The Ford Escort has, what only can be described as, a deeply rich history and enviable motorsport pedigree. From its humble beginnings as the Squire van through to its reinvention as a humble family car, the Ford Escort has been embraced by both casual and professional drivers the world over.
Still in production today, albeit only in China, the Ford Escort range spans half a century and its back catalog is brimming with rally cars, lusted after street racers, special time attack vehicles, and sought-after collectibles to whet every enthusiast's appetite.
So with so many models and designations to choose from here are 10 Things Everyone Forgot about The Ford Escort.
10 1955 Squire Escort
The first time the Escort name appeared on a Ford was in 1955. Powered by a humble 1172cc 36BHP sidevalve engine the body shell was designed to serve as a four-seat utility van and featured double rear doors to aid loading.
With a top speed of 69 mph and capable of accelerating to 50 mph in 20 seconds, the performance could only be described as sedate, but the little van saw service in a number of professional fields.
9 MK1 RS1600 BDA
The RS1600 is a landmark vehicle, not only was it the first Ford to wear the now-legendary RS badge, but it was also the first time that the famous BDA engine, manufactured by Cosworth, was fitted.
The Belt Driven A type, to give it its full name, was a 16 valve, direct overhead cam, 4-cylinder engine of 1.6 liters. Producing 120 bhp with 112 lb-ft torque the plain-looking Escort could propel itself to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds and max out at 113 mph.
8 MK2 RS 1800
Based on an MK2 Mexico but with a revised version of the BDA engine, only 109 RS1800’s were ever produced. The 1.8-liter power plant was slightly less powerful at 115 bhp, but torque increased to 120 lb-ft, and remained stronger throughout the rev range.
7 RS1700T
Looking to rival the fresh wave of Group B rally giants that were sweeping the WRC winners podiums, Ford developed the awesome RS1700T. Based on an MK3 Escort with underpinnings from the MK2, only 18 prototype cars were ever built.
With a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine producing 350 bhp and a huge 380 lb-ft of torque, the RWD Escort never saw service as the development program was scrapped due to the release of Audi’s Quattro. Despite being a canned project the engine, however, did see service in another bespoke rallying creation known as the RS200.
6 XR3i & RS Turbo
With the all-new MK3 Escort being front-wheel-drive, compared to the previous two generations' rear-wheel-drive, Ford Europe wanted to steal buyers away from the Golf GTi and so produced the XR3. Boasting both a chin and boot spoiler the more sophisticated hot hatch was far more comfortable than its predecessors.
The RS Turbo was one of the fastest hot hatches of its day, the 1.6-liter turbo unit beneath the hood would develop 135bhp, hit 60 mph in 8 seconds, and was the first front-wheeled drive car to be fitted with a standard limited-slip differential. A favorite for tuners, many engines had power pushed to circa 200 bhp, which would see 0-60 times drop below 7 seconds.
5 1999 Escort ZX/2 SR
Considered to be a parts bin special, the ZX/2 SR was a Ford/Mazda collaboration blessed with independent suspension featuring Eibach springs, Roush intake system, Borla exhaust, Centerforce performance clutch, and all-round disc brakes.
The remapped 2.0 liter naturally aspirated Zetec engine was good for 170 bhp and would crack 60 mph in 7.7 seconds.
4 Escort Seeka
Long before Audi gave us the A6 Allroad, the clever people at Ford Australia pioneered the Seeka recreational vehicle. Based on an Escort Wagon, the concept vehicle had a 90 hp 1.8-liter turbo-diesel engine, raised suspension, and figure-hugging bucket seats.
In addition, this ground-breaking vehicle had a full panoramic sunroof, dash mounted fax machine, a telephone, and portable television. Everything those looking to get away for a few days camping would ever need!
3 Escort Cosworth
Displaying its large ‘whale tail’ spoiler like a proud peacock, the Escort Cosworth is a motoring legend and highly sought-after enthusiast vehicle. Housing the highly tuneable YBT engine, the ‘Cossie’, as it was lovingly referred to, put out 225 hp in standard trim and would race to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.
Capable of being modified to offer in excess of 1000 hp, the four-wheel-drive platform, and distinct looks enabled racers and tuners to ensure that this car would become an instant classic worldwide.
2 The Escort 'Hoonigan'
Proving that there was plenty of life left in the aged MK2 Escort platform, Ken Block’s Hoonigan team dropped a 2.5 liter Millington Diamond Series II engine pumping out 330 bhp into a Kyoto Rocket Bunny-wearing shell to create a Gymkhana machine that will rev to 9000 rpm.
In addition to the technical masterpiece under the hood, the 6-speed sequential gearbox, twin-plate clutch, and WRC differential allowed for tires to be transformed from solid rubber to acrid billowing smoke at an alarming rate.
1 MST
For those seeking old-school thrills blended with modern-day reliability and technology, then the team at MST probably has something that will deliver. Offering a selection of 8 vehicles, 4 MK1 & 4 MK2 in various states of tune, MST hand build a modern car based upon a very classic design.
With a host of features never fitted to the original ca like power steering, programmable ECU’s, lightweight disc brakes, and sequential six-speed transmissions, buyers can tailor a vehicle to their own specific requirements. From fast road to full-on rally-prepped vehicles, there’s even the option of ticking a box to equip the same 330bhp Millington Diamond engine that powers the Hoonigan Escort.