Ford Escort Mk2
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Ford Escort Mk2
by TheAde in The Garage on January 30, 2021
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Following on from the success of the MK1. Ford needed to re-vamp the Escort in order to keep the momentum of sales and success of the car going. The solution was the second generation of Escort. The MK2.
Codenamed “Brenda,” the squarer styled MK2 Escort was officially launched in January 1975, but the first production models were rolled off the production line on 2nd December 1974.
The MK2 used the same chassis and mechanical components as the MK1, but featured all new interior and exterior styling in the form of a much squarer appearance. Despite using the same basic underpinnings of the MK1, ‘Brenda’ was more advanced in pretty much all areas.
Better visibility, better seating, more interior space, improved ventilation and improved ride and handling. And despite the car having a slightly higher price tag than its main rivals, within one year, it had become Britain’s best selling car once again.
The MK2 was available in several different body styles, a two door saloon, a four door saloon (commonly known as a more door nowadays), a three door estate and a panel van. With varying different trim levels being available.
The entry level model was known as the “popular.” Which was later split into the “popular” and “popular plus” in 1978. They had steel wheels, round headlights, and black body trimmings.
Mainstream models were branded the “L” and the “GL.” The “L” benefitted from splashings of chrome around the car and a slightly plusher interior, while the “GL” gained sporty wheels, square style headlamps and more interior plushiness.
The range topping “Ghia” offered the same as the “GL,” plus a vinyl roof, wooden interior trim, rubber bumper inserts, a tachometer and a more upmarket interior. There was also a “Sport” trim level offering sportier styling.
The engines available were much the same as the MK1. Consisting of a 1098cc crossflow and a 1298cc crossflow with varying states of tune.
Happily, Ford also offered a 1598cc crossflow on the higher trim levels. An option that was never available on the MK1. Italy was also furnished with a 940cc Crossflow with scarcely enough power to pull the skin off a rice pudding.
As they did with the MK1, Ford produced a hot “Mexico” version of the MK2. Consisting of a 1.6 litre pinto engine producing 95bhp.
Other sporting Escorts included the “RS1800” with a 1.8 litre Cosworth tuned BDA engine producing 115bhp, and the droop nosed “RS2000” which was fitted with a 2.0 litre pinto engine with 110bhp.
In 1979 and 1980, as a sort of “last hoorah” for the MK2. Ford made three “Special Edition” models, they were the “Linnet,” the “Harrier,” and the “Goldcrest.”
Production ended in August 1980 to make way for the all new MK3 Escort.
The Ford Escort was a fantastic success for Ford in rally. The Escort went on to dominate the rally scene for a total of 12 years from 1968 through to 1980, in the form of the MK1 and the squarer styled MK2.
The rally cars ford produced were fast, even by todays standards. They featured wide body wheel arches, strengthened chassis, and many performance upgrades. The engine was a Cosworth tuned 2.0 Litre BDG giving a massive 250bhp. The car went on to compete in the RAC rally, taking over from where the MK1 left off, winning every year from 1975 through to 1979.
Also appearing in other events such as the WRC with drivers such as Bjorn Waldegard, Hannu Mikkola and Ari Vatanenn frequently appearing in the podium, even despite Audi bringing the all wheel drive Quattro to the table in 1980.
It was thanks to these drivers Ford won the Manufacturers title. Which it would not win again until 2006 with the RS Ford Focus.
It was to celebrate this success, that Ford Introduced the RS1800 and RS2000 models.
To this day the Escort continues to be a popular choice in the rallying scene, and continues to take home the wins in the historic motorsport categories.
Not too long ago, you could pick up a MK2 Escort for beer and skittles money. Now however, as the model is becoming increasingly rarer, the demand for them is increasing. As is the value.
4 Doors – As with any used car, prices can vary massively depending on a number of different factors. Thanks to the high demand for 2 door cars in rallying, the 4 door variants are slightly less desirable and often overlooked, so can be picked up for a more affordable price. Restoration projects can start at around £2,000 to £3000. Average condition road worthy cars can fetch up to about £8000. With immaculate condition ones exceeding £13,000.
2 Doors – The price of 2 doors can vary even further, thanks to the vast array of different models that were available. Restoration projects seem to start about £4000. With average condition road worthy models fetching up to £12,000. Immaculate ones can fetch over £20,000. With some of the rare models sometimes exceeding £35,000!
Estates/Vans – Generally less desirable and popular. Once again thanks to the demand for 2 door shells for rallying purposes. Restoration projects seem to start around £2,000, with average condition cars fetching up to about £7000, and Immaculate condition ones around £12,000.
