1970 Ford Escort Twincam

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 1960's and 1970's with, arguably, the Escort's greatest victory in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally. In total, just 883 Escort Twin-Cams were built before production ended in 1970 to make way for the RS1600.This original road specification Escort Twin-Cam is a 1970 example finished in Ermine White (nearly all Twin-Cams were) with black interior. Unusually, this car was purchased new for road use and ordered with a factory Ford option of full length sunroof. This specification was not favoured by competition drivers and consequently, BLN 315H has been spared race or rally action over the years. The history file includes a full inspection and valuation certificate from Andrew Wildblood from the Ford AVO owners club, dated 1989. The certificate states that the interior is standard and in good condition, with optional contour front seats and standard rear seats. The wheels, suspension and engine were found to be standard in specification and the bodyshell was reported to be restored 3/4 years prior (to 1989) and in good standard condition.Today, the coachwork, paintwork, engine, gearbox and interior are reported to all be in "very good" condition. Supplied with a full year's MoT test certificate and precious certificates dating back to 1989, this stunning car represents a rare opportunity. Reading only 68,523 believed genuine miles, it is not often that a Mk 1 Twin-Cam of this quality comes onto the open market and with prices continuing to climb, it offers its next owner the chance to own a piece of Ford competition inspired history.