Chassis No.: BB49KM02274

Engine No.: tba

Registration: GGW 274J

Sold £53,204 | Sold

The Mk. I Ford Escort was introduced in Ireland and the UK at the end of 1967, making its show debut at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1968. It replaced the successful, long-running Ford Anglia. The front suspension and steering gear were differently configured and the brakes were fitted with dual hydraulic circuits; also the wheels fitted on the Genk-built Escorts had wider rims. At the beginning of 1970, continental European production transferred to a new plant on the edge of Saarlouis, West Germany. They were hailed as an immediate success both domestically on the roads and for motor sport, particularly rallying.

A higher performance version for rallies and racing was available, the Escort Twin Cam, which was built for Group 2 international rallying. It had an engine with a Lotus-made eight-valve twin camshaft head fitted to the 1.5 litre non-crossflow block, which had a bigger bore than usual to give a capacity of 1,558cc. This engine had originally been developed for the Lotus Elan. The Mk. I Escorts were incredibly successful and they eventually went on to become one of the most successful rally cars of all time. This superb example presented in yellow with a black interior was re-shelled about 20 years ago by the previous owner who owned the car for some 18 years.

It is believed to have been rallied in Scotland in period although this is not verified. Known by the AVO Club, it was re-shelled to Type 49 specification due to its rally history. The rear axle was rebuilt with a limited slip differential installed, its lovely Lotus Twin Cam engine has a big valve head and runs well. The car sits on a new set of Minilite wheels and tyres with fog lamps attached to a Works style bracket at the front to complete the aesthetically pleasing look of this fantastic Escort Twin Cam. This car is ready to be used as it was built and with its head turning looks and nostalgic engine note, it will prove to be terrific fun on the road.

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=5577&au=42