Registration - CL 34420

Odometer - 80,000

In the second half of the 1970s, Halewood-built Escort Mk2s were exported to South Africa, where they were assembled at the plant in Silverton. The beauty of the dry South African climate and salt-free roads is that car bodies and undersides are far less likely to suffer from rust or rot, making vehicles imported from there highly desirable. The added bonus for a UK owner is that they are usually right hand drive, as is the case here.

This 1979 Escort Mk2 has recently come over from South Africa – so recently that it has yet to have a UK registration, though the vendor believes it will be a V-reg. All taxes have been paid. It has the 1.6-litre Kent engine as used in the Cortina GT and is the GL variant, which boasted a twin-choke Weber carburettor and produced 70bhp, allowing a 0-100kph time of 13.4 seconds. Car magazine South Africa reports that ‘following extensive testing before (the Escort’s) release in South Africa, local concerns of rough roads and heat were addressed. The engine’s cooling capacity was increased and the suspension beefed up using MacPherson struts and four-blade leaf springs. Unassisted rack-and-pinion steering plus brake discs up front and drums at the rear completed the setup’.

This particular car is also fitted with a larger transmission tunnel, suitable for GETRAG and ZF gearboxes. The vendor tells us that it is in excellent condition throughout. It’s the four-door model, so ideal for anyone looking for a practical, comfortable classic that can accommodate the family, and great fun to take to the many classic events of all sizes which are opening up again now. With great bodywork and a claimed mileage of 55,500, this would be a solid investment that will give the new owner a lot of pleasure for many years to come.

In summary:

• Recent South African import – rust-free bodywork
• Big transmission tunnel so suitable for GETRAG/ZF box
• Ideal family classic