Ford introduced the Mk1 Escort in 1967, replacing the Anglia and making that look like an antique overnight. It was a huge success all across Europe, and in the UK quickly ousted the Austin/Morris 1100 as the best selling car, and hit 2 million Escorts built by 1974.
It was well packaged with lots of room for families and luggage, but the lively rear wheel drive lay out made it ideal for motorsport and dominated the rally world, so fast versions such as the RS and Mexico became bedroom wall poster favourites and have never stopped being popular.
This car started life in Cyprus, where it stayed with the same family its entire life, and the dry climate helped keep the shell rust free but the car had been driven for over 4 decades so needed some care and attention.
It was imported to the UK in 2020 and the current owner bought it earlier in 2021 and completed the Nova paperwork before embarking on having the car restored to the high standard he was looking for with a local car restorer.
Sadly there is no history from the Escort’s former life in Cyprus beyond the import document, but having been totally overhauled by Andy’s Auto Restorations in Rochester, Kent, it has good ‘new’ history detailing the extensive refurbishment and restoration the car has enjoyed since the current owner began improving it.
The interior has a strong rally inspired feel, and having just been rebuilt all is new or in excellent condition. It has been fitted with new one piece bucket seats in black vinyl and the dash loaded with instruments, the main cluster dials taken from a period Alfa and auxiliary dials in the centre above an aluminium panel with extra switches.
The dash top and instrument binnacle surround are padded vinyl and look new, and is set off nicely by an alcantara three spoke RS steering wheel, also in superb condition.
It has new carpets and gaiters for the handbrake and gear stick, and the immaculate door cards are fitted with original door furniture.
In the back, the rear bench seat in matching black vinyl is like new, but with the non reclining front seats not easy to get to!
Thanks to a warm, dry climate the Ford had a rust free shell and arrived in the UK with the body and paint looking as it does now.
The owner thinks its a Porsche colour, but it suits it perfectly. The quality and condition are outstanding, there are virtually no marks in the finish, the bubble arches blended invisibly and the panel gaps are all very good. The white side stripes are done well, straight and even, and the gold alloys are immaculate with new Uniroyal tyres on all four wheels.
At the front there are the iconic four big rally spot lights with quarter bumpers, and the addition of a row of round air intake holes in between. The radiator grill does have paint chips in the black headlight surround but the owner has a a replacement grille, in better condition to install.
The chrome bumpers front and back are excellent. The off side rear light lens is cracked but again the owner has a new one waiting to be fitted.
Although the shell was good, it was stripped down and totally rebuilt so there are too many new parts to list (see the pictures for the receipts) and every service part or item that would perish with time has been changed.
Under the bonnet the engine has been fully serviced including a new timing belt, performance carburettor, exhaust manifold, starter motor and a new steering rack and even oil sump.
The brakes are all new, from the disks, pads, callipers and lines to the master cylinder, and new shocks fitted to the rebuilt suspension.
The battery has been relocated to the boot for better weight distribution and the overall set up is now very much fast road ready.
An original rust free shell and full fast road rebuild make this the perfect classic fast Ford. The colour is unique and looks incredible and the rebuild and modifications have been very tastefully done.
Having only just completed the rebuild, the car has driven just a few hundred miles so the buyer will be getting a virtually new car.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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1972 Ford Escort Mk1
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