil, with its first modernizations and the search for more economical and practical cars for the population. For those who lived in the 70s and 80s, the Belina II is a reminder of family trips, weekend outings and memories of an era of simple but reliable cars.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the Ford Belina II

A Ford Belina II, launched in 1978, stood out for being one of the most iconic station wagons in Brazil, offering practicality, comfort and an innovative design for the time. With engines ranging from 1.4 to 1.8, the model evolved over the years, providing greater performance and fuel efficiency. Today, the Belina II is remembered not only as a classic car, but as a symbol of a generation that saw the country undergo great transformations.

If you are looking for a piece of Brazilian automotive history, Ford Belina II is an excellent option for those who want to relive the golden age of national cars. Whether for collectors or for those who simply want to know more about the evolution of the automobile market in Brazil, Belina II remains a true treasure on wheels.