Old fast Fords are cool. And given how the future looks, it seems like they’ll stay that way for a long time as well. Of course, nostalgia plays a part in the appeal, but with some famous powertrains, iconic silhouettes and memorable motorsport successes, it should be no surprise that the classics remain so adored. The fast Ford phenomenon is a huge part of the car community in the UK, and if the popularity had ever been in any doubt, look at the response to what MST is currently doing with its Mk1 and Mk2…
The best fast Ford nowadays may well be a modified fast Ford, as originals become even more precious and valuable. Would you really drive an RS of any description how it’s really meant to be when it’s worth £70,000 or more? Exactly. Whereas something that’s deviated from standard - but will deliver a wildly more exciting drive - can be enjoyed as intended. Hopefully for a very long time, too.
This Escort is exactly the kind of thing we’re talking about. It’s a 1600GT in a fantastic shade of Tawney, similar to the car featured by John at the end of last year. But the name and badges are where any association with that other Escort end, because this fast Ford is on another planet entirely compared to that one.
This 1600GT is what the term ‘sleeper’ was created for, boasting comfortably more than twice the regular power output with nothing beyond a more suggestive ride height to give it away. Even the exhaust remains a modest diameter. Yet under the bonnet resides a 2.3-litre, all-steel Pinto built by John Wood. Recently returned from Northampton Motorsport with rebuilt Weber 48 carbs, it’s producing more than 235hp. In a little old brown Escort - it must be absolutely superb fun.
The spec of this car reads like a letter to Santa for Mk1 and Mk2 enthusiasts, with a Quaife four-speed rocket box, some RS2000 parts, a Piper exhaust manifold (alongside a Jenvey inlet one), Accralite pistons, a cam ground by Newmans… it’s nothing but the very best stuff that’s gone into the build. And having spoken with the seller Robert on the phone, it’s clear this Escort has been a real labour of love. The end result speaks to the huge amount of effort and money that’s gone into creating such a cool old Ford.
The asking price is £40k, which seems eminently fair given that the GT featured last year was £26,000 and standard RS2000s can command a whole lot more money. To repeat something like this to the same standard would cost a lot more money, basically, assuming a decent shell could be sourced to start from. And there’s the time to think about, and the logistics, and a whole lot of hassle - Escorts this good aren’t the work of a moment. Buying them, on the other hand, will be considerably simpler…
SPECIFICATION | FORD ESCORT 1600 GT (Mk1)
Engine: 1,558cc, four cylinder, naturally aspirated (standard)
Transmission: four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 106@5,500rpm (standard)
Torque (lb ft): 100@4,000rpm (standard)
CO2: N/A
MPG: N/A
Recorded mileage: 35,000
Year registered: 1973
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £39,995
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