Ford Escort Mk II - today's project tempter

By: Guy Allen, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 26.04.2017

Popular lightweight has potential

Part-restored Escort could be a fun project.

After some time in the shadows, MkII Escorts are very much back in favour among collectors, though more often buyers are after a two-door rather than the four-door shown here.

However the two cars are similar spec and the four-door does offer more flexibility as a daily driver while costing less to buy.

The MkIIs were assembled in Australia in Homebush (NSW) and were available as the two variants mentioned plus a two-door van. You could also get a wagon overseas.

A number of engines were fitted, including 1.3, 1.6 and 2.0lt fours. The latter was usually the Pinto, albeit in slightly lower tune than the UK version, and is the powerplant to have assuming the Cosworth version hasn't magically slipped under the bonnet.

There is a lot of upgrade knowledge out there for Pintos and you should have little trouble in turning one into a flyer.

This 1978 car is said to be free of rust and claims a rebuilt engine with a manual transmission. Its interior needs refurbishing and the shell clearly needs paint and trim.

Properly set up up, these things are a light, responsive and fun drive with a respectable turn of speed.

Exactly what comes with the NSW-based car is unclear, but at $5250 it looks to be worth a call.

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