Registration – VAR 348S

Chassis No. – BBATTC23351

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – 57,000km

Featuring a host of period styling features, this example of Ford’s Escort MkII 1600 Sport is offered at no reserve. Powered by a straight-four 1.6-litre engine, driving a five-speed manual gearbox, this rear-wheel drive two-door saloon remains a sought-after model, especially with numbers dwindling from its best-seller heyday. Fitted out in left-hand drive, ‘VAR 348S’ has previously been imported from Europe, and is trimmed in black cloth upholstery and black plastic dashboard, including black four-spoke compact steering wheel.

Displaying an indicated 57,000 km on the odometer, the Escort is coming out of a private collection, and requires some work, though is described as in running condition by the vendor. They also rate the engine, transmission, and electrics highly, making them as ‘good’, while the bodywork, paint, and interior are considered ‘average’ - all as expected for a car only a few years off its half century.

· Offered at no reserve

· Imported LHD example

· Desirable 1600 Sport model

Ford replaced its popular but aging Anglia in 1967 with the Escort, but it didn’t suffer from following in the footsteps of such a successful car. If anything, it quickly made the market its own. Available as either two- or four-door saloon, three-door estate, or van, the Escort was also raced successfully, taking rally and touring car titles, thanks in part to Ford’s continued work with Lotus. The MkII arrived at the start of 1975, with a revised platform and styling, but otherwise familiar. The same front-engine, rear-wheel drive set-up, and newer engines – but remaining straight powerplants – this time with performance models’ units tweaked by Cosworth. Again, it went on to racing and rallying success, and good examples are prized to this day.