1972 Ford Escort Mk.I Rally Car

Originally introduced in 1967, the Ford Escort MkI was a success in many parts of Western Europe. In the UK it was the highest selling car of the 1960's. In 1974, less than six years after the car's UK introduction, Ford announced the completion of the two millionth Ford Escort, a milestone unmatched by any Ford model outside the USA.

The Escort, in various guises, went on to become one of the most successful rally cars of all time. The Ford Works team was practically unbeatable in the late 1960s / early 1970s and, arguably, the Escort's greatest victory was in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally when the winning car was driven by Finnish legend, Hannu Mikkola.

This particular rally prepared Escort is a Mark I, 2-door shell which benefits from having had any rust removed and fireproofed, it is also seam welded and gusseted. All this work was undertaken by Pete Maylum Motorsport and it brought the car up to 'Works' Group 4 Historic specification. Beside lots of double skin additions there is the full works style multi-position cross-member set up that enables a variety of engines to be installed. There are also 'Works' quick-lift jacking points, an enlarged gearbox tunnel, fibreglass wheel arches and a fibreglass boot lid.

Power comes from a 197bhp 2 litre Pinto engine, which has been prepared by Mark Shillaber. The engine is fitted with a modified head that has been ported and polished, with Kent Cams HT1 camshaft along with the addition of Twin Weber 45 DCOE carburettors. To keep the engine running at its optimum temperature a Prepfab alloy radiator with high-pressure competition hoses has also been fitted.

Mated to the engine is a Tran-X heavy duty 4-speed Rocket gearbox and a Lockheed Ceremetallic competition clutch plate and cover. A one piece propshaft delivers the power from the gearbox to an English axle with 4.1 steel LSD, 4 linked with a panhard rod. The rear suspension features 143lb Single leaf slipper springs and Adjustable Gaz rear shock absorbers.

The Front struts are 2.25" fully adjustable type with eccentric rose jointed top mounts and competition springs. A set of the original sized Bilstein struts and springs are also included in the sale. Stopping power is provided by heavy duty ventilated discs and calipers fitted with competition pads whilst the rear of the car is fitted with 9" drum brakes. All brake lines are braided and fitted inside main bodywork. Fitted to the car are 6" genuine Minilite competition wheels (5 of) and Yokohama A021R tyres (5 of).

Safety inside the shell is coutesy of a full International specification "welded-in' Roll Centre cage with diagonal door & roof braces. There are also OMP competition seats and TRS 6-point safety harnesses. The car is fitted with an International standard 4 litre plumbed-in fire extinguisher system plus 2.4 litre handheld fire extinguisher.

Inside the boot is a Prepfab shaped 11½ gallon petrol tank with dual Facet Red Top fuel pumps all connected via braided safety fuel lines routed inside the car. Also featured are a high ratio competition steering rack, adjustable bias brake pedal box and a laminated & heated front windscreen.

Previously sold by us, the car has since undergone further improvement by the current owner and we are delighted to offer the opportunity to purchase this high specification car which is "on the button' and ready to use.