Ford Escort Mk1 1600GT, 1968
Ford Escort I
Ford Escort I•
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Chassis No.: BB48HD29411
Engine No.: HD29411
- Variant: MK1 1600GT
- Transmission: Manual
- Body Colour: Blue Mink
A fascinating and truly rare Mk1 Escort 1600GT with a Works-associated 'AOO' registration at Concours-level restored condition. AOO 771G is an intriguing and very special Mk1 Escort; an 'OO' registration is common with Ford-owned and/or Works cars that came out of the Aveley factory at the time. Offered for sale previously by us in 2015, in an unrestored/original condition, coming from a very significant Ford Collection curated by a prominent Ford expert. We were informed it was a three-owner car, that its original owner had it for 45 years, being well preserved (due to Waxoyl), showing 62,000 miles and had been in long-term storage.
Our vendor now, understands ‘AOO 771G’ to be one of only a few factory 1600GT examples, whilst also being possibly unique as a likely ex-Works prototype RS1600 (due to its period upgrades) that was possibly enhanced and tested at the Ford Aveley works.
First registered in 1968 with correct Type 48 shell identification, previous research suggests the car had the following specification: early type compression front strut suspension with no anti-roll bar, locking push button bonnet release in the grille, door lock in handle on drivers side, window washers fitted to bonnet, protruding petrol tank filler, diamond crest pattern on headlining, GT seats, 6-pod instrument binnacle (including a 140mph speedometer and 7,000rpm rev counter), and early GT badging; it would originally have sat on 12'' wheels but was upgraded to 13'' 5.5J Lotus steel wheels (the spare wheel carrier in the boot is only designed for a 12'' wheel) The period engine upgrades identified include a 28/36 single Webber carburettor sat on a 'CT' (Conversion and Tuning) inlet manifold opposite a four-branch exhaust.
A Stage 3 1,600cc Xflow with modified pistons, head, cam, and a lightened/balanced flywheel; radiator is Twin Cam spec with larger header, cable clutch modification, 9'' rear brakes, de-cambered rear springs with strengthened SPAX shocks, whilst it was still sitting on its original G800 tyres. Modifications such as these were not generally seen until the release of the later Type 49 body-shell cars. Whilst maintaining all these fascinating enhancements, the car has recently been subject to the most exacting and complete restoration done by Ford-maestro Tony Collins of Classic & Custom of Kent, who co-owns this car with his friend, to a Concours level, costing more than £60,000.
It now presents of outstanding better-than-new condition. Any Ford aficionado will confirm that a genuine GT Escort is now rarer to find than a Mexico, Twin Cam, Mexico or RS - let alone one with an such an enthralling Ford history.
https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/1968-ford-escort-mk1-1600gt-rec16640-1-nec-0326?pn=0&el=36205&pp=0
