Possible Mk II Escort Purchase

[VWPowered]

how much is a ratty 4 door 1.3 worth? One of my neighbours has one - daily drive for the past three decades I think.

last year i sold a 1.3GL 4dr for €500 the same day i paid €200 for it

 

 

tbh i wished i had kept it

[Pete-M]

I'll be sure to be totally underwhelmed by your creativity Pete!

I'm just doing the same thing to it as I did to a lot of them 20 years ago. Makes them much much nicer to drive, and whilst it's something that you lot will frown at, done correctly all mods are totally reversible. I'll keep the original bits, and I'll use them to get it here from Cz, but I've decided. They're coming out.

 

It'll make it worth keeping.

[In The Pit]

The reason there were only 109 RS1800s sold is obvious. They were no quicker than the RS2000, less reliable and a lot more expensive. That doesn't mean the RS models didn't sell well. My local Ford dealer was an RS dealer and they sold a lot of RS2000s and Mexicos over the years.

Yes, they sold more Pops, but that is probably more to do with a pop being about half the price than to do with RS's being unpopular, because they were anything but.

I'm not saying they are unpopular in a way that knowone liked them but from a sales point of veiw to Ford they were unpopular the RS1800 and MKII Mexico were dropped due to poor sales, the fact that the AVO factory was closed would suggest that they werent shifting the amount of RS cars that they had predicted.

[In The Pit]

how much is a ratty 4 door 1.3 worth? One of my neighbours has one - daily drive for the past three decades I think.

If its MOT'd around a grand, depends on the model. The price gap between 4 and 2 doors is closing fast, afew years back you had a certain amount of snobs looking down at 4 doors but most of that has gone now. 4 door Ghia and Sport versions have always been sought after as has the rare 4 door MKI 1300E. Top condition 4 doors your talking atleast £3000 - £4000.

[Station]

You should keep it as it is, it looks great, just tidy it up. And then wake up one morning to find some Irish fellows have HIAB'd it off your driveway.

[Richard]

I remember RS2000s, they weren't all that special or even that quick.

[fiatdaft]

in there day there were.

[Pete-M]

I remember RS2000s, they weren't all that special or even that quick.

Horses for courses.

 

Standard they were 109 bhp, yet they'd do 0-60 in just over 8 seconds. Not bad for 1976.

 

I had a black V plate one that was producing 165 bhp (few simple tweaks, flowed big valve head, DCOE 40s, properly set up, Burton cam). In a car that weighs around 900 kg that's not a bad power to weight ratio.

 

I think they're special because despite having driven and owned some quick cars the RS always made me grin more than anything else, and they suit my style of driving.

 

I'd choose a good Mk2 RS over another 911, Integrale or Cosworth because the Mk2 is more fun.

[Pete-M]

 

I'm not saying they are unpopular in a way that knowone liked them but from a sales point of veiw to Ford they were unpopular the RS1800 and MKII Mexico were dropped due to poor sales, the fact that the AVO factory was closed would suggest that they werent shifting the amount of RS cars that they had predicted.

They killed the Mk2 Mexico because it was no quicker than the 1600 Sport, so Joe Public wouldn't pay the extra for it. Well, you wouldn't would you? The Mex was the better car, but only once the 1.6 Pinto was junked in favour of the 2.0.

 

As they came out of the factory, the Sport was producing near enough the same power from the x/flow as the Mexico did from its Pinto, so the great unwashed weren't going to pay the extra. The Mexico is noticeably more torquey than the Sport though.

 

Those in the know bought the Mexico as it was a straight swap to fit the 2.0 in. The larger transmission tunnel, the strengthened top mounts, the RS gearbox etc. That's before you start going into things like the Mexico having the right carpet for a car with a Pinto...

 

The Mexico was perfect for people who wanted to build a rally car but didn't want the RS 2000 nosecone or RS 1800's BDA.

 

My Mexico was SOL 210S. It had a 2.0 and a 5sp Sierra GLSi 'box.

