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1970 Ford Escort MkI – Todays Tempter

Former Unique Cars Magazine restoration feature, nut-and-bolt build, 2.0lt Pinto motor

The Escort name first appeared in Ford Europe in the 50s, as a down-spec cut-price Squire van, which didn’t sell very well. But when the name returned in 1968, on the back of an affordable rear-drive sporty compact, it would birth an enduring lineage of celebrated racers and frequent best-sellers.

Technically speaking, the Escort was a pretty basic package with a live rear axle, leaf-sprung rear and a pushrod-four. However, rack-and-pinion steering and a decent power-to-weight ratio quickly earned it a reputation as a keen driver.

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The MkI was also a celebrated motorsports competitor, taking out the 1970 London-Mexico Rally, and various national and regional rally championships around the world.

Long-time readers may recognise this stunning Cosmic Blue example as one of our featured Reader Restorations a few years back.

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Built as a father/son project in suburban Melbourne, the journey began with a workable and solid MkI Escort shell, which enjoyed a complete nut-and-bolt teardown and rebuild.

Body and paint were handled by handled by Preston Panels in Melbourne, interior by Super Trim Coburg, with a retrofitted 2.0lt Pinto engine rebuilt by Duggans Balancing, and the three-speed auto transmission Transfixed Automatics.

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Various new-old-stock items were sourced to replaced tired and worn items, and the bright blue Eskie is a frequent Trophy-winner, including: including All Ford Day ‘Best Escort’ 2017 & 2018, Small Ford Day ‘Best Escort Mk I’ 2017 & 2018 and more.

Current owner Peter states that the roof is currently vinyl wrapped white however can be easily removed for the new owner should they prefer it. The car will be sold with two sets of wheels: the Globes and White Simmons FRs.

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The MkI Escort is based in Victoria, and is listed for $57,500.

Check out the full listing here!

 

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