1970 Ford Escort Mk1 Twin-Cam - ex-Works Hannu Mikkola

The Mk1 Ford Escort was introduced to the UK and Irish markets at the close of 1967, with its official launch taking place at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1968. Replacing the long-serving Anglia, the Escort featured reworked front suspension, a redesigned steering setup, dual hydraulic braking circuits and wider rims, especially on Genk-built models.

Production shifted in early 1970 to Ford’s newly established plant in Saarlouis, West Germany. From the outset, the Escort was a hit both with everyday motorists and on the motorsport stage, where it quickly made its mark in rallying.

To capitalise on its success, Ford developed the high performance Escort Twin-Cam, specifically built for 'Group 2' International Rally competition. Under the bonnet was a Lotus-engineered, eight-valve Twin-Cam head mated to Ford's own 116E block, bored out slightly to 1,558cc. This potent combination formed the heart of a car that would go on to become one of rallying’s most successful and enduring icons.

GNO 415H is an original Ford Works rally car, with documented use by some of the sport's most legendary figures. In October 1970, it was driven in competition by the great Hannu Mikkola at the Rally of Cyprus. It was also piloted (though not competitively) by British rally hero Roger Clark and it features in the second edition of Graham Robson’s respected book, The Works Escorts.

First registered in February 1970, the car was officially sold as an ex-Works vehicle on 30th June 1972 and retains its original registration number to this day, recorded both in the period ‘buff’ logbook and again in the current V5C. Its authenticity and provenance were thoroughly verified by the AVO Club during an inspection and valuation in 2011.

Further underlining its historical importance, the car has appeared in multiple magazines and Works Escort publications. It has spent much of its more recent life in careful storage as part of a private Collection. Offered in rally-ready condition, this represents a rare and compelling opportunity to own a true piece of motorsport history, with direct links to the golden era of Ford rallying.