 

Apologies to all those who aren't Mk2 Escort freaks. I'm a total anorak when it comes to them.

[Albert Ross]

I took all my driving lessons in a W plate 1.6GL in Terracotta. Dent in every panel, and clutch juddered like fuck. Went well enough until 55ish when the front end rattled worse than a shithouse door in a gale..... I think he had it crushed at 4 years old........ Too many learner miles for it to be worth owt.

[fiatdaft]

pete get yer anorak on,i had a 1.6 L 4 door many years ago,an odd combination ,i had heard that ford couldn't keep up with the demand for 1.3 crossflows but they did have plenty of 1.6 engines,can you shed any light on this?

[In The Pit]

 

 

I'm not saying they are unpopular in a way that knowone liked them but from a sales point of veiw to Ford they were unpopular the RS1800 and MKII Mexico were dropped due to poor sales, the fact that the AVO factory was closed would suggest that they werent shifting the amount of RS cars that they had predicted.

They killed the Mk2 Mexico because it was no quicker than the 1600 Sport, so Joe Public wouldn't pay the extra for it. Well, you wouldn't would you? The Mex was the better car, but only once the 1.6 Pinto was junked in favour of the 2.0.

 

 

Yes I agree people didnt want to pay the extra for the Mexico therefore they didnt buy it meaning that the Mexico was discontinued due to poor sales as people either bought the Sport or the RS2000 for abit more, at around 2500 MKII Mexicos sold you cant say it was a good seller.

 

The top end of the Escort line was a little crowed with the 1600 Sport, 1600 Ghia, RS Mexico, RS1800 and RS2000 but still its always nice to have a choice I think.

[In The Pit]

pete get yer anorak on,i had a 1.6 L 4 door many years ago,an odd combination ,i had heard that ford couldn't keep up with the demand for 1.3 crossflows but they did have plenty of 1.6 engines,can you shed any light on this?

Ford made the 1600 engine available in October 1979 on L and GL models, the first batch were specials (but didnt have a name) and came with various extras including rear seatbelts! and were only available in a really nice shade of dark blue metallic that was exclusive to these cars.

[ashmicro]

To add more confusion, my Dad had a 1976 Mk2 2 door L in midnight blue, black handles, chrome bumpers (1/4 bumpers on the front) 2 black mirrors, what looked like mk1 6 pack instruments and a 1600 x flow. Bought it new for cheap as it was part of a cancelled order for Malta. KPH clocks. Quite a few of these were sold by Adam H Erwin of Antrim, as well as mk3 2 door Tinas and oddball Italian market short-stroke Capri 1.3 models in LHD.

 

As I was only 3 at the time, I have only some memories of the Escort, but I remember my uncle (later a rally mech to Airikkala) drilling holes in it and squirting what I though was honey all over it. (Dinitrol)

 

Dad had that car 2 years and got £100 (in '78 ) more for it than price paid when he sold it.

[Milford Cubicle]

Surely the best idea would be to use it as a base for some kind of dashing kit car

 

 

Then fit an Indenor 2.1 diesel using Ford Granada parts

[Pete-M]

pete get yer anorak on,i had a 1.6 L 4 door many years ago,an odd combination ,i had heard that ford couldn't keep up with the demand for 1.3 crossflows but they did have plenty of 1.6 engines,can you shed any light on this?

Ford made the 1600 engine available in October 1979 on L and GL models, the first batch were specials (but didnt have a name) and came with various extras including rear seatbelts! and were only available in a really nice shade of dark blue metallic that was exclusive to these cars.

The 1600L and GL were four door only I seem to remember. Lots of them died to upgrade 1.3 2 doors. Luckily they only said "Escort L" on the log book, instead of 1600L, that meant it was easy to chuck a 1.6 into a 1.3 2dr, send off the log book and insure it without the insurance asking questions.

