1969 Ford Escort MK 1 RS 1600 Recreation

The Ford Escort Mk I was introduced in 1967 and was a commercial success in many parts of Western Europe. However, in the UK it was the best-selling car during the 1960s. In June 1974, less than six years after the car's UK introduction, Ford announced the completion of the two millionth Ford Escort, a milestone unmatched by any Ford model outside the USA. The Escort used a brand new unitary construction body shell and came with a choice of 1098cc or 1298cc four cylinder, overhead valve engines. It also featured contemporary styling cues in tune with its time: a subtle Detroit-inspired "Coke bottle" waistline and the "dogbone" shaped front grille arguably the car's most famous stylistic feature. The Escorts became very successful as a rally car and they eventually went on to become one of the most successful rally cars of all time. The Ford works team was practically unbeatable in the late 1960s / early 1970s and, arguably, the Escort's greatest victory was in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally being driven by Finnish legend Hannu Mikkola.

This 1969 Escort RS 1600 Replica was built between 2008 and 2010 by a well-known 1970s ex Escort racing driver and his son. A solid donor shell was sourced and fully stripped for the build; the shell was subsequently given to Brewster Motor Company in Galley Wood, where it was fitted with new sills, new floor pan sections, and then repainted in a beautiful high gloss black, photos of which are included in the substantial history. Importantly we are informed that this Escort is registered as a historic vehicle with the DVLA.

A new BDA engine was professionally built by Guy Turner at Burton power, the cylinder head was given to CTM Performance who bought the cylinder head up to spec and also breathed some new life into it. Modified to fast road spec, it was ported, flowed, compression has been raised, and new valves and guides fitted along with BD3 cams. After being overhauled it was then refitted to the 1750cc bottom end, we are informed by the vendor that the engine was then dyno tested producing 140bhp and 126lb ft. torque.

To ensure that the 140 bhp BDA was kept in check, the brakes and suspension were uprated accordingly with the fitting of five leaf rear springs, two inch lowering blocks, and Spax adjustable dampers. The front original Bilsteins were sent to GAZ where they were rebuilt to 'as new' and fitted with GAZ tarmac springs and the front anti roll bar was also uprated. The 7 x 13'' Superlites which are fitted with 235/50/13 BF Goodrich tyres do a superb job of filling the arches and the lowering the car to the optimum ride height. As with the suspension, the brakes are simple 'old school' but very effective. The rears are 9'' drums whilst the fronts are P16 callipers with vented discs and Mintex pads, Gartrac biased pedal box and master cylinders all work together perfectly and are beautifully balanced. To complete the set up a Burton performance exhaust system has been fitted and adds a glorious note to the running of the car

Aldridge Trimming were tasked with bringing the interior back to life and the deletion of the rear seats certainly gives the car a unique appearance. The finished item can only be described as stunning, with huge retro appeal, including a lowered ratio 4:4 diff, combined with the sheer lightness of the car, the vendor informs us that the performance is electrifying. Escort Mk1s don't come along like this very often, the attention to detail is staggering and it's rather quick too!