11th Mar, 2023 13:00
March 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1970 Ford Escort Twin Cam Evocation
Powered by 2.0 16V red top
Registration - VTB 737H
Chassis No. - BB44JD05143
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 52,000
Ford only built 1,263 Twin Cam versions of the MKI Escort, of which just 24 are currently thought to be UK licensed. Their rarity has made them elusive and expensive – small wonder then that enthusiasts such as the vendor of this eye-catching evocation have taken matters into their own hands. ‘VTB 737H’ began life as a cooking 1100cc model, which has remained within the same family for the last 26 years, during which time it has undergone a considerable transformation. The original Ford ‘Kent’ engine has been supplanted by a Vauxhall 2.0-litre XE ‘Red Top’ unit, whose specification includes: twin Weber 45 DCOE carburettors, a DTA engine management system and a bespoke twin-box aluminium exhaust, and is understood to produce 187bhp. The powerplant drives through a Type 9 five-speed manual gearbox with quick-shift lever to a brand new limited slip differential and, ultimately, to freshly installed Minilite alloy wheels shod with equally new Yokohama tyres. The hitherto unmolested bodyshell has been uprated to works-style Type 49 specification, and steering is via a ‘quick’ rack and pinion set-up. The braking system includes vented, grooved discs and Wilwood 4-pot calipers up front, while the front suspension is to GP4 specification and a set of tramp bars are included in the lot to allow the next keeper to upgrade the rear end. As the accompanying images show, the interior is unfinished, but features Cobra bucket seats, drilled alloy pedals and a snap-off OMP steering wheel. The vendor presently classes the transmission, bodywork and Saluki Bronze paintwork as ‘excellent’, the Vauxhall powerplant as ‘good’, and the black upholstery as ‘average’.
Ford’s Twin Cam Escort was a clever blend of its new two-door saloon and the twin cam engine already proven in the Lotus Cortina, all suitably engineered for competition. The results were memorable and included victory in the 1968 British Touring Car Championship and multiple national and international rally wins. Production ran from 1967 to 1971.
In summary:
- An enticing Ford Escort Twin Cam evocation
- Powered by a 187bhp 2.0-litre Vauxhall ‘Red Top’ engine
- Features numerous brand new parts
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Estimated at £13,000 - £15,000Registration - VTB 737H
Chassis No. - BB44JD05143
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 52,000
Ford only built 1,263 Twin Cam versions of the MKI Escort, of which just 24 are currently thought to be UK licensed. Their rarity has made them elusive and expensive – small wonder then that enthusiasts such as the vendor of this eye-catching evocation have taken matters into their own hands. ‘VTB 737H’ began life as a cooking 1100cc model, which has remained within the same family for the last 26 years, during which time it has undergone a considerable transformation. The original Ford ‘Kent’ engine has been supplanted by a Vauxhall 2.0-litre XE ‘Red Top’ unit, whose specification includes: twin Weber 45 DCOE carburettors, a DTA engine management system and a bespoke twin-box aluminium exhaust, and is understood to produce 187bhp. The powerplant drives through a Type 9 five-speed manual gearbox with quick-shift lever to a brand new limited slip differential and, ultimately, to freshly installed Minilite alloy wheels shod with equally new Yokohama tyres. The hitherto unmolested bodyshell has been uprated to works-style Type 49 specification, and steering is via a ‘quick’ rack and pinion set-up. The braking system includes vented, grooved discs and Wilwood 4-pot calipers up front, while the front suspension is to GP4 specification and a set of tramp bars are included in the lot to allow the next keeper to upgrade the rear end. As the accompanying images show, the interior is unfinished, but features Cobra bucket seats, drilled alloy pedals and a snap-off OMP steering wheel. The vendor presently classes the transmission, bodywork and Saluki Bronze paintwork as ‘excellent’, the Vauxhall powerplant as ‘good’, and the black upholstery as ‘average’.
Ford’s Twin Cam Escort was a clever blend of its new two-door saloon and the twin cam engine already proven in the Lotus Cortina, all suitably engineered for competition. The results were memorable and included victory in the 1968 British Touring Car Championship and multiple national and international rally wins. Production ran from 1967 to 1971.
In summary:
- An enticing Ford Escort Twin Cam evocation
- Powered by a 187bhp 2.0-litre Vauxhall ‘Red Top’ engine
- Features numerous brand new parts
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: March 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 11th Mar, 2023
Our March auction of classic, modern classic and prestige cars and motorbikes will take place at Mavericks in Holywell, North Wales (half an hour’s drive from Chester). Mavericks, 8 Moyston Road Business Park, Llannerch-y-Môr, Holywell, CH8 9DQ
There will be free parking for auction attendees.
Entries are now being invited, and sellers will benefit from Hampson’s unique offering of zero sellers commission for physical auctions, meaning that vendors keep 100% of the hammer price achieved for their vehicles.
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Viewing Days:
Friday 10th March 2pm - 7pm
Saturday 11th March 9am - 1pm
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
