David McMullan and Jeffrey Smith decided they needed cheaper products for Crayford, and it was decided that David McMullan would develop a Ford Fiesta convertible, whilst Jeffrey Smith would develop an Austin Metro convertible. The name 'Fly' was chosen from a model of horse drawn carriage which was light and strong. It was intended that the Fly could also be built on pre-owned Fiestas. After around 30 Fiesta Fly were built, the production was licensed to coachbuilders F. English who built more and then sold on the rights. Crayford Fiestas had the roof removed and the boot welded up to restore torsional rigidity.
Crayford Fly Convertible 1982. Badge on rear panel
Crayford Fly Convertible 1982. Based on a standard Fiesta 1300 the Fiesta Fly was easy to produce.
Crayford Fly Convertible 1982. Based on a standard Fiesta, the Crayford Fly was made by chopping the roof and welding up the boot to put back torsional rigidity.
Crayford Fly Convertible 1982. Around 30 Crayford Fly convertibles were made by Crayford at their Westerham base before selling the rights to coachbuilders F. English who made perhaps a further 30 and then sold the rights on again.
Crayford Fly Convertible 1982. Crayford developed the Fiesta and Austin Metro convertibles at the same time to try a produce a cheaper faster selling product since the other models in its range were too high priced
