Highlights
- Excellent condition
- Recent light recommissioning - running and ready to use
- Upgraded to 1600 crossflow engine
The Appeal
Produced in massive numbers between 1967 and 1975, the MK1 Escort covered all bases from the humble family runabout and light commercial vehicle, to worldwide rallying and motorsport superstar. This was thanks to the huge number of configurations and engines on offer, along with its lightweight, rear-wheel-drive design.
While plenty of UK-delivered MK1s still exist, many enthusiasts are now turning to South Africa as their source of MK1 Escorts, as they have survived far better in the dry, hot climate than they have in England’s damp weather.
This 1600 ‘Crossflow’ example is one such South African import, and it is ready for the next owner to simply jump in, turn the key and drive off into the sunset, having been recently ‘recommissioned’ by the vendor and fully registered in the UK.
History/Paperwork
- Original South African car
- Imported to the UK and registered in March 2022
- 0 former UK keepers
- Fully registered in the UK, all relevant taxes and duties paid
- Recently recommissioned by the current keeper
- Previously restored in South Africa
- 1600cc crossflow engine fitted, replacing original 1300
The Interior
- Refurbished prior to current ownership
- Excellent condition throughout
- New-old-stock dashboard switches fitted
- Modern audio upgrades
Inside, the seats were given a full refurbishment prior to the vendor purchasing the vehicle, and they present in excellent condition, with no sign of any rips, tears or damage to the covers.
Similarly, the carpets are in generally very good condition, as is the headlining, which shows no sagging or drooping, though there are a few rips/nicks to the material on the rear C-pillar trims, as seen in the photographs.
In the rear, the winders for both back windows are fully working, though they are not the correct OE items. Similarly, the original steering wheel has been replaced with an aftermarket wood-rimmed item.
The original, outdated audio system has been replaced with upgraded speakers and a modern Pioneer stereo fitted, allowing smartphone connectivity/charging whilst on the go.
In the boot, the spare wheel, spanner and roadside jack are present-and-correct
The vendor reports that all electrical systems, switches and gauges are working as they should be.
The Exterior
- Metallic paintwork in excellent condition
- Crisp, clear graphics
- SA Custom wheels
The good news continues unabated on the outside, with the paintwork looking to be only a few years old, likely having been applied during the aforementioned restoration in South Africa.
Whilst there are some light blemishes, marks and imperfections - as you’d expect for a classic car, even one that has been restored - there are no obvious signs of any impact damage, or known accident history for the vehicle.
Up front, the HELLA headlights evoke the Escort’s strong competition track record, and no doubt add some much-needed illumination at night to complement the original headlights.
The chrome bumpers are both in good order with some light patina visible, along with a more noticeable scuff/dulling patch visible on the lower half of the rear bumper, below the registration plate.
All four wheels are in excellent condition, with only some light ‘dulling’ visible on the polished lips. The vendor reports that all four tyres have good tread remaining.
The Mechanicals
- Upgraded to 1600 ‘Crossflow’ engine
- Gearbox oil recently changed
- Solid chassis, painted and protected
- Recently serviced
Subject to a recent round of works and fettling the 1.6-litre Crossflow engine at the heart of this MK1 Escort is reported to be in rude health, and we’re told that is drives “very nicely” for a vehicle of this age and mileage.
A programme of light recommissioning was undertaken by the current owner, with the following works carried out to ensure this Escort is ready to use and enjoy:
- Full mechanical check-over
- New battery
- Replacement (refurbished) distributor
- New distributor cap leads, plugs, points, condenser and rotor
- New clutch and clutch release bearing
- Fitment of the correct speedometer drive gear
- New suspension upper joints
- Gearbox oil change
- Engine oil and filter change
- Nearside front suspension compression unit replaced
- Headlights adjusted for UK roads, all lights checked
- Brake system service
- Wheel balancing and alignment check
Now, having gone through the above works, the vendor reports that the car is running, driving, turning and stopping as it should, meaning it is ready for the next owner to enjoy.
That said, there are no signs of any heavy leaks or obvious issues that we can see, and none that have been reported by the vendor.
Underneath, the chassis looks to be in good order, with only some light flaking paint to note, as far as we can see. The vendor reports that the car is solid throughout, no doubt helped by the dry South African climate that the car spent most of its lifetime enjoying.
In terms of issues, the vendor reports that the only known problem is that the return spring on the ignition barrel has broken, meaning the driver has to manually turn the key back once the car has started.
On account of its age, the car is exempt from mandatory MoT testing, and does not have a current MoT certificate.
Summary
With classic Fords enjoying a seemingly never-ending resurgence among enthusiasts, these South-African imported examples are proving popular, thanks to their decades spent in the sun keeping them in far better condition than many examples in the UK.
Previously restored to a high standard and given plenty of mechanical attention once registered here in the UK, this is a wonderful example of the 1600 ‘Crossflow’ MK1 Escort that appears to want for nothing other than a loving owner, to use and enjoy it as Ford intended.
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