It seems as if the roads of the UK were once filled with Mk4 Escorts. You could barely move without falling over them. Then one day, probably due to 2009’s government scrappage scheme, they all just disappeared. What was once a mainstay of our lives is now a genuinely rare and collectible modern classic. Especially in basic ‘L’ trim such as this model (ignore the ‘Ghia’ badge on the back which some wag has stuck on).
Presented here in very fine order, we’re delighted to offer this charming and astonishingly well-preserved original, unmodified car for auction. As the base model, with manual windows and mirrors, a perky little 1.3-litre engine and a manual transmission, it’s about as simple and joyous as motoring gets. Ideal for collectors or anyone wanting to make an impact at this year’s classic car shows, we think this lovely little hatchback is an absolute gem.
The History and Paperwork
First registered in June 1988
Used sparingly by its first owner, an elderly gent who only used it locally
Only four owners from new
Purchased by the vendor about 18 months ago and recommissioned after being in dry storage since about 2009
Just 41,655 miles on the clock – verified by the MOT record
The MOT record indicates the car was SORN from 2009 to 2022
Current MOT to March 2024
Comprehensive history file which includes MOT certificates back to the first MOT in 1991
Some invoices for maintenance and servicing
Complete with the owner’s handbooks
Presented in very original condition with no modifications
Smart black paintwork looks to be in fine fettle overall, with a nice gloss and no marked damage or obvious blemishes other than some stone chips to the bonnet edge
Factory option rear wash/wipe
A previous owner appears to have installed a ‘Ghia’ badge, but this would be easy to remove, should the new owner so wish
All of the bodywork looks to be in nice condition, we didn’t see any corrosion or damage
The car rides on original 13-inch steel wheels, finished with period plastic wheel covers
We’re told by the vendor that a new set of tyres will be fitted prior to sale
Ford branded rubber mud flaps at the front
Underneath, the floors and sills look nice and straight, with no glaring corrosion we could identify
Manual choke (If you’re under 30 – ask your folks)
Service in March 2023 (at 41,650 miles), including: oil, filter, spark plugs, new radiator and coolant, brakes all round, new brake hoses and new brake master cylinder
The engine bay looks neat and tidy, with some light surface corrosion to some components
We’re told by the vendor that the car starts and runs very well, with no issues reported
This adorable and nostalgic survivor would be ideal for anyone looking for a modern classic, or their first classic. Simple to work on, presented in fine condition with low mileage and genuinely rare, we think this has fantastic potential.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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.
More about buying with us
1988 Ford Escort 1.3 L 5-door (Mk4)
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
