1980 Ford Escort MkII – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 30.03.2020

Very low-K Escort MkII Ghia with exterior restoration: enthusiast-owned

In Britain, the MkII Escort’s beloved and sporty 2.0lt engine was reserved for the expensive sloped-nosed RS2000; but luckily for Australian buyers, the 70kW ‘Pinto’ engine was available across the range from 1977 due to new emission control measures.

This meant that even the base-model GL and delivery vans could spin the needle up to 160km/h, thanks to the overhead-cam 2.0lt.

Visually, the MkII’s lines were smoothed over with a European style that many buyers preferred over the burgeoning offerings from Japan. The cabin too was functional, but perhaps a bit spartan in lower-spec models compared to the Japanese cars of the time. The top-spec Ghia however could match the Japanese car’s generous features list, gaining plush carpet, a cassette player and a digital clock.

Over decades since, countless owners have discovered the sporting and dynamic prowess of the chassis; testaments shown by how many of them are still competing against far more modern machinery.

 This 1980 Escort Ghia comes to market from the hands of a passionate and true Escort enthusiast.

The car has been treated to a full exterior respray with all rust removed, and a new vinyl roof. It bears its numbers-correct and original driveline with a genuine 61,941kms on the odometer.

The seller points out that the engine is untouched and original; it’s never been opened and only carefully serviced over the car’s 40 years of life.

Overall, it’s an extremely well-presented example of a high-spec MkII Escort Ghia. The seller claims they are only letting this "great little car" go as they are nearing completion of another Escort MkI Van project.

They would like this one to go to a good home, and they state that the price is negotiable to a serious buyer.

The little ‘Eskie’ is based in South Australia, and is listed for $28,500.

Check out the full listing here!

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