Escort MKII
How to buy the best ’Scort you can find
Why you want one
Aside from the nostalgia factor (let’s face it, vast numbers of us grew up with these cars) an Escort is utterly usable, can still be relatively affordable (depending on which derivative you buy), is easy to work on and upgrade, plus there are still quite a few to choose from. However, many survivors are sporty editions that have started to get extremely valuable in recent years, to the point where security can be a worry. So before buying an Escort MKII, make sure that you’ll be able to hang on to it. sure the inner wings aren’t full of holes; also check the integrity of the bonnet mountings. The same goes for the seams between the inner and outer wings; if there’s visible corrosion here, a lot more rot will be lurking underneath the outer panels. Close the bonnet and inspect the base of the windscreen; remove the vent and see what’s below as it’s often very rusty here. If corrosion has taken a hold, water will be leaking into the footwells – although it’ll look as though the heater is leaking. Thanks to poor accessibility, repairs are tricky.
More readily visible are the outer front wings, which often rust around the headlamps, along their trailing edge and along the seam with the front valance. The valance itself can rot and so can the rear wheelarches and valance; if chrome trim is fitted it will mask the corrosion. The boot fills up with water when the seals perish, while the spring hangers and floorpans also dissolve.
Most Escorts left the factory fitted with 1098cc, 1298cc or 1599cc versions of Ford’s long-lived Kent (Crossflow) engine, the latter appearing in the legendary Mexico. The RS2000 featured a 1993cc Pinto unit, while the ultra-rare RS1800 boasted a 16-valve Cosworth-developed 1840cc twin-cam BDA engine. The Kent and Pinto engines are easy enough to work on, and relatively cheap to rebuild – marque specialists charge upwards of £600 for a revitalised unit, although tuned units can cost several times that.
Which one is best for you
‘Modified cars are generally worth more than originals’
While it’s the sporty Escorts that everyone lusts after (Mexico, RS2000), you shouldn’t overlook the more prosaic and affordable editions too readily. Whereas originality is key with the more collectable models, a well-sorted Escort with some sympathetic upgrades can provide immense fun for relatively little cash.
Most of these cars have 1.3 or 1.6-litre engines which is just as well, as the 1.1-litre unit is gutless. However, with non-sporting MKIIS now being
very much in the minority, some Ford fans have homed in on these more prosaic editions just to be different. Other rarities include the capacious vans and estates, along with autos. The latter are sought after because of their bigger transmission tunnel that makes a five-speed Type 9 conversion much easier. If you’re buying a sporting model make sure it’s the real deal and not a replica, unless it’s priced accordingly. Joining a club is essential to avoid getting your fingers burned.
Can you make it better?
Swapping the original engine for something modern such as a Zetec is straightforward, but keep the Crossflow unit and you can fit hotter camshafts and carburettors, a fruitier exhaust and much more. For inspiration look at burtonpower.co.uk.
Some cars also sport a five-speed gearbox conversion; the Type 9 unit from a Sierra or Cortina will fit, but the best option is the Capri 2.8i as this has a higher first gear. Kits are available to convert to Zetec power. These lighter and more durable engines give an easy 40mpg compared with the Kent’s 30mpg, and while the swap isn’t cheap at £2000-£3000 it often makes long-term sense.
Specialist advice
The Sporting Escort Owners’ Club’s Dave Millburn comments: ‘Over the past 15 years the standard of these cars has risen steadily to the point where it’s now unreal. Many MKIIS are now much better than they ever were when new, but original cars are hard to find as so many have been modified. Some have been done really well but many haven’t, so much care is needed when buying.
‘A lot of MKIIS are now being imported, many from RHD South Africa, but also LHD cars are coming in from Europe – some of these are then converted to right-hand drive. It’s an easy conversion but such cars won’t be worth as much as genuine RHD cars.
‘Before buying it’s essential to thoroughly drive as many examples as you can. Most MKIIS have been restored by now and most have been tweaked in some way, so they all drive differently, which is why you need to ensure that any car you’re considering buying is pleasant to drive.’