HIGHLIGHTS
- Escort Mk1 built to GP4 RS2 specification
- 2.0-litre Pinto engine producing 190 bhp
- Extensive Rally Specification
- MSA Rally log book to Nov 2030
THE APPEAL
The Ford Escort Mk1 is the sort of car that almost everyone has a personal connection to. If you, your parents or your grandparents didn’t own one back in the day, someone you new probably did.
First launched in 1967, the Ford Escort quickly became one of the UK’s most popular family cars. A key ingredient to its enduring popularity was its success on the international rally stage, with victories in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally and the 1972 RAC Rally (to name just a few!)
Since the model's glory days on the rally scene, the Mk1 has remained a popular choice for rally enthusiasts today. And this particular 1974 Ford Escort Mk1 was converted into a GP4 rally car, one that has a very impressive and extensive specification.
The Escort was acquired by the current owner in November 2020, who intended to take it on amateur rally stages and auto tests. The current owner acquired the car just before it was destined to ship to the Southern Hemisphere.
First launched in 1967, the Ford Escort quickly became one of the UK’s most popular family cars. A key ingredient to its enduring popularity was its success on the international rally stage, with victories in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally and the 1972 RAC Rally (to name just a few!)
Since the model's glory days on the rally scene, the Mk1 has remained a popular choice for rally enthusiasts today. And this particular 1974 Ford Escort Mk1 was converted into a GP4 rally car, one that has a very impressive and extensive specification.
The Escort was acquired by the current owner in November 2020, who intended to take it on amateur rally stages and auto tests. The current owner acquired the car just before it was destined to ship to the Southern Hemisphere.
He has owned the car since then and the invoices in the history file show that a considerable sum has been spent on further improvements to the car's mechanicals.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- V5C present and in owner's name
- Registered with the DVLA as an historic vehicle
- Invoice for gearbox and diff rebuild
- Motorsport UK Vehicle Passport - Stage Rally Category 1
- All improvements can be seen listed within the gallery below
- Included in the history file is the Escort’s Motorsport UK Vehicle Passport, with the car eligible for Stage Rally Category 1
- The Passport is valid until 02/11/2030
THE INTERIOR
- Corbeau Racing Seats
- 6 Point full harness
- Quick release OMP steering wheel boss
- Heated Front Windscreen
The interior of the Mk1 Escort has been extensively prepared for rallying and it certainly looks every bit the part. A pair of new Corbeau racing seats are installed and these are in a fixed position with alloy mounts.
A removable OMP steering wheel has also been fitted allowing quick removal and ease of access both in and out of the car. A Safety Devices 6-point bolt in cage is fitted to the car, with crossed door bars and a dashboard cross brace. A Strut brace has also been fitted between the rear turrets.
The Escort also benefits from a heated front windscreen, which makes it ideal for winter rally stages. And with winter rallying in mind, the current owner had a twin-speed electric cabin heater installed.
Other details includes a Bias brake pedal box with dash adjuster, Race Tech dashboard, Terratrip Rally Computer and Intercom, plus a fire extinguisher system which is reportedly in date.
THE EXTERIOR
- Period livery
- 'Bubble' arches to accommodate wider wheels
- 13" Minilite alloy wheels
Finished in Diamond White with blue decals and sitting on 13” Minilite alloys, this bubble arched Mk1 Escort looks the business.
The seller states that the car was repainted by a previous owner and not to the best standard. However, the less that perfect paint actually suits the car's character and its intentions. This Escort is no trailer queen and as a result, you won’t be worried about getting any stone chips as you fly along a gravel stage...
THE MECHANICS
- Freshly built 2.0-litre Pinto engine with twin 45 Weber carbs
- 4-speed straight cut Quaife Professional gearbox
- 4:6:1 ratio LSD
- Corsa Power Steering unit with weight adjustment
- MSD 6AL electronic ignition system with adjustable rev limiter
- Tony Law exhaust system
- GRP doors, bonnet and boot
- Bespoke lightweight rally wiring loom
- Brand new axle unit
- The strong shell is welded, turreted and gusseted
The build specification for this 1974 Escort is very impressive and the list of all of the parts fitted would take up a considerable part of this auction listing. Just reading through it is a motorsport enthusiast's dream.
The owner states that not long after taking it on a number of autotests, a layshaft failed in the gearbox and as a result, it required a rebuild. The Quaife professional Gearbox was rebuilt with stronger internals, at a cost of £2,466 in June 2021.
The seller adds that the cars diff ratio was 5:1 when he acquired the car. He decided to change the diff ratio to 4:6:1, which he says suits the Pinto engine much better. The LSD is fitted to a brand new fully floating 5 linked Atlas Axle. The 5:1 diff comes with the car, along with 4 axle stands.
Since its gearbox and diff rebuild, the Escort has had very little use.
SUMMARY
Ford never created a GP4 Escort Mk1 rally car and we can see why the creator of this particular build decided to make their own. It would be quite a challenge to start from scratch and build your own evocation.
The beauty with this example is that all the hard work is done and now all it needs is a new owner to put it through its paces on some historic rally stages. Plus this 1974 Ford Escort Mk1 rally car is road-legal, which means you can pop down the shops for some essentials. Now there’s a thought!
The beauty with this example is that all the hard work is done and now all it needs is a new owner to put it through its paces on some historic rally stages. Plus this 1974 Ford Escort Mk1 rally car is road-legal, which means you can pop down the shops for some essentials. Now there’s a thought!
BEFORE YOU BUY
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