1971 Ford Escort Twin-Cam

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 to make way for the RS1600.This original road specification Escort Twin-Cam is a 1971 example finished in copper red with black interior. Built in Australia and first sold new to New Zealand, the car was at one time owned and raced by Richard McCathy in New Zealand. Supplied with a good history file detailing expenditure over the years, the engine was fully rebuilt to race standards with Gilmore drive, Edgel works head, lightened and balanced crankshaft and twin 45 Webber carburettors. The interior is finished to standard specification with auto sport master seats. The bodywork is presented in lovely order and this car has clearly been restored to a high specification. This lovely example of a fast-appreciating model is guided very sensibly in today's collector motor car market and presented in this rare colour combination, you will certainly stand out from the crowd of Ermine White Twin-Cam owners.