Ford Escort 1600 Ghia

ENGINE 1599cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 83bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 92ft lb ft@3500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 101mph 0-60MPH 11.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 29-36mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed man MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 15,352 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

This low-mileage Escort excels in every area. It starts instantly, with the auto choke relieved of its duties with the faintest blip of the throttle. The gear stick slides into first easily and with the clutch biting at just under half travel the engine pulls smoothly through the gears. The phrase ‘drives like a new car’ has never been more apt; even the brakes felt like they were fitted yesterday, biting keenly and not pulling to either side. The ride is unfazed by pot-holes and free from unwanted noises or vibrations; steering is direct and without a hint of play.

BODYWORK CHECK

There are two tiny stone chips on the leading edge of the bonnet, otherwise the Cosmos Blue paint is perfect. Non-standard alloy plates secure the dealer accessory spotlights, something the perfectionist may look to replace, but the first owner chose the optional alloy wheels and the tyres are new. Age is showing on the chrome inserts that decorate the screen rubbers, but years have failed to discolour the supplying dealer’s rear window sticker. The underside looks perfect while topside panels are arrow-straight with exact gaps. It also has a taut vinyl roof and factory mud flaps.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The black crushed velour is unmarked and the matching pile carpeting that has been protected by over mats. The wood veneer fascia trim has faded, but while the Lucas ATB370 radio/cassette player and Moto-Lita steering wheel are aftermarket, the originals have been retained. Every switch and instrument works, right down to the clock.

UNDER THE BONNET

It’s a totally original engine bay, completely free from

corrosion, although there are a couple of age-related paint imperfections on the inner wings. The slam panel features all of its original identification plates – even the radiator bears a worn ‘Ford Basildon’ sticker. A quick clean would perfect this area because there are no fluid leaks to correct. The history file includes the original bill of sale from supplying dealer H&J Quick, plus the dealer pack issued in August 1979. A letter includes contact details for the two previous owners and explains that the Escort was stored from the mid-1980s until 2010 when its second owner bought it. It’s been driven rarely – usually for maintenance or MoT tests, which date all the way back to 1983.

THE CCW VIEW

Seldom will such a showroomfresh Escort come up for sale. It drives perfectly and delights fellow drivers and delights pedestrians and other drivers of a certain age. The asking price is strong, but many marque fans will be extremely jealous of the next enthusiast lucky enough to sign the V5.