Welcome September 2018 Issue 542
After early experiences of the Escort phenomenon, Phil thought the 50th anniversary deserved a big celebration
The sight of my friend’s Ford Escort MKI – a hapless 1100 Deluxe propelled by a Mexicospec 1600 engine – squatting on its rear suspension, inside front wheel threatening to paw the air, has been etched on my memory since the few crazy days I spent chasing the 1986 RAC Rally around the country. It began my enlightenment to why these small family saloons attract such a passionate following.
Of course, I was well aware of the Escort’s huge motor sport achievements, but I was still to fully appreciate just how special they could be as road cars. Ten years later I drove my friend’s ultimate evolution of his home-modified Escort, now packing 1.7 litres of Kent power and suspension modifications to match. It was a revelation, with a pure directness to the controls and tractable, punchy performance to shame most contemporary sports cars and more than a few modern hot saloons. Yes, this example had been finely honed over the years, but as I was to discover later, the basic car was the perfect starting point with fundamentally good steering, well-balanced handling and engines that thrived on revs.
From new via secondhand to banger, these cars continued to recruit loyal fans, and they’re now enjoying icon status as classics. The 50th birthday deserved a big celebration, our pick of the standout models and a big personality to test them. Step forward David Richards, the man who learnt his rally craft in a MKI and co-drove Ari Vatanen to 1981 World Rally Championship victory in a MKII. And to take us behind the scenes of how the Escort’s styling came to be we interviewed Harris Mann about his time at Ford.
If all of those growly four-cylinder engines are a bit frantic for your sensibilities, we have a Ferrari 365GTC drive, an epic Jaguar XJ5.3C restoration and the life of a well-enjoyed Swallow Doretti. Then the red mist descends again with a reader dream drive in a 911 RS2.7 and a buying guide on the Delta Integrale.
Enjoy the issue.