Ford Escort Mk 1 (1967-75)

The Ford Escort Mark 1, produced from **1968 to 1975**, had its share of common problems:

1. **Rust**: The Escort Mk1 was notorious for rusting, but fortunately, most panels are available as well-made reproductions. Be sure to check the MacPherson strut top mountings, inner wings, scuttle, and all outer panels. The transverse leaf spring hangers, sills, rear wheel arches, and floorpans were also prone to rust¹.
2. **Front Coil Springs**: Snapped front coil springs were a common issue.
3. **Worn Front Wishbones**: Keep an eye on the front wishbones.
4. **Temperature Gauge**: None-working temperature gauges were reported.
5. **Parcel Shelf Strings**: Snapped parcel shelf strings were another annoyance.

Remember to verify the authenticity of any Mk1 you're interested in, especially the more desirable versions like the RS1600, Mexico, Twin Cam, or RS2000.
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Generations
The Ford Escort had **six generations** in total:

1. **Mk I** (1968–1980): Rear-wheel-drive.
2. **Mk II** (1975–1981): Rear-wheel-drive.
3. **Mk III** (1980–1986): Front-wheel-drive.
4. **Mk IV** (1986–1992): Front-wheel-drive.
5. **Mk V** (1991–1997): Front-wheel-drive.
6. **Mk VI** (1996–2002): Front-wheel-drive.
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Body Styles/Variants
The Ford Escort Mark 1, produced from **1968 to 1974**, came in several body styles:

1. **2-door saloon**
2. **4-door saloon**
3. **3-door estate**
4. **2-door panel van**

These variations allowed buyers to choose the one that best suited their needs and preferences.
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Trim Levels
The Ford Escort Mark 1, produced between 1968 and 1975, came in several trim levels to cater to different preferences and budgets. Here are the main trim levels that were available:

1. **Standard**: The base model with basic features.
2. **De Luxe**: An upgraded version with additional features compared to the Standard trim.
3. **Super**: This trim included more enhancements such as rectangular headlights, carpets, and improved instrumentation³⁴.
4. **GT**: A sportier version with performance upgrades⁵.
5. **Mexico**: A performance-oriented model inspired by the success of the Escort in the London to Mexico World Cup Rally¹.
6. **RS1600**: A high-performance model with a 1.6-liter engine, developed by Ford's Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) department¹.
7. **Twin Cam**: Another high-performance variant with a twin-cam engine¹.

Each trim level offered a different mix of features and performance, making the Escort Mark 1 a versatile and popular choice.
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Engine Sizes
The Ford Escort Mark 1 offered several engine sizes:

1. **1.1-litre**: Available in some versions.
2. **1.3-litre**: Commonly found in various models.
3. **1.6-litre Twin-Cam**: The high-revving gem, especially in the RS1600 and Mexico models.
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Performance
The Ford Escort 1100 from 1967-75 is a classic car with modest performance by today's standards. Here are some key performance specs:

- **Engine**: 1.1 litre inline 4-cylinder
- **Power**: Around 40-41 bhp (30-31 kW)
- **Torque**: Approximately 68-70 Nm (50-52 lb-ft)
- **Top Speed**: About 129-132 km/h (80-82 mph)
- **Acceleration**: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in around 25.7 seconds

This car was designed more for reliability and economy rather than high performance. It was a popular choice for everyday driving during its time.
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Spares
If you're looking for **spare parts** for your Ford Escort Mark 1 in the United Kingdom and Ireland, here are some options:

1. **Motorsport-Tools.com**: They offer a wide range of **Mk1 and Mk2 parts**, including suspension components, body panels, and more¹.
2. **EU-SPARES**: Check their **online catalogue** for original Ford Escort Mk1 Saloon parts².
3. **Motomobil**: They provide online spare parts catalogues, operation manuals, brochures, and technical data for Ford Escort and Ford Orion.
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Specialists
**NORTHERN IRELAND FORD SPECIALIST LIST**

