***Vendor supplied images***
Highlights
- Comprehensively restored from the ground up
- Retains matching numbers, and plenty of original components
- Offered in excellent condition for its age
- Owned by the same family since new
- Taxes + Duties Paid
The Appeal
The Ford Escort holds a legendary reputation across the globe and is particularly well regarded amongst classic car enthusiasts and collectors. The Escort was of course, incredibly successful, offering a vast array of variants and models in markets around the world.
The 1600 Sport was designated for the South African market, utilizing British-made Mk2 shells and the trusty 1.6L powerplant. The variant not only proved popular in its intended market but has quickly gained notoriety as an ideal import for the Irish market, thanks to South Africa’s drier, typically less corrosive environment.
The 1600 Sport was designated for the South African market, utilizing British-made Mk2 shells and the trusty 1.6L powerplant. The variant not only proved popular in its intended market but has quickly gained notoriety as an ideal import for the Irish market, thanks to South Africa’s drier, typically less corrosive environment.
The example offered today is a fantastic showcase of the model, greatly benefitting from an extensive ground-up restoration in 2020. As originality was a key focus for the current keeper, the process involved pinning and filling the original shell, retaining key original components wherever possible.
This gorgeous Ford Escort 1600 Sport now presents a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors on the search for a low-mileage, restored example of a 70s legend.
This gorgeous Ford Escort 1600 Sport now presents a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors on the search for a low-mileage, restored example of a 70s legend.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally designated for the South African market
- Comprehensively restored in 2020, in its home country
- Retains plenty of original components, with matching numbers to suit
- NOVA certified with VAT paid Irish registered V5C document will be present
- Irish registered V5C document will be present
This beautiful Ford Escort has spent the vast majority of its life in South Africa, enjoying the drier climate of the northern Highland district. The vendor informs us that throughout its time on the roads, the vehicle has remained with the same family, who have owned the vehicle since new, to now. Although the drier climate spared the vehicle from notable corrosion, the current keeper decided a thorough restoration was in order, and set to work on the then slightly tired Escort in 2020.
No stone was left unturned throughout the restoration process, and key attention was paid to ensure the final result was as spectacular as possible. As such, this gorgeous Ford Escort received a vast array of replacement mechanical components, including a new differential, new shocks and springs, a new carburettor, a full new exhaust system, new gearbox & engine mountings, new brakes, new fuel lines, and plenty more. The vehicle also received a thorough engine rebuild, along with a fresh coat of Ford red, and a set of tasteful 5-spoke alloys.
Following its extensive restoration, the vehicle was imported to the United Kingdom in 2022, where it has since covered exceptionally few miles, residing in a dry garage. The current keeper informs us that the vehicle comes ready with NOVA certification and VAT paid, and is ready to be signed over to the lucky new keeper.
Following its extensive restoration, the vehicle was imported to the United Kingdom in 2022, where it has since covered exceptionally few miles, residing in a dry garage. The current keeper informs us that the vehicle comes ready with NOVA certification and VAT paid, and is ready to be signed over to the lucky new keeper.
The Interior
- Showcases plenty of original components, including the seats, and door cards
- Features new carpets, underfelt, headlining, and a re-covered dashboard
- Includes a rather rare, complete new set of Beta cloth, should the new owner wish to recover the original seats
- Offered in excellent condition respective of the vehicle’s age
Whilst the mechanical components rightfully received a great deal of replacement, and refreshed parts, the interior remains rather original. The only exceptions to this, are the dashboard, carpets, underfelt, and headlining, which had simply perished due to their age. Otherwise, the cabin retains its factory-specified kit, including the original cloth seats.
Despite their age, both front seats present themselves very well, with arguably only the slightest signs of wear beginning to show. There is also a very small stain to note on the driver’s seat base, although the current keeper believes this could be alleviated with a good dash of TLC. Having seen significantly less use, the rear sears also offer well-preserved finishes, with the slight exception of minor holes and markings. Should a perfect finish be desired however, the current keeper has managed to obtain a rare and costly set of replacement Beta cloth, perfect for recovering the original seats.
The original door cards also present themselves in a tidy manner for their age, as does the steering wheel, and gauge cluster. All included interior controls are believed to be in full working order, and seemingly present tidy contact points, with only light age-related marks.
The original door cards also present themselves in a tidy manner for their age, as does the steering wheel, and gauge cluster. All included interior controls are believed to be in full working order, and seemingly present tidy contact points, with only light age-related marks.
