Description
Description
1978 Ford Escort Mk2 Van – XUX 7165
mileage is unverified / unknown | Fresh 1600 Pinto | Historic Registered | V5 Present
Just imported from South Africa, this rust-free 1978 Ford Escort Mk2 Van is an excellent base for a classic van build — or enjoy it just as it is.
South African imports are highly sought after due to their dry climate history, and this example presents a solid, honest foundation.
Specification & Highlights:
Freshly installed 1600 Pinto engine
Fully running and driving
Front disc brakes / rear drums
Sport seats fitted
Alloy rims (colour coded to body)
V5 present
No UK owners yet
Registered as Historic
Underside rust-free (not concours, but no repairs or welding required)
Paintwork decent but not perfect
Please Note:
This vehicle is being sold as a Part Project. It drives well but would benefit from further upgrades to bring it to its full potential.
Sold as seen.
A Bit of History – Early Ford Escort Vans
The Escort van lineage began with the Ford Escort Mk1 and continued with the much-loved Ford Escort Mk2.
Built primarily as light commercial vehicles, these vans became icons of 1970s Britain — used by tradesmen during the week and modified into street machines at the weekend.
The Mk2 van shared much of its DNA with the passenger Escort:
Rear-wheel drive layout
Simple mechanicals
Lightweight shell
Huge aftermarket support
Because of that, they became hugely popular for:
Pinto engine swaps
RS-style builds
Wide-arch customs
Period-correct street vans
Today, genuine solid examples are getting harder to find — especially rust-free shells. South African imports are particularly desirable for that reason.
Why This One Makes Sense
This isn't a rotten restoration case.
It's a solid, running, driving base with the hard work already started — fresh engine, discs up front, historic status sorted.
Whether you:
Build a subtle retro daily
Go full 70s custom van
Create an RS-style replica
Or just enjoy it as a usable classic
This is a genuinely strong starting point.