Ford specialist mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:
1. McMillan Specialist Cars
o Address: Unit 10, Plasketts Close Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN
o Phone: 028 9335 4911
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00, Saturday 09:00 - 12:30
o Services: Maintenance, repairs, pre-purchase inspections, full restorations.
2. ACSR Ltd
o Address: 24 Antrim Road, Crumlin BT29 4DX
o Phone: 028 9446 2841
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30
o Services: Servicing, repairs, spares.
3. TrustFord Ballymena Car & Transit Centre
o Address: 14 Larne Rd, Ballymena BT42 3HB
o Phone: 0343 317 9500
o Hours: Monday to Friday 07:45 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.
4. TrustFord Belfast - Mallusk Car & Transit Centre
o Address: 31 Mallusk Rd, Newtownabbey BT36 4PP
o Phone: 028 9083 7700
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 18:00, Saturday 08:30 - 15:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:
1. NI Vans
o Address: Tandragee, Co. Armagh
o Phone: 028 3884 9777
o Services: Repairs, servicing, MOT, PSV for both Ford vans and cars.
2. McMullan Auto Services
o Address: Armagh
o Phone: Available upon request
o Services: Servicing and maintenance for all makes and models, including Ford.
3. Approved Garages
o Location: Various locations in County Armagh
o Services: MOT, servicing, and repairs for Ford vehicles.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Down, Northern Ireland:
1. TrustFord Belfast - Newtownards Road Ford Store
o Address: 391-397 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 3LH
o Phone: 028 9065 4687
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 18:00, Saturday 08:30 - 15:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.
2. TrustFord Belfast Fleet Service Centre
o Address: 16 Maryland Industrial Estate, 286 Ballygowan Road, Belfast BT23 6BL
o Phone: 028 9044 9450
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:30
o Services: Fleet servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
3. The Motor Gym
o Address: 18A Balloo Avenue, Bangor BT19 7QT
o Phone: 028 9145 3310
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing and repairs, specialising in Ford.
4. The Dent Man NI
o Address: Bangor, County Down
o Phone: Available upon request
o Services: Dent removal and car body repairs.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland:
1. Pat Kirk Ltd.
o Address: 53 Brookmount Road, Omagh BT78 5HZ
o Phone: 028 8225 0777
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
2. Monaghan Bros
o Address: 1-3 Main Street, Lisnaskea BT92 0JB
o Phone: 028 6772 1147
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: Servicing, repairs, and MOT for Ford vehicles.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
1. Desmond Motors
o Address: 173 Strand Road, Londonderry BT48 7PU
o Phone: 028 7136 7137
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, MOT, repairs, and maintenance2.
2. Lloyd Cooke Motors Ltd
o Address: 1A Drumahoe Road, Londonderry BT47 3SD
o Phone: 028 7130 1234
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: Vehicle repairs, servicing, and maintenance.
3. ClickMechanic
o Location: Various locations in Londonderry
o Services: Mobile mechanics offering servicing and repairs for Ford vehicles.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. Pat Kirk Ltd.
o Address: 53 Brookmount Road, Omagh BT78 5HZ
o Phone: 028 8225 0777
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
2. Approved Garages
o Location: Various locations in County Tyrone
o Services: MOT, servicing, and repairs for Ford vehicles.
3. ClickMechanic
o Location: Various locations in County Tyrone
o Services: Mobile mechanics offering servicing and repairs for Ford vehicles.
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Racing
The Ford Escort Mark 1 had a notable racing history, particularly in rallying. Here are some key highlights:

1. **RAC Rally**: The Escort Mark 1 dominated the RAC Rally, winning eight consecutive times from 1972 to 1979.
2. **Circuit of Ireland Rally**: Its first major rally victory came in 1968 with Roger Clark and Jim Porter.
3. **1,000 Lakes Rally**: Timo Mäkinen, a legendary driver, won the 1973 1,000 Lakes Rally in Finland.
4. **London to Mexico World Cup Rally**: The Escort Mark 1 also won this grueling rally, which inspired the creation of the Escort Mexico model.

The Ford Escort Mark 1 was driven by several legendary drivers who made significant marks in motorsport history. Here are a few notable names:

1. **Roger Clark**: A British rally driver who achieved numerous victories with the Escort Mark 1, including the RAC Rally.
2. **Timo Mäkinen**: A Finnish rally driver known for his skill and daring, he won the 1,000 Lakes Rally in Finland with the Escort Mark 1.
3. **Hannu Mikkola**: Another Finnish rally legend, Mikkola had great success with the Escort Mark 1, including winning the London to Mexico World Cup Rally.
4. **Björn Waldegård**: A Swedish rally driver who also had significant success with the Escort Mark 1, contributing to its legendary status in rallying.

These drivers helped cement the Escort Mark 1's reputation as a formidable competitor in the world of motorsport.

While the Ford Escort Mark 1 had many successful drivers, there are no widely documented instances of female drivers winning major rallies with this car. However, female drivers like **Sue Tucker-Peake** did compete with the Escort Mark 1, contributing to its rich motorsport history¹.