1979 Ford Escort

Registration: HWK703V

Chassis:

BBATWT862160 Odometer: 15

Transmission:

Manual MOT: Exempt

Fully overhauled and modified

Massive specification

Fitted with 2.0 litre Duratec engine from the Focus ST170

RX8 6-speed gearbox

Power steering conversion

Aluminium wheel arch extensions

We are delighted to offer this Ford Escort Mk2 in Frozen White with black cloth interior. Originally registered in September 1979, it started out in life as a red 1.3-litre. Our vendor purchased it in 2010 and set about a full overhaul and rally preparation conversion using mainly brand new parts. It was completed in 2023 and has been correctly registered as 2.0 litre with historic status. The fun for our vendor is in the project and now that it’s finished he’s ready to move on to the next one. He has very kindly provided the following summary of the work done:-

“Group 4 Rally prepared bodyshell finished in Ford Frozen White. Fully strengthened and seam welded, addition of wide Aluminium arches, floor pan skid plates and turreted with Safety devices roll cage including harness bar.

Chassis mounted Ford ST170 engine (correct to V5) converted to RWD application using Retroford sump and ancillaries. Protected with 10mm alloy sump guard and mated to a Mazda RX8 6-speed gearbox running Omex 710 engine management and throttle bodies.

Custom made single piece prop shaft connects to a 6 linked fully rebuilt wide Atlas axle running a ZF 4.6 LSD and watts linkage.

Bilstein coil overs all round. Turreted rears. Converted 2.8 capri front suspension legs running alloy hubs and rose jointed in situ adjustable track control arms and compression struts connected to a 2.4 motorsport quick rack with Vauxhall Corsa electric power steering assist. Front strut brace.

Bias adjustable pedal box complete with hydraulic clutch and PTFE stainless flexible hoses throughout. Rear disc brake conversion and M16 front callipers and vented discs.

Revolution 7x15 group 4 wheels running Toyo Proxy tyres.

Large alloy boot mounted fuel tank, fuel pump and filters. Fuel lines in stainless braided PTFE hose routed inside car.

Brand new ST motorsport custom made chassis harness, switch and instrument panel using Racetech gauges. Harness prewired for spots, intercom and heated screen option. Dry Cell battery mounted inside car with electric battery isolator.

In date (2028) bucket seats. Full harness seatbelts and Co drivers aluminium foot rest.”

We think you’ll agree that our vendor has done a lovely, neat job with the conversion. Sometimes these heavily modified examples can feel a little bit fragile or half-finished but that is not this one. Everything comes over as solid and well thought out, like our vendor has taken his time to do the best job possible. It looks fabulous with its wide arches and gold Minilite-style wheels. It could be left as is but also represents a blank canvas for a rally-style livery of your choice - Rothmans, anyone? The underside is also super-clean as you can see from our photos.

The Escort comes with V5C, a pen drive of photos and instructions for the loom, power steering ECU, chassis harness connections and instrument panel. There are also parts invoices totalling just shy of £10,000.

With very little weight, that lusty ST170 engine and rear wheel drive, there can be no doubt that this little Ford will be a bundle of fun to drive. It can be enjoyed as a weekend toy or show car that would be enthusiastically welcomed at any meet, however, there is also scope for further modification or additions to create your own fast road / track weapon or even a stage rally car.