Owner’s View GeOf

A 1971 Escort 1300XL is one of three classics in Geof Wilson’s fleet, alongside pre-war and post-war Morris Minors. Says Geof: ‘I tend to use my classics every day as I love to drive cars without lots of electronics – plus older cars have much better all-round visibility. The Escort MkI is the ideal everyday classic as it’s very practical, great fun to drive and it’s economical too. Also, if you buy a good one, increases in value will help offset the running costs. Routine servicing is cheap; a Mahle oil filter costs just £1.69 and DIY maintenance is simple. I’m the fourth owner of the Escort pictured, having bought it a year ago. With under 67,000 miles the car is largely original but it’s fitted with new front wings and I’ve tweaked the suspension so the car is even better to drive.’