The Ford Escort was frequently the bestselling car in Britain during the 1980s and 1990s, selling a total of more than 4.1 million vehicles over the period. In 2000 the model was discontinued and has recently returned as a popular collectable and investment piece.
This car is an iconic and quintessential part of British life and was loved by a range of demographics, being used as family cars, by businesspeople, and even the emergency services. The car’s first launch introduced four styles including; the De Luxe, Super, Super 1300cc and GT and stuck to a conservative style known as a classic ‘Coke bottle’ design. The car was compact and had clever interior packaging, being dubbed ‘The small car that isn’t’ by Ford. As the car became more popular it was used for a variety of vocations, from rally race cars to Police vehicles – creating one of the most versatile cars of its time.
The first four-door Ford Escort hit the roads in 1969 and by 1970 the model was making its name in motorsport and had won the British, German, Belgian and South African saloon car championships, as well as the European Rally Manufacturers’ championship two years running. Next came the Escort Mexico, the Escort Sport, the Escort RS2000, Escort Mk2 and many models up until the late 1990s.
The popularity and iconic status of the Ford Escort has meant that many people who lived through its golden era hold fond memories and a sense of nostalgia regarding the cars. From trips to the seaside, through to success on the world rally stage, there was a Ford Escort for everyone. Celebrities have also been known to reminisce about their beloved Ford Escort, including David Beckham, who bought his first car, a Ford Escort MK2 from his Manchester United teammate Ryan Giggs.
Recently luxury Durham-based automotive specialists, Performance 28, have welcomed a number of these classic cars to market; the models include Mk2 RS 2000, Mk2 RS Mexico, Mk3 RS 1600i, and a 2.0 RS Cosworth Lux 4×4 3dr, with the popularity of the cars leading to off market sales.
The Mk2 RS 2000 on offer at Performance 28 is one of the finest 1980 Ford Escort RS2000 ‘Custom’ in the country. This luxury model offers incredibly low mileage, totalling just over 10,000 miles. This stunning classic has had a full respray in OE Midnight Blue with Satin Black detailing, tan cloth seat refurbishment and new Aldridge carpets. The Mk2 RS 2000 was originally launched in January 1976, and it used a two-litre engine and was based on the two door Mk2 Escort. The model was famous for its ‘droop snoot’, twin headlamps and undercut by a front chin spoiler, giving it its classic ‘boxy and aggressive’ look.
A beautiful Ford Escort Mk2 RS Mexico is also available at Performance 28. This car has been recently restored to its former glory, early in its life the popular 2.0 Pinto engine and 5 speed type 9 gearbox were fitted, along with a twin choke carb, including original air filter housing, standard differential, 4 spoke deep dish RS alloys and genuine beta cloth rolltop seats. The Mk2 RS Mexico featured Recaro seats, split front bumpers, optional four-spoke alloys, and a sports steering wheel.
Performance 28 also have on offer the extremely rare Mk3 RS 1600i in brilliant condition which is rare to the market. There is a huge appetite for today’s market and these cars continue to climb in value making it a sensible investment for the purchaser. This car was a product of the Ford Germany Motorsport project and was a huge sales success in Britain, the vehicle continues to be incredibly popular to this day.
Ford Escort 2.0 RS Cosworth Lux 4×4 3dr is another fantastic option available at Performance 28. This vehicle has been owned for almost 20 years by the same driver and is a mostly original car with the very popular Graham Goode 305 upgrade that was carried out in 2003. The Cosworth was instantly recognisable due to its large ‘whale tail’ rear spoiler and highly turnable turbo charged 2.0 litre engine.
The Ford Escort continues to tick many boxes, including being a sentimental and nostalgic purchase which is also proving to be a wise investment. Adding to its discontinuation in 2000, the government’s ‘Road to Zero’ £1.5 billion of investment to support for the transition to zero emission vehicles further support the collectability of these classic cars. The government plans to achieve as many as 70% of new car sales to be those with ultra low emission by 2030, ending the sales of all new conventional petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040.
For more information on the classic Ford escort’s available at Performance 28 please visit www.performance28.com
