1970 FORD ESCORT TWIN CAM
We kick off our quartet with this Ford Escort Twin Cam; one of just 1263 made, it’s from the final year of production, and the FMG registration plate points to its original owner – the Ford Motor Group.
The Twin Cam kicked off a long line of competition-orientated Escorts. It uses the same Lotus engine and running gear as the Cortina Lotus MkII, which it effectively replaced, but the lighter two-door bodyshell meant the 0-60mph dash took under nine seconds.
There are few external signs as to this car’s spec, beyond the split bumpers and flared arches. Condition is excellent on this example, with not a single blemish to be found.
Despite a short works career ending in 1971, the Escort Twin Cam won the World Rally ‘Championship for Makes’ twice, in 1968 and ‘69, and helped the Alan Mann Racing-entered Frank Gardner take the 1968 British Touring Car Championship.
Driving the Twin Cam around Stoneleigh Park, which hosts the historic motorsport show Race Retro, it’s obvious that it wouldn’t embarrass itself where it to participate in the event’s Live Rally Stage. What immediately impresses is just how nimble, tight and sweet handling this homologation Escort is. The three-spoke steering wheel reacts immediately and precisely to even minor inputs, and although we’re not able to explore its full potential, entering corners at speed reveals minimal body roll. Assured braking is also offered by the servo-assisted front disc brakes.
It’s clear this Twin Cam has been lovingly maintained. It’s keenly priced.
ENGINE 1558cc/4-cyl/DOHC POWER 109bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 106lb ft@4500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 113mph 0-60MPH 8.7sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 18-25mpg GEARBOX RWD, four-speed manual