 

They made a 1.6 Ghia 2 door early on, they were a nice thing but nearly all had the vinyl roof (You could opt not to). I'm pretty sure the 1.6 2 dr Ghia was killed off at the same time they went from white needle clocks to orange needle ones and green tints to bronze. Early 78 I think. I suspect they killed off the quick 2 dr Ghia to promote Sport, Mex and RS sales.

[Pete-M]

To add more confusion, my Dad had a 1976 Mk2 2 door L in midnight blue, black handles, chrome bumpers (1/4 bumpers on the front) 2 black mirrors, what looked like mk1 6 pack instruments and a 1600 x flow. Bought it new for cheap as it was part of a cancelled order for Malta. KPH clocks. Quite a few of these were sold by Adam H Erwin of Antrim, as well as mk3 2 door Tinas and oddball Italian market short-stroke Capri 1.3 models in LHD.

I've never seen a Mk2 saloon with a Mk1 dash. Must have been a special pressing as the Mk2 dash is a bit wider than the Mk1 (Unless we're talking Estates and Vans, obviously).

 

Mk3 2dr Cortina 1.3s weren't that unusual really, nor the 1.3 Capri. The 1.3 Kent is merely a short stroke 1.6 anyway. 1.6 block is about 3/4" taller. European markets had 2 dr 2000E Mk3s and 2.3 V6 Ghia Mk4 2drs (Ok, they were Taunus, but it's the same thing).

 

 

I'd quite like one of those, but they fetch good money. I also like the 2dr Mk2 Granadas.

 

Yes, I'm as much of an anorak on late spec Cortinas, Capris and Granadas.

[In The Pit]

pete get yer anorak on,i had a 1.6 L 4 door many years ago,an odd combination ,i had heard that ford couldn't keep up with the demand for 1.3 crossflows but they did have plenty of 1.6 engines,can you shed any light on this?

Ford made the 1600 engine available in October 1979 on L and GL models, the first batch were specials (but didnt have a name) and came with various extras including rear seatbelts! and were only available in a really nice shade of dark blue metallic that was exclusive to these cars.

The 1600L and GL were four door only I seem to remember. Lots of them died to upgrade 1.3 2 doors. Luckily they only said "Escort L" on the log book, instead of 1600L, that meant it was easy to chuck a 1.6 into a 1.3 2dr, send off the log book and insure it without the insurance asking questions.

 

They made a 1.6 Ghia 2 door early on, they were a nice thing but nearly all had the vinyl roof (You could opt not to). I'm pretty sure the 1.6 2 dr Ghia was killed off at the same time they went from white needle clocks to orange needle ones and green tints to bronze. Early 78 I think. I suspect they killed off the quick 2 dr Ghia to promote Sport, Mex and RS sales.

I've had the books out and your right about the 1600 L & GL only being available in 4 door, and your more or less right about the Escort Ghia but at a guess it looks like they deleted the 2 door 1600 Ghia at the same time as the 4 door 1300 Sport which if my memory is correct from reading it somewhere was July 1976, I have the December 1976 brochure and it states its not available then. The 1300 Ghia 2 door was available for the entire production run from 1975-1980.

[Cavcraft]

I'll be sure to be totally underwhelmed by your creativity Pete!

I'm just doing the same thing to it as I did to a lot of them 20 years ago. Makes them much much nicer to drive, and whilst it's something that you lot will frown at, done correctly all mods are totally reversible. I'll keep the original bits, and I'll use them to get it here from Cz, but I've decided. They're coming out.

 

It'll make it worth keeping.

Hey, some of us don't care you know. Your car, your choice.

 

 

Had a 1.3 Capri once that had been fitted with a 1600 Xflow. Quite a good laugh as it happens with decent accelaration though not much top speed.

[Gompo]

The larger transmission tunnel, the strengthened top mounts, the RS gearbox etc.

Did they really have a bigger tunnel? Any reason why? I thought it was only the automatics that had the bigger tunnel.

[warren t claim]

The larger transmission tunnel, the strengthened top mounts, the RS gearbox etc.

Did they really have a bigger tunnel? Any reason why? I thought it was only the automatics that had the bigger tunnel.

