Ford Escort Mk1 Rally car 1974

History and background

The Ford Escort Mk1 appeared in the late 1960s as a compact family car and quickly became an important platform for sports use. Its simple construction, low weight and favorable weight distribution made the Escort particularly suitable for rally purposes. Within motorsport, the model developed into a fixture in national and international rallies, with the rear-wheel-drive version remaining especially popular due to its direct handling and wide usability on a variety of surfaces.

By 1974, the Ford Escort Mk1 was at a stage where the model had already established a reputation, while factory production of the Mk1 in Europe had meanwhile ended in favor of the Mk2. Precisely because of this, well-built Mk1 copies gained their own status in the rally world. The bodywork of the Ford Escort Mk1 Rally car in wide body trim is in keeping with that tradition of extensive competition preparation, with the car's base being tuned for heavier use and specific competition conditions.

The Ford Escort Mk1 Rally car is thus part of a longer motorsport history in which this generation of Escort played an important role in the development of private and semi-works rally cars. The combination of recognizable technology and adaptability has ensured that the Mk1 has been frequently used as the basis for historic and specialized rally projects even after its original production years.

Characteristics and features

This Ford Escort Mk1 Rally car is designed as a wide body and features professional rally outfitting in the appropriate color scheme. The car is rally-prepared in detail and features a complete steel body, extensive roll cage and disc brakes all around. The underside is finished in green, while fuel and brake lines are fitted inside. For rally use, a central fire suppression system, a modified fuel system and a works-type fuel tank are provided.

The technology has been adapted for heavier rallying. The Burton four-cylinder inline engine features steel connecting rods, forged pistons and 48' twin Webers. The driveline is mated to a Quaife HD five-speed transmission including mountshaft and BTS clutch. In addition, the rear axle is reinforced and an Okate Limited Slip Differential is used. For controls, an adjustable pedal box and hydraulic handbrake are present. Cooling is provided by an aluminum radiator. The driver and navigator take their seats in Sparco Pro 2000 rally seats with four-point harnesses. The car also comes with a separate bracket for mounting on the hood with four Wesem halogen spotlights.

There is no history present with the car in which the adjustments and modifications carried out are recorded in writing. The specifications and modifications described are based on information from the previous owner. The car has a Dutch license plate, but it is not known whether all modifications made were reported to the RDW at the time. Buyers are advised to verify for themselves whether registration of the vehicle in the destination country is possible, if the car is exported abroad.

Summary


The 1974 Ford Escort Mk1 Rally car is a wide-bodied rally version with a steel body, extensive safety features and a modified powertrain for heavier competition use. The car has been professionally rally-prepared and equipped with such features as a reinforced rear axle, roll cage, rally seats and additional light carriers. To get a good idea of the lot, we recommend coming to the viewing day.