Description
Specifications
Year: 1969
Make: Ford
Model: Escort Mk1 BDA
Chassis number: GBATJB65730
Engine number: John Wilcox No. 0450
Engine specifications: 1699cc, in line 4, DOHC, carburetted by 2 sidedraught Weber 45 DCOE, 190PS@7500rpm (Wilcox dyno tested), dry sump.
Power to weight ratio: 21% (190 / 900)
Homologation: 1968 Mk1 Group 4
Color: red/ gold Alan Mann theme
Registration: Greek, FIA and HTP passport.
Featured: Classic Ford Magazine, cover and full article
Conversion: In 2000 a 1968 Ford Escort Mk1 1. 1lt was selected as basis to conduct the following upgrades:
Body
The rust-free body was sandblasted and converted to Group 4 specifications by Papadopoulos Racing in Athens, Greece. The front left panel was replaced and the bulkhead was converted to provide ample housing for placing the engine more posteriorly. The entire body was meticulously sprayed in the Alan Mann red/ gold scheme. A roll cage by Safety Devices and plastic side and rear windows were installed. The transmission tunnel was also fully restored to match the transmission specs.
Engine
A BDA engine was prepared by John Wilcox using a 711M cast iron block, BDA cast crankshaft, 83. 5mm Cosworth pistons and 2737E rods. The Wilcox-prepared cylinder head features BD3 inlet and exhaust camshafts as well as Cosworth single valve springs. Along with the Lucas AB14 electronic ignition, Lumenition distributor and 45 DCOE Webers performance nears 190bhp at 7500rpm with a 10. 44:1 compression ratio with a 9500rpm limit. Lubrication is achieved through a Mocal filter and an alloy 12lt oil tank placed in the trunk along with 2 red-top Facet electric fuel pumps feeding a Malpassi fuel filter. Overall, the engine has had less than 20 hours of operation time since it left Wilcox’ workshop.
Exhaust
The John Wilcox 4-2-1 racing manifold is matched to a Papadopoulos Racing-prepared side-exit stainless-steel header back exhaust system.
Drivetrain
A straight-cut 4sp gearbox by Tran-X (Type E, 270bhp-limited) with Gartrac Rose-jointed quickshift and Sachs paddle clutch transmits power via a Papadopoulos Racing Sierra-based propeller shaft to a 75% ZF LSD, housed into an Panhard rod stabilized Atlas axle.
Suspension
Fully adjustable Group 4 Bilstein coil-overs in the front and adjustable track control arms. Adjustable in the rear as well with Bilstein coil overs, four linked.
Steering
A quick ratio, 2. 4 turn steering gear is handled by a 40mm Granada steering wheel.
Brakes
Lockheed Princess 4 pot calipers with 248mm vented discs in the front and Fiesta MkI front calipers with discs in the rear. Hydraulic handbrake and bias pedal box were provided by Gartrac.
Wheels
A set of four plus spare 7x13 inch Minilites on Avon tyres.
Interior
The seats, seat belts and fire extinguisher were supplied by Sparco. The VDO gauges are connected by a hidden wiring loom to the race spec battery fitted in the rear right of the cabin. The center console features a period correct fusebox and fuel gauge.
