Ford Escort Mk 3 (1980-86)
Total Production: The Ford Escort Mk 3, produced between 1980 and 1986, was a popular model in Europe. During its production run, approximately **2 million units** were manufactured. This generation marked a significant shift to front-wheel drive and a more modern design, making it a standout in its era.
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Price New: The Ford Escort Mk 3 1300 in 1980 had a starting price of approximately £3,500 to £4,000 in the UK, depending on the trim and optional features. This was considered competitive for a small family car at the time, offering good value for its modern design and front-wheel-drive layout.
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Rivals: In 1980, the Ford Escort Mk 3 faced competition from several popular models in the UK. Here are some approximate prices of its main rivals at the time:
Ford Cortina 1300L: Around £4,350.
Vauxhall Astra: Prices started at approximately £3,500, depending on the trim.
Volkswagen Golf: Entry-level models were priced around £4,000.
Austin Allegro: Prices began at about £3,300.
These prices varied based on the specific model and optional features. The Escort Mk 3 was competitively priced within this range, making it a strong contender in the small family car market.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, the number of Ford Escort Mk 3 cars still on the road in the UK is quite limited. While exact figures for the Mk 3 specifically are hard to pinpoint, the overall number of Ford Escorts (all generations) has significantly declined over the years due to age and wear. Classic car enthusiasts and collectors have preserved some, but they are becoming increasingly rare.
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The Ford Escort Mark 3, produced from **1980 to 1986**, had a few common issues:
1. **Sticking Clutch Pedal**: Some owners reported a sticking clutch pedal, likely due to a lazy clutch slave cylinder.
2. **Synchromesh Failure**: There were complaints of synchromesh failure on the 5th gear of the 1.6 Ecoboost model.
3. **Tyre Wear**: The 235x40 R18 tires tended to last only around 11,000 miles, both front and back.
4. **Powershift Transmission**: The Powershift dual clutch automatic transmission required fresh fluid every 3 years at a cost of £250.
5. **Engine Stuttering**: Problems with the 115PS 1.6 DV6C diesel engine manifested as stuttering and hesitating.
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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**
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Trim Levels
The Ford Escort Mark 3, produced from 1980 to 1986, came in several trim levels to cater to different preferences and budgets. Here are the main trim levels that were available:
1. **Base** - The most basic version with minimal features.
2. **L (Luxury)** - Added some comfort and convenience features.
3. **GL (Grand Luxury)** - Included more advanced features and better interior materials.
4. **Ghia** - The top-of-the-line trim with luxury features like a glass sunroof and velour upholstery.
5. **XR3** - A sportier version with performance enhancements.
Each trim level offered different equipment and engine options, allowing buyers to choose the one that best suited their needs.
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Engine Sizes
The Ford Escort Mark 3, produced from **1980 to 1986**, came with various engine sizes:
1. **0.9 L Crossflow I4**
2. **1.1 L Crossflow I4**
3. **1.3 L Crossflow I4**
4. **1.6 L Crossflow I4**
5. **1.6 L Lotus-Ford Twin Cam I4**
6. **1.6 L Cosworth BDA I4**
7. **1.7 L Cosworth BDB I4**
8. **2.0 L Pinto TL20H I4**.
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Performance
The Ford Escort XR3 from 1980-86 was a popular hot hatch with some impressive performance specs for its time. Here are the key details:
- **Engine**: 1.6 litre inline 4-cylinder
- **Power**: 96 bhp (72 kW) at 6000 rpm
- **Torque**: 132 Nm (97 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 182 km/h (113 mph)
- **Acceleration**: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in around 9.7 seconds
The XR3 was known for its sporty handling and distinctive styling, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. It was also relatively lightweight, weighing around 895 kg (1973 lbs), which contributed to its agile performance.
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Spares
If you're looking for **spare parts** for your Ford Escort Mark 3 in the United Kingdom, here are some options:
1. **Autodoc**: You can find a wide range of **Mk3 Escort parts** on their website. They offer both diesel and petrol parts for various models, including the 1.6 D, RS 1600i, and more.
2. **EU-SPARES**: Visit their online shop for original parts specifically for the Ford Escort Mk3 Hatchback (GAA).
3. **Gumtree**: Check out local listings for Escort Mk3 parts.
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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 3 was indeed raced, particularly in rallying events. It was a popular choice in the motorsport world during the 1980s. Here are some key highlights:
1. **Rallying**: The Escort Mark 3 was notably used in rallying, including events like the **RAC Rally** and the **World Rally Championship (WRC)**. It was driven by famous rally drivers such as Ari Vatanen and Stig Blomqvist.
2. **Touring Car Racing**: The Escort Mark 3 also participated in touring car races, including the **British Touring Car Championship (BTCC)**.
These events showcased the Escort Mark 3's versatility and performance capabilities, making it a beloved model among racing enthusiasts. The Ford Escort Mark 3 had several notable victories in motorsport, particularly in rallying. Here are a few highlights:
1. **1981 RAC Rally**: Ari Vatanen drove the Escort Mark 3 to victory in this prestigious event, showcasing its rallying prowess.
2. **1983 British Rally Championship**: Stig Blomqvist won the championship driving an Escort Mark 3, further cementing its reputation in the rallying world.
3. **Touring Car Success**: The Escort Mark 3 also had success in touring car racing, including notable performances in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).
These victories helped establish the Escort Mark 3 as a competitive and reliable car in the motorsport arena.