Ford Escort Mk I – For Me It Was Beautiful. Back in 1969, my dad was set to buy the new Ford Escort Mk I. But then he switched to another model – a model I’ll touch on another time. Though I understood his reason, I always wondered what owning an Escort Mk I would have been like?
Thapson
Ford Escort Mk I was a radical departure from its predecessor, the Ford Anglia. With its sweeping profile, it underscored the direction British Fords were heading. The revolutionary design looks cool from the base to the upper trim. But what’s under the hood is what makes the car a winner. It spans a variety of genres ranging from the family, utility, to sports.
History and Development
After serving Ford dutifully in the small car class, their Anglia is due for an update. By the early 60s, most of their competition has released and/or updated their designs. These include Austin and Morris with their revolutionary Mini, the Hillman Imp, and the Vauxhall Viva.
Ford’s Cortina is a success and doing very well. A completely redesigned new car is needed to replace the Anglia, and replicate the Cortina success. All while controlling costs to ensure a competitive price tag.
To jump ahead of the domestic competition, the new American “Coke-bottle” design is adopted. That, along with a “dog-bone” style front grill, and larger, curved windows finish off the exterior.
To complete the metamorphosis, a “new” name is chosen for this model: the “Escort.” This name not exactly new. It was previously used for the base version of the Anglia Estate version. However, the changes under the hood are even more impressive.
Ford Escort Specs
A rack and pinion steering, and MacPherson Strut front suspension is introduced into the Escort improving its handling dramatically over the Anglia.
Rear wheel drive is retained to keep maintenance simple, and enable sporty element later. Versions of the successful Kent Crossflow engines are used on the Ford Escort 940 cc, 1.1-, and 1.3–Liter offerings. This, along with some tweaks, markedly improves the Escort’s performance over the Anglia.
Other, more powerful engines like those on the Lotus Elan, and the Cosworth, are introduced in later years, for the sportier Ford Escorts. Thus, restricting overheads, while adding the sporty potential of the Ford Escort, ensures another success for Ford.
Originally all Ford Escorts come as 2-Door, with the 4-Door introduced in 1969. Earlier, almost all Escorts had square headlights, with round ones replacing them in all “higher” or performance models. The round headlights apparently performed better.
Ambitious Plans for the Ford Escort
Launched 1967 in the UK, the Escort, with it’s affordable price, new technology, and looks quickly catches on.
But Ford has ambitious plans for the Ford Escort, and it is showcased in the Brussels Motor Show in 1968. Production is planned in Belgium, and the then West Germany. In 1970, the first Escorts are produced in Europe.
A 3-Door Estate version is released in 1968. It is also in 1968 that more versions of the Escort are offered with different trim options and engine types. I prefer to concentrate on the aesthetics, and avoid getting into too much technical details. You can look those up here.
The Deluxe, Super, and Automatic versions are also launched between 1968 through 1970.
Sport and Performance Versions
In time, sports versions of the Ford Escort are offered with more powerful engines. As the Cortina has evolved into a more “luxury” model, the sports mantle is passed to the Escort.
Bigger tires and flared wheel wells are added on the RS1600 and RS2000 versions in 1970.
There is even a limited-edition Ford Escort Mexico version to celebrate Ford Escort’s victory in the London-Mexico City World Cup Rally in 1970. The “Mexico” includes many of the sporty additions found in the racing version – mostly involving a more rigid construction, and using a 1600 cc Crossflow “Kent” engine. Only around 10,300 Ford Escort Mexico are made, making them a sought after rarety.
Ford Escort Sporting Legacy
The Escort Mk I thus reaches the height of its popularity 1970-75. It chips away at the top position held by the Mini. The combination powerful engine, interior comfort wins races and customers alike. And so the Escort establishes a racing legacy and adds another success story for British automobiles at home and abroad.
Wide Range of Offerings
By now, Ford Escort establishes its own personality and fully adopts the persona previously held by the Cortina – a combination family and sport car. It is offered in a wide range, catering to a ever-growing clientele.
The Escort spans all genres including economy family, sports, and luxury. So popular worldwide, the Mk I is assembled in England, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Belgium.
But, as they say, all good things come to an end. While the Ford Escort does not come to an end, the production of the Mk I does. And in doing so it joins the league of memorable cars that will continue to be appreciated over the decades.
YouTube / thefordrscars
End of the Mk I
For me personally, the Mk I is the one with all the magic. Especially the sportier versions. The design from 1967-75 is the coolest, with the Mk II seemingly generic in comparison.
Though my dad skipped buying one, I still wonder what we missed out on when passing on the Ford Escort.
The Ford Escort Mk I: one of the coolest cars of that era. And it carved out its legacy in the history of British Ford.
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