FAMILY FAVOURITE

“The Sport model was launched in 1971 and was basically a lower-spec 1300GT”

When Ford of Europe unveiled the Escort to the public at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1968, the all-new model was an instant success. Cleverly marketed as ‘The small car that isn’t,’ the Escort hit the ground running. The early models were available as two-door saloons in De Luxe, Super and GT format. These were equipped with either 1098cc (1.1-litre) or 1298cc (1.3-litre) Kent crossflow engines. An automatic gearbox was made available as an option, and a four-door saloon and estate were introduced the following year.

As production of the latest Ford gathered pace, buyers were tempted by the low prices and a variety of body specs and engine options. It did not matter whether your preference was for a 1.1-litre runabout or a snarling high-revving twin-cam, Ford made sure there was an Escort for you and during seven years of production, more than two million Mk1s were snapped up by an eager public.

For petrol heads whose insurance companies baulked at the prospect of the Lotus-powered Escort Twin Cam, the cheaper Sport made a tempting alternative. The Sport model was launched in 1971 and was basically a lower-spec 1300GT. The new model was equipped with an XL interior, GT running gear and RS body styling. This included a Weber carburettor and uprated suspension. The engine produced a maximum power of 82bhp at 6500rpm, a maximum torque of 75.2lb.ft