1969 Ford Escort Mk1 AVO Steel Arch YB Cosworth Turbo

Description

Lot 27

Reg. no. JXC 293H

Chassis no. BB44JR39796

Engine no. YB 2WD Sierra Cosworth

Transmission: Manual

Mileage: 2,200 (Since Restoration) previously 74,000

MOT: Expired

Estimate: £28,000 – 32,000

Not only was the Mk. 1 a national best seller of the 1960’s, but it will be forever etched in the minds of motorsport fans for being successful in both the rally world and on the race track, in fact, often considered the most successful rally car of all time. By 1974 2 million Mk. 1’s had been built, 60% coming from UK production. Ford were so enthralled in their motorsport success, many competition options were available from factory, especially on AVO cars.

This particular car evokes the looks of an early rally car but has a sting in its tail in the form of the later Sierra turbo YB Cosworth engine and running gear. Built from the ground up in recent years, the steel AVO bubble arches are believed to be factory fitted and the car was built on a GT shell. The car Is being sold from a large collection which includes two other Escorts also in our sale. As a result, the car has been well looked after and dry stored since its restoration, only covering just over 2,200 miles in that time.

The Ermine white paint with blue Ford Motorsport decals compliment those muscular arches that you would find on many competition cars in period, whilst Compomotive wheels wrapped in track tyres and the iconic 4-spot light front end finish off the motorsport look on the outside. Another rare inclusion on this car are the folding front quarter windows which were fitted on very few Escorts.

The louvres cut into the bonnet give passers by the idea that everything may not be quite standard under the bonnet. Within the fresh white engine bay sits a YB Cosworth Turbo, freshly built in 2015 by Lee Marshal Engine Developments. The builder says the engine should be capable of around 450bhp. The build featured RS500 thick wall block, WRC spec cylinder head, BD14 cams and 8:1 ratio pocket pistons. A T35 Garrett turbo with larger internals and ball bearing conversion is mated to the engine. The engine bay really looks the part with a blue rocker cover, blue silicone hoses and a host of alloy parts including a large radiator.

Mounted in the boot is an alloy rally fuel tank as well as a motorsport fuelling setup. The rear end is built with a baby atlas axle with Quaife diff, custom 2-piece shafts, Cosworth 4x4 discs and callipers. During the rebuild the 2WD Sierra gearbox was also reconditioned. The car also features AP callipers upfront and Bilstein ‘group 4’ suspension all round. This fantastic example of a Mk. 1 is ready to use on track, road, competition or taken to shows. Not one for the purists but certainly one for the driver with over £50,000 spent on its rebuild.

The interior is just as well presented as the exterior with Safety Devices bolt in roll cage, bucket seats, harnesses and Sparco steering wheel. It also includes a motorsport centre dash panel, adjustable brake bias valve and a Race tech 2 digital dash so you can understand what is going on with the engine at all times.

The sale includes a current V5C document as well as a large folder of history which includes a vast amount of receipt for parts and servicing, old MOT’s as well as an RAC competition passport from when the car was in GT form with a picture showing it with steel AVO arches even back then. It does look like a passport was issued but the car never competed.

Viewing is welcome prior to sale and all cars are sold as seen, condition reports can be requested on each lot by contacting us direct. Lots are not available to buy prior to auction. Fully illustrated catalogue is available on the Richard Edmonds Auction website. Bids can be made online, by telephone or live on site. All lots are subject to commission.

Vehicles that are un-registered or on foreign plates may require Import Duty and Vat to be paid upon purchase via HMRC prior to registering with the DVLA for a UK plate, if you are not sure please ask. For classic cars over 30 years this equates to 5% Duty on the final value.