Isn't it called the Type 49 shell?

[Pete-M]

The larger transmission tunnel, the strengthened top mounts, the RS gearbox etc.

Did they really have a bigger tunnel? Any reason why? I thought it was only the automatics that had the bigger tunnel.

Because the Pinto gearbox and bellhousing is slightly bigger, it's the same as the Auto one. It's also why people pay silly money for auto shells. On a x/flow shell you have to take a big hammer to the bulkhead where the bellhousing is to get it in. Or jack it out, or whatever. Look at any Pinto'd Mk2 other than a factory one and you'll see where someone has beaten the shit out of the tunnel / bulkhead bit.

 

Isn't it called the Type 49 shell?

A type 49 shell was an export Mk1 shell for places with shit roads. early Mk1 Mexicos, RS1600s etc they used them with a few tweaks, such as the battery in the boot.

 

Mk2 2dr shells are basically two types. The GCAT# ones are Cologne built and quite often have bits that the UK would only see on RS models. BBAT# UK built ones are lower spec. The RSs use a GCAT shell with flitch plates on the strut top mounts for strength, tramp bar brackets etc. Only shell difference otherwise is the RS's front panel and wings (the front wings are basically cut down standard ones with the edges bent round to meet the different front panel and nosecone, it can be done with standard wings and a bit of patience.).

 

GCAT shelled Mk2s tend to have weird bits that you don't see on UK ones trim wise as well. My Sport has the export spec heater (hot air is available from the eyeball vents if the temp. lever is above half way) and opening 1/4 lights in the front doors.

[warren t claim]

That's me put in my place!

[Gompo]

Cheers Pete. I'm not sure if I knew that (and since forgotten) or not. I should have known it anyway.

 

When I 2.0'd my Mk2 I wanted it more old school so stuck with an RS 4-speeder.

[warren t claim]

As a 40 something who grew up driving shite like this I think you will find that when you remove the rose coloured specs you'll discover there is something "Emperors New Clothes" about RWD Escorts.

 

From experience out of the crate an Escrot handles no better than a Sunbeam, not as well as a Chevette and on a bumpy road you would stand no chance against a Fiat 131. I have owned all of the above so I think I am slightly qualified to comment.

 

Don't get me wrong, an Escort can be made into a winning rally car if you throw enough time and money at it but the only advantage it has over its rivals I listed is down to a massive parts and tuning empire built around it in the 70's.

 

I have owned some good, bad and downright scary RWD Escorts (2.3 Cologne on drum brakes anyone?) and to be honest if you don't know what you are doing regarding tuning (and I'm no expert either) all you will achieve is a noisy and undriveable accident waiting to happen. You may think you have a quick car but much of that is due to Ford fitting very optomistic speedometers back in the day.

 

To be even more controversial I can honestly say no stock RS2000 could keep up with a standard XR3i, let alone an RS Turbo but that's another story.

[Espacetic]

To be even more controversial I can honestly say no stock RS2000 could keep up with a standard XR3i, let alone an RS Turbo but that's another story.

Or a Dolly Sprint.

[Gompo]

Personally the main appeal of the Escort was the look, closely followed by the ease of ownership and their tunability. I didnt really care that it wasnt as good out of the box as it's competitors.

[Pete-M]

An RS would piss all over any XR3i, they always did.

 

A Dolly Sprint would give one the RS a run for its money in a straight line, and a 131 Supermirafiori Sport is as quick on the twisties.

 

NONE are as much fun as the RS though.

[warren t claim]

An RS would piss all over any XR3i, they always did.

Only up to 40mph in the wet when the XR3i's lack of traction is a problem.

[seth]

I'll be sure to be totally underwhelmed by your creativity Pete!

whilst it's something that you lot will frown at,

Hey, some of us don't care you know. Your car, your choice.

Yeah, I wouldn't care at all because I simply wouldn't notice it amongst a sea of similarly equipped Escorts! What wheels would you fit? Minilight clones or RS four spokes?