FORD Escort MK1 - more than a car, a Legend!

Launched in late 1967 in the British and Irish markets, the Ford Escort MK1 is now a cult car. As the successor to the Ford Anglia, its commercial success in Europe, with over 2 million units produced until 1974, certainly contributed to its status, but what truly made the Escort MK1 a legend was its involvement and success in motorsport.

The car, with its simple design, was initially offered as a 2-door, then two years later as a 4-door with numerous trim levels and engine options (Kent Crossflow 940cc, 1.1L, 1.3L and 1.6L, orPinto 2.0). While early models were equipped with front drum brakes, the braking system was quickly replaced with front disc brakes. The rear suspension was a Live Axle design with leaf springs.

The Ford Escort MK1 remains the most successful car in Rallying, the factory Fords being almost unbeatable in the 70s with legends such as Hannu Mikkola or Roger Clark at the wheel who gave it its prestige with their respective victories at the London/Mexico Rally in 1970 and at the RAC Rally in 1972.

Equipped with the famous Lotus Twincam (homologated for Group 2) and also the Cosworth BDA (RS1600), the Escort MK1s swept all the victories in the biggest road and circuit competitions. It's true that with a Cosworth Formula 2 Ford FVC 16-valve engine developing over 200 hp and a chassis optimized in every respect, the competition stood little chance.

These successes prompted Ford to offer different versions for the road and for customers seeking performance in an everyday car. The Escort Mexico, equipped with the 1.6 crossflow engine , and the RS2000, equipped with the 2.0LPinto engine, were therefore launched and can be considered the forerunners of the Hot Hatch and GTI models of later generations, such as the Ford Fiesta and Focus RS.

PassionAutoFrance offers a wide range of spare parts for your Escort MK1. Bodywork elements , engine parts, suspension , interior, whether for road use or competition (Circuit / Historic Rally), maintenance parts or for a complete restoration, you will find what you need on our website.