Mk1 Ford Escort 1300L
(Featured on 29th March 2013)
Make: Ford
Model: Escort
Sellers original description:
Collectors Mk1 Ford Escort 1300L with a genuine 11,464 miles from new, and supporting history.
Equipment:
Safety glass all round, anti-burst locks, sealed beam headlights with combined sidelights, separate direction indicators, rear number plate illumination lamp, water temperature gauge, oil pressure and generator warning lights, two speed windscreen wipers, foot operated windscreen washer/wiper, ignition/steering column lock, safety padded steering wheel, safety styled door handles and window winders, push button door locks, dipping rear view mirror with breakaway stem, ashtray in fascia, aluminium scuff plates, face level ventilation system, demister nozzles, two speed heater/demister fan, rear ashtrays, two padded sunvisors, padded front parcel shelf, door operated courtesy light.
Exterior:
The exterior of this Mk1 Escort is impeccable in every respect. Finished in original Ford Onyx Green (colour code 5-E5) it has a deep gloss shine which is outstanding, an absolute joy to polish. There is very minor evidence of paint imperfection to the grill section on the front scuttle panel, however this in no way detracts from the fantastic appearance of the car. The colour name and information plate is still present in the immaculate engine bay.
Supplying Ford Dealer, F. English Ltd pressed aluminium number plates are present. The matt black front grill section is slightly chipped. The period touches for the true enthusiast even extend to the vintage RAC tax disc holder. All the trim is perfect, window rubbers are black and all decals are correct and present including the 1300L badges. The original factory glass is mark free. Wonderful.
Interior:
The interior of this Escort 1300L is outstanding and as new. The original twin reclining front bucket seats are covered in tan vinyl with no damage. All the headlining is tight and clean, and the black deep looped pile carpets are in remarkable order. All the gauges operate as does the two speed heater fan. The boot area including original covering, spare wheel and jack are as new. This car really is a beautiful, unspoilt place to be and exactly how Ford intended.
Engine & Transmission:
An immaculate and unrestored engine bay is home to the original 1298cc OHV engine which fires up immediately and provides a delightful engine note. The diaphragm spring type clutch feel positive and smooth. The four speed gearbox with synchromesh on all forward gears allows light and precise progression up the range, an absolute joy to operate. A true reflection of the incredible low mileage this car has covered.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes:
The standard pressed steel wheels with original chrome centre caps remain on the car and are shod with the original Michelin 155 SR 12 radial ply tyres. The wheels and hub caps are in outstanding condition, however the tyres are showing signs of minor age related cracking. The all-round drum brakes feel assured and bring the car up to a straight and prompt halt.
History File:
Purchased new by Mrs A L Sorton on the 1st February 1974 from Ford Dealer, F. English Ltd in Bournemouth. The original service book with owner certificate is present in the history file, as is the original registration document. Many previous MOT certificates support the genuine low mileage of 11,464. The vehicle has since been owned by four further enthusiasts who have retained the cars condition and originality. Further elements of the history file include the original Mk1 Escort sales brochure and the British Heritage Auction catalogue featuring the car in 2012, which states “a real collectors piece and probably one of the best available, being like a time capsule from the seventies”.
Photos:
