1969 Ford Escort Twin Cam

*To Be Offered In Absentia*

From the start of the Escort range, Ford had intended to produce sporting versions of its new model; the first of this special breed of Escort was the Lotus engined Twin-Cam. The Twin-Cam used the same 1558cc engine as the Lotus Cortina. This meant 110bhp and a top speed of 115mph. Externally, there was little difference between the Escort Twin-Cam and its tamer sister, the Escort GT. A reinforced bodyshell with wider wheel arches and quarter bumpers hid the uprated suspension and front disc brakes were standard equipment.

The Escort Twin-Cam was conceived and developed by Ford's Boreham-based competitions department during 1967 and unleashed on an unsuspecting public during January 1968; going on to achieve many international race and rally victories during its short production life. Ford entered their first event with the Escort, taking part in the new formula of motorsport, Rallycross and also entering at an event at Croft (still used today); the Escort Twin-Cam won 4 races out right. The Ford works team was practically unbeatable in the late 1960s and 1970s with, arguably, the Escort's greatest victory in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally. In total, just over 883 Escort Twin-Cams were built before production ended in 1971 to make way for the BDA Cosworth powered RS1600.

Over the years, many Twin Cams have been raced, rallied or modified, which is what makes the opportunity to acquire this standard road-spec car so special. "APG 359H' has been extensively restored to original specification, including a bare metal respray in the preferred Twin Cam colour of Ermine White, a complete engine overhaul with forged Powermax pistons and a period Astrali steering wheel to complete the interior look. This car rides on correct Twin Cam Wheels which are fitted with new tyres.

An extensive history file that documents the complete ownership history from new, old MoT certificates, invoices, restoration pictures and even the original chassis plates, make this car a very exciting prospect indeed. An original owner's handbook also remains in situ.

Rarely do Mk.I Escorts of this quality come onto the open market, let alone a rare Twin Cam engined example. With prices of fast Fords seemingly continuing to rise, this car would not embarrass in any serious car collection today and certainly cannot be overlooked.