Registration - D361 CPL

Chassis No. - GKALHE78340

M.O.T. - May 2023

Odometer - TBC

‘D361 CPL’ was first registered in November 1987. It’s finished in a suitably summery shade of red that’s matched to a black/grey check half-leather interior and rides on period-correct five-spoke alloy wheels. The vendor informs us that the suspension and braking systems have been recently refurbished, and that a new alternator and new ignition module were fitted this month. The vendor also reports that the black hood is less than four years old, and devoid of rips, tears or general wear. Evidently the front tyres have also been recently replaced, while the rears ‘have plenty of life left in them’. He says the Ford ‘starts, stops and drives reliably and is rot free’. In summary he presently regards the 1600cc CVH engine, five-speed manual gearbox and convertible bodywork as ‘excellent’, the paintwork as ‘good’ and the interior as ‘average to good’, though notes that it’s only really let down by wear and tear to the driver’s outer seat bolster. The Escort is now offered complete with a selection of invoices and a current MOT valid to May 2 next year.

The MKIII Escort launched in 1983 was a very different proposition from its predecessors. The most radical departure was the switch from rear to front wheel drive. However, everything else was new too – power came from a fresh range of CVH engines, and independent rear suspension replaced the previous semi-elliptic layout. From the outset a ‘hot hatch version was created to target the Golf GTi – the XR3 was born. Two years later fuel injection turned the model into the XR3i and a cabriolet version was introduced for the first time. Made by Karmann, it was Ford’s first drop-top car since the Corsair of the ‘60s and was initially available in Ghia or XR3i guise. The MKIV Escort of 1986 was more gentle evolution than revolution.

In summary:

• Recently benefited from refurbishment of the suspension and brakes
• Good tyres all-round – new on the front
• Hood less than four years’ old