Mk1 Ford Escort 1100 Base Original RHD UK 2dr AS SEEN ON TV Restored
Went through a full restoration, maintaining as many original parts as possible. Full engine, gearbox and body work restoration
Mk1 Ford Escort 1100 Base in Tawny Brown Metallic Paint
For sale is this very rare 1100 base mk1 Escort. There are very few remaining, especially in the original condition from factory. This went through a 3 year restoration by an automotive master technician and an engineer. Every section of the vehicle was stripped, inspected and rebuilt. Anything that was original and could be restored was kept. A few parts that required replacement were mainly 'new old stock' to keep as close to its heritage as possible. Vehicle registered in Leicestershire and spent its full life in Leicestershire. Manufactured 1972, registered 1974.
The vehicle was taken off the road in 1981 where it was dry stored for 37 years, when the previous owner forgot about it. During storm Dorris the roof of the garage was damaged. I was contacted to help organise for the vehicle to be scrapped so they could access the roof for repairs. When I found it was an original mk1 Escort I had to save and restore back to its former glory. As it was surrounded by news papers and the majority of the humidity was kept off the car keeping it in an impressive condition. The vehicle was undersealed in the 70s which kept the majority of rust off the chassis. The 2 top turret towers, a patch on a sill and the front panel have been replaced however the rest was saved and had a full body respray over 3 years ago. All electrics worked on the vehicle when tested in its original garage.
Engine and gearbox:
Mechanically the engine has had a full strip and rebuild. We kept approx 90% of the original parts after a deep clean. A 1980s stored camshaft and tappets were sourced for a direct replacement. To ensure more reliability we added new piston rings, camshaft bearings, big end bearings, journal bearings, all new gaskets, all new stainless bolts, new clutch kit, new internal oil pump gears (external housing kept for originality), new sparks, new HT leads and coil, new dizzy+points+rotor arm, all coolant pipes and clamps and filters. The exhaust was made by 'Cobra' in their classics department to match the original from factory. The rest was thoroughly cleaned and tested for serviceability.
The gearbox was stripped, cleaned and inspected with fresh oil and seals. A new speedo cable was fitted with retaining clip. The rear Dif was in good condition and had an oil refresh.
Steering, suspension and brakes:
All brake shoes and spring kits (drums all round) have been replaced along with all brake lines, slave cylinders and adjusters. Handbrake cables were replaced however level original. Pedal box had new bushes fitted. Master cylinder original but internal springs and seals replaced. Note: no servo fitted as per factory spec.
All suspension stripped, cleaned and rebuilt. Original leaf springs, struts etc original.
Steering rack original with new gators. New track rod ends fitted. All tyres replaced with radial tyres replacing the crossply for safety.
Any rubber components have been replaced. I fitted black poly bushes on the bushes to look as original as possible but last many times longer than standard rubber.
Interior:
Mainly all original. Seats, dash, dials, seat belts etc are original and in impressive condition. The carpets and underlay were replaced. All glass original with new window seals. Door cards original and door seals replaced.
Boot has original lining, fuel tank original and kept the spare wheel with original tyre.
Exterior:
Kept original as possible. The front panel was replaced. Full exterior and engine bay respray to original tawny brown metallic paint around 3 years ago. Wheels are original and resprayed with original chrome hub caps.
The original headlights were the sealed units so replacement H7 bulb head lights were fitted to supply better light, making it usable. The grill was repainted and kept. Original bumpers polished with some patina remaining.
The old under seal was scrapped off the chassis and new under seal applied ensuring many more years of use.
Summary:
The vehicle was restored to a usable and enjoyable standard, rather than a concourse standard, and has covered over 4000 miles since it was put back on the road. The DVLA came out and inspected the vehicle to ensure it was the original, once it was running and driving. This was due to being stored in 1981 (DVLA has no records pre 1982) and I had the original V5 from the 2nd owner in 1976! I have photo evidence of the original along with many from the restoration process. I will include a memory stick with the car for the new owner to enjoy.
2 previous owners, 63,512 miles which may go up a very small amount before auction end, MOT exempt, tax is free and this year it cost £96 in total for classic car insurance.
Any inspection welcome and advise arranging to come view the car during the auction to appreciate what you are purchasing. Serious bids only, you are bidding to buy and not view it! It is an auction.
It featured in the Bristol Street Motor Ford advert back in July 2021. See link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvvw3hTabpA
Vehicle will come with loads of invoices from the restoration, 2 sets of keys and V5 present.
We welcome any questions during the auction. A chance to own a piece of history and enjoy with the classic car community. It turns many heads and often people pull over and love to hear the history. It was recently hired for a wedding car, where it was very much appreciated.
Located and require collection from Leicestershire, where it has lived all its life.
The cylinder head has been modified to take unleaded fuel