As is with any old car, the biggest problem is metal rot. A.K.A Rust! Open all the doors and check the bottom of the door. Water and dirt from the road can collect under the door and cause the underside of the door to rust, often creating holes. Whilst checking this, take the time to check along the sills. Paying particular attention to the section where the sills meet the wheel arches.
Check the Front wings, these are a very common problem for the Mk2 Escorts, dirt and moisture can collect in all the nucks and crannies where the wings meet the body which can then cause the car to rust from the inside out.
Inspect all around the edges of the Wings, including around the headlights. Keep an eye out for rust bubbles under the paint. If there is bubbling but the paint has not been broke, this is a key sign there is rust present behind the wing. Also be sure to open the bonnet and check the bulk head, particularly the section where the heater matrix is located, water and moisture can collect here. Whilst under the bonnet, check the suspension mounts, once again, this is a common moisture trap.
At the back of the car, open the boot and inspect the bottom of the tailgate lid. Pay particular attention to the spare wheel well, it is common for rust to appear hear and there to be large holes appearing. And finally check the wheel arches, paying particular attention to the rear arches.
Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises, no squeaks rattles or knocks. And if possible take the car for a test run, make sure the steering feels tight, listen out for any untoward noises from brakes or suspension.
Common alterations include lowering, engine swaps, fitting a 5 speed gearbox, spotlights, differential welding, alloys, RS styling and much more. Unmolested original models are very hard to come by now, especially UK variants. But thankfully imported vehicles are also common to find, especially from South Africa, which is a dryer climate, so that means they tend to be in better condition.
In any form, this is a desirable classic car. For any enthusiast. I would recommend going for at least the 1.3 litre. In the Ghia, the 1298cc crossflow produces 68bhp. By today’s standards, this is not a lot. But back in the 70’s this was very respectable. 0-60mph with this engine takes little over 14 seconds. The crossflow engines make a nice raspy noise too which adds to the feel.
The issue is the 4 speed gearbox, and no overdrive option. Which means if you want to keep up with modern day traffic at 60 – 70mph, the revs are very high. And although you could cruise at this speed, you would probably arrive at your destination with tinnitus!
Fitting a replacement engine such as a pinto engine, and a five speed gearbox does help overcome this issue, but does take away the cars originality. Depends how much you value having an original car.
But what about the handling? Old school car, old school handling. Power is sent to the rear wheels. There is no power steering, ABS, or any electronical interference from electronical driving aids. Which means you really feel engaged with the car. This is a car you have to DRIVE.
The suspension is quite soft thanks to pre-historic leaf springs on the back, so it does roll a little through the corners. But there is a lot of feel through the wheel and pedals, you feel very involved with it. Due to the light weight of the car, and the little weight there is being at the front rather than over the rear axle, this is a very tail happy little car.
Taking corners too fast in this though is like poking a baby grizzly bear with a stick. It will bite you, but in a playful way, not an I’m going to kill you way. It hangs its tail out like a happy dog wagging its tail. The Escort loves hanging its tail out around corners. This is great fun and always puts a smile on my face.
So how much does it cost to run? All Mk2 Escorts are now tax exempt and MOT exempt due to them being over 40 years old and considered vintage. This is a nice saving. The insurance is surprisingly affordable if you insure with classic car insurance companies. However the downfall is the fuel economy. It will just about manage 30mpg if you drive very carefully. Making visits to the fuel station a frequent occurrence. But when you pull in to the station and everybody turns and looks and comments on what a nice car it is, it almost makes the high fuel cost worth it.
And the comfort? Surprisingly comfortable. The seats are nice and cushioning and the interior is a genuinely nice place to be. Spec wise, there really is not a lot to talk about. Even if you opt for the range topping Ghia, Its basic! You get a radio, and a speaker for the radio, and….. that’s about it. This car is back to basics. And in all honesty, that’s what I like about it. Space is actually pretty good for such a small saloon car. There is plenty of room up front for driver and passenger. Realistically you could only put two full size adults in the rear of the car but that said there is a reasonable amount of leg room and headroom. Boot space is big enough for your weekly shop too.
Overall, even 40 years on, the Ford Escort Mk2 is still a very good little car. It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Yes its noisy, yes its heavy on the fuel, yes it’s an old ford so will break down every 5 minutes, and yes it has zero technology. But that’s what I like about it, it’s so simple you can literally fix it with a hammer. It is a Classic car that even today can still cut it as an everyday driver. The ever popular, highly sought after, Ford Escort MK2.
Click this link to read about the predecessor to this car, the Ford Escort MK1.
Click this link to read about the successor to this car, the Ford Escort MK3
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