23rd Nov, 2025 12:00
The Big End of Year Auction at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire
1970 Ford Escort Mk1 Twin-Cam
One of the last factory round-headlight Twin-Cams, fully restored and freshly re-prepared for historic motorsport
Registration – OKX 308H
Chassis No. – BB49KL09816
M.O.T. – November 2025
Odometer – 400
The vendor informs us that this example represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the final 380 factory-built Twin-Cams fitted with round headlights. Completed in January 1970 and first registered on 23rd February that year, the car was converted for motorsport use during the 1970s, before disappearing from competition around 1980. Documented ownership records are present from 1976 onward. Acquired by a long-term owner in 1997, it subsequently underwent an extended, sympathetic nut-and-bolt restoration to near-factory specification, before being further developed for Historic Motorsport in 2010 as a Group 2 recreation of the unarched Clarke & Simpson-built Twin-Cam of circa 1970.
Motorsport UK issued both HRVIF and CCLB documentation in 2010. The car competed successfully on single-venue tarmac stage rallies until 2020, when both car and driver retired. It has remained dry-stored since, though kept road-legal and M.O.T.’d. The vendor also notes the recent fitment of brand new Cobra Suzuka seats, new belts and a new Lifeline plumbed extinguisher system, along with fresh Historic Technical Papers ready for competition eligibility.
Presented today in purposeful rally specification, the chassis retains its original BB49KL stamping on the offside strut top strengthening plate. Mechanical specification includes an all-steel 1599cc Lotus Twin-Cam engine built by Rapier Services, producing approximately 145bhp at 6200rpm, paired with a lightened steel flywheel, competition clutch and 2000E close-ratio three-rail gearbox with one-piece balanced propshaft. The strengthened English axle carries a 4.4 plated LSD. Suspension, steering and braking upgrades include wedged Bilstein front struts with uprated inserts and -2° lowered springs, AP Racing four-pot ‘forest’ calipers with vented discs, bias pedal box, CD6 116lb multi-leaf rear springs (de-cambered to -2°), anti-tramp bars, inboard short turrets with Spax adjustable dampers, and period Magard sump guard. Interior equipment includes a Twin-Cam six-dial dashboard, Springalex-style wheel, short steering column with 2.4 quick rack, full Safety Devices bolt-in cage with diagonal and removable door bars, and competition seating and safety systems (new for 2024).
The model itself remains one of the most iconic homologation cars of its era, blending the simplicity of the Escort shell with Lotus twin-cam power. Revered for its rally pedigree and motorsport adaptability, the Twin-Cam continues to be a mainstay of historic competition, celebrated for its balance, responsiveness and period charm.
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Rare January 1970 factory round-headlight example with documented history from 1976
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Extensively rebuilt and prepared to Group 2 historic rally specification with fresh seats, belts, extinguisher and current Motorsport UK papers
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Offered in exceptional, rally-ready condition; eligible for Historic Vehicle Passport class H2 (subject to compliance)
'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 £600 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 12.5% + VAT (minimum £250 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
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Auction: The Big End of Year Auction at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire, 23rd Nov, 2025
Supercars • Performance Icons • Classic Legends
Viewing Days:
Saturday 22nd November,12 noon - 5pm
Sunday 23rd November, 9am - 12 noon
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