Overall, the interior offers an excellent balance of original equipment and high-quality replacement parts. The minor signs of age and wear present are seemingly a welcome trade for a great deal of originality, and could likely be improved without a great deal of cost or time.
The Exterior
- Restored from the ground up in 2020, and refinished in Ford red
- Equipped with 13” alloy wheels, and subtly lowered to suit
- Features new tail light lenses, and new rubber seals all around
- Offered in excellent condition, with only minor signs of age to note, mostly on original components
Contrary to a great deal of Irish market examples, this Ford Escort is believed to have avoided notable corrosion as a result of the dry South African climate. As such, the restoration process is said to have involved no welding and was simply more of a ground-up refresh for dated original paintwork. Speaking of, this Escort now sports a coat of Ford red, which offers an excellent finish with plenty of shine, and seemingly only incredibly minute blemishes.
Although the paintwork is of course new, the current keeper ensured that the original glass, fog lamps, handles, and accompanying trim remained as original as possible. The only exceptions to this, are a set of new tail light lenses, new rubber seals, new trim clips, and new decals.
This eye-catching Ford sits on a set of 13” 5-spoke alloy wheels, which offer period-correct styling cues, and suit the subtle suspension drop brilliantly. The wheels are presented in fair condition, although light curb rash and surface ageing is noticeable upon closer inspection.
All in all, this Ford Escort remains a very attractive vehicle, showcasing plenty of attention from its comprehensive restoration work, and subtle modification. There are of course light signs of age to note around the vehicle, yet the majority of this should be considered a rather worthy trade for certain original components.
The Mechanics
- 1.6L four-cylinder rebuilt less than 1000km ago
- 4-speed manual
- Retains standard ignition
- Fitted with a huge array of new components, such as:
- New differential & balanced propshaft
- New brakes & lines
- A new wiring loom & relays
- Runs & drives brilliantly, with no known issues to report
The 1600 Sport continually proves to be a rather popular model, offering plenty of characterful performance from the 1.6L powerplant, and four-speed manual gearbox. This particular example deserves yet further praise for its extensive mechanical overhaul and excellent mechanical health.
As previously mentioned, the original engine was rebuilt as part of the restoration process, receiving new rings, valves, bearings, and a new carburettor. Since the engine rebuild and restoration, the car is believed to have covered less than 1000 kilometres, ensuring plenty of motoring fun for the next lucky owner.
In addition to the engine rebuild, the vehicle also received the following; new brake calipers, new brake pipes, new fuel pipes, new wheel bearings, new universal joints, a new wiring loom, new relays, new bonnet & boot pull cables, a new shifter bush and a new water pump. The current keeper also had the radiator re-cored, propshaft balanced, and the fuel tank refurbished.
As the subtle stance suggests, the vehicle is also lowered slightly to suit the 13” alloy wheels. Although it certainly allows the wheels to fill the arches rather well, the current keeper informs us that should the new owner wish to revert the vehicle to its standard ride height, this is quite a simple procedure.
As previously mentioned, the original engine was rebuilt as part of the restoration process, receiving new rings, valves, bearings, and a new carburettor. Since the engine rebuild and restoration, the car is believed to have covered less than 1000 kilometres, ensuring plenty of motoring fun for the next lucky owner.
In addition to the engine rebuild, the vehicle also received the following; new brake calipers, new brake pipes, new fuel pipes, new wheel bearings, new universal joints, a new wiring loom, new relays, new bonnet & boot pull cables, a new shifter bush and a new water pump. The current keeper also had the radiator re-cored, propshaft balanced, and the fuel tank refurbished.
As the subtle stance suggests, the vehicle is also lowered slightly to suit the 13” alloy wheels. Although it certainly allows the wheels to fill the arches rather well, the current keeper informs us that should the new owner wish to revert the vehicle to its standard ride height, this is quite a simple procedure.
With no known issues to note, and an incredible array of replacement and refurbished parts, this Ford Escort 1600 Sport is more than ready to be enjoyed out on the open road once again.
Summary
Presented today is an excellent opportunity to secure a thoroughly restored South African import Ford Escort 1600 Sport Mk2. The vehicle has received an incredible array of replacement components, key mechanical work, and plenty of attention to detail throughout its restoration, whilst still retaining plenty of originality along the way.
This classy Escort will no doubt fill the lucky new owner with pride and deserves to be considered by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Notice to bidders
This classy Escort will no doubt fill the lucky new owner with pride and deserves to be considered by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
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.*
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