1975 Ford Escort 1300E

The Ford Escort 1300E, the ‘E’ standing for ‘Executive’, was introduced as the luxury variant within the Escort Mk1 range, offering refined appointments and subtle upgrades over the standard model. With its wood-trimmed interior, distinctive badging, and uprated suspension, the 1300E bridged the gap between everyday saloons and sporting Escorts of the era. The car offered here is a particularly rare and exceptional example, finished in the seldom-seen Arizona Gold—a striking original colour that perfectly complements its understated character.

The 1300E on offer is a genuine UK-supplied vehicle, first registered on 28th November 1974 and delivered by Ford Eastbourne to its first owner, Mr. Oakshott. It has had just 3 owners from new, retaining its original owner’s certificate within the factory service book. Showing just 84,000 miles, it has been the subject of a thoroughly detailed nut-and-bolt restoration, executed to an exceptional standard with an emphasis on originality and period accuracy.

The restoration made extensive use of New Old Stock (NOS) parts, and the quality of the work is evident throughout. Remarkably, the shell retained all its original paint and had never suffered from poor repairs or accident damage. It had been Ziebart rust-proofed from new, and this early protection proved highly effective. While minor bodywork repairs were necessary, including new rear arches, sills, front wings, a front panel, and a single front floor pan, the structure, including the doorsteps, inner sills, jacking points, chassis rails, and wheel wells were completely solid and subsequently treated with epoxy primer inside and out, high-build primer, and a durable Raptor-coated underside, all before being refinished in its original Arizona Gold with a modern 2K clear coat.

All exterior trim and detailing were either replaced with NOS items or restored to as-new condition. New window rubbers, door seals, a brand-new vinyl roof, replacement chrome bumpers with over-riders, NOS lights, Lucas indicators, and a set of restored original wheels with new chrome rings and nuts all contribute to the car’s concours-level finish. The original pressed number plates have been carefully stripped, polished, and rebuilt.

Mechanically, the car retains its original 1300cc engine and running gear, which have been fully stripped and rebuilt, retaining all period-correct features such as points, condenser, and a Motorcraft ignition system. The engine benefits from a reconditioned twin-choke Weber carburettor, new gaskets, hoses with correct stainless clips, a new exhaust system finished in high-temperature paint, and original engine bay decals, including the distinctive blue “dustbin lid” air cleaner.

The suspension and braking system have also received a comprehensive overhaul, with all components stripped, refinished in 2K paint, and clear-coated. New bearings, seals, master cylinder, brake callipers, discs, drums, and handbrake components have been fitted, alongside polybushes and all-new genuine fasteners in stainless steel, right down to the crosshead screws.

The interior has been beautifully re-trimmed in period-correct materials, including newly upholstered front seats, a restored dashboard top, fresh carpets, and a re-covered leather steering wheel. The wooden dashboard trim has been painstakingly refinished with twelve coats of 2K lacquer, achieving a rich, deep gloss. Notably, the car has never had a radio fitted, and thus retains its original, uncut dashboard and speaker-free parcel shelf. A new laminated windscreen, new interior fittings, and a complete boot area with jack and tool bag round out the package.

With its outstanding originality, superb condition, and sympathetic yet thorough restoration, this rare Arizona Gold 1300E stands as one of the finest Escort saloons we’ve encountered. A genuine collector’s opportunity for those seeking a truly special and beautifully presented example of Ford’s enduring classic.