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Few models of car offer as much variety as the beloved Ford Escort. From small family saloons to hot hatches and rally cars, from panel vans to luxury models, the range has given us everything. 

Between the late 1960s and the new millennium, there have been six generations of this perennially popular car on Britain’s streets. In total, some 4.1 million models were sold in the UK, and it frequently topped the bestseller lists.

So how was the Escort developed? Which versions won the approval of the critics – and which ones were panned?

If you’re a fan of Fords, read on for our guide. And if you own an Escort yourself, Lancaster can arrange classic car insurance tailored to your needs and your budget.

Development of the Escort

By the mid-1960s, Ford’s trusty old Anglia model was unsurprisingly looking rather dated: it had been around, in a few different iterations, since 1939.

Therefore, Ford Europe decided to retire the Anglia gracefully and replace it with a new small family car. It settled on a name it had already used for a short-lived version of the Squire in the 1950s: the Escort.

So how did the new Escort ring in the changes? It had rear-wheel drive, either four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission, and rack-and-pinion steering. Design-wise, it looked modern, with coke-bottle flared styling and a ‘dog bone’ front grille.

There were four versions: the De Luxe, the Super, the Super 1300cc and the GT. Saloon, estate and panel van versions were available in the first year, with a four-door saloon following in 1969.

Production took place at both the Halewood plant in Merseyside and, for left-hand drive models, in Belgium and later Germany.

 

The launch of the Escort Mk1

The UK, 1967. The Beatles released Sergeant Pepper, BBC Radio 1 broadcast for the very first time, and the very first Ford Escorts rolled onto the UK’s streets. What a year!

The Escort was officially launched at the Brussels show in January 1968. So how was it received by the car critics?

Autocar called it “a big step forward from the Anglia for Ford” and said it offered “good value and a much safer performance than its predecessor”. The reviewer predicted that it would become a strong force to reckon with.

However, nobody could have forecast that over the next six years, Ford would sell more than two million Escorts. In the UK especially, it was a sales sensation.

If you’ve taken a trip down Memory Lane and bought yourself an early Ford Escort, contact Lancaster to arrange your classic car insurance.

Explosion in popularity

So why did the UK public snap up Escorts in their droves? It’s at least partly explained by the Escort’s early marketing slogan: “The small car that isn’t.”

It was well designed to transport the entire family, while also squeezing into compact parking spaces on Britain’s increasingly crowded streets. Just what ordinary people needed!

Looks-wise, who wanted to be stuck in the 1950s with an outdated Anglia when you could be in the swinging 60s and 70s with your fashion-forward Escort?

And just as the Anglia had once been the standard police car, now the Escort took on that role.

These days, classic car lovers appreciate both the Anglia and the Escort. If you’ve got either in your garage, make sure they’re protected with classic car insurance.

 

Escort Mk2

By 1975, it was time for a redesign. That coke-bottle styling that had looked so American and modern in the 1960s was already appearing somewhat last-decade.

So, the Escort Mk2, codenamed “Brenda” during development, was sleeker in looks. While there were no huge changes, there were improvements across the board: seating, ride and handling, heating, ventilation and so on were all given an upgrade.

The first two generations of the Escort are still loved today. In part, this is down to the huge number of variations that Ford produced of each model, allowing it to compete in different niches of the market.

There was a wide range of engines, trims and body shells, including Base or Popular models for the lower end of the market; Ghia for the small car luxury market; performance models; and panel vans.

In fact, there was an Escort for just about everyone, and there still is today. Whichever model takes your fancy, contact Lancaster to arrange classic car insurance to keep it protected.

Rally cars

So far, we’ve focused on the family cars in the range. But for many classic car enthusiasts, the Escort means something altogether less sensible and far more exhilarating: rally cars. In fact, the Ford Escort is the most successful rally car of all time.

Escort rally cars have hardened bodyshells, sports suspension and, of course, higher performance engines. Nonetheless, they retain their familiar Escort looks.

Ford Team RS (for ‘Rallye Sport’) was the company’s racing division, and the RS badge was bestowed upon performance cars. Notable early models include the RS1600, developed with a Cosworth BDA engine that was famed for growling at high speeds.

After an 1850 GT Mk I won the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally, Ford produced a special edition road version in tribute: the Ford Escort Mexico, which is highly sought-after these days and definitely worth protecting with classic car insurance if you’re lucky enough to own one.

The Mk2 also won several rallies. The RS2000 model, with its distinctive polyurethane sloping nose, is particularly highly regarded today. It had an overhead-cam Pinto engine capable of 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds, and a top speed of 110 mph. If you’ve ever seen the hit TV show The Professionals, you’ll have seen a white RS2000 in a starring role.

If you’re fascinated by the heyday of Escort rally cars, you might find old models on sale today – perfect for a restoration project. Lancaster can arrange classic car insurance with laid-up cover while you restore your car to its former glory.

 

Escort Mk3 and 4

In 1980, the world was changing. It was the era of Margaret Thatcher, synth pop music, and MTV.

Ford was investing in its Halewood plant and introducing robots to the production line. The Escort underwent a major remodel.

The saloon car with rear-wheel drive was replaced by a hatchback with front-wheel drive, designed to compete against cars such as the Volkswagen Golf and the Honda Civic.

Today, these changes get a mixed reception among Ford Escort enthusiasts. For some, this was a revamp that transformed the small family car market forever. For others, it was downhill from here on for the brand.

This new model was certainly a radical departure – and in fact, was originally intended to be an entirely new series, called the Ford Erika. However, the British were apparently so attached to their Escorts that Ford decided to retain the name.

Although the motoring press criticised its poor suspension and handling, the Mk3 was named European Car of the Year in 1981. Its advertising tagline was “simple is efficient”. That worked on the British public, who continued to buy Escorts in huge numbers.

And the hot hatch version became wildly popular, particularly among the boy racers of the 1980s. Initially launched as the XR3, it had a tuned version of the 1.6L engine and updated suspension, as well as several design differences. Two fuel-injected models, the XR3i and the RS1600i, were launched in 1983, and an RS Turbo model in 1985.

In 1986, the Mk3 was given a facelift and launched as the Mk4. Its looks were somewhat sleeker, and the interior was overhauled. Engineering improvements included an optional anti-lock braking system and heated windscreen – pioneering at the time for small family cars.

While many aficionados prefer the Mk1 and Mk2, these models have their devotees, too. Perhaps a Mk3 or Mk4 was your very first car? If you have one today, remember to get it covered with classic car insurance.

 

Escort Mk5 and Mk6

A new decade, a new Escort. In 1990, Ford introduced the Escort Mk5, with new bodywork but much the same engines as the previous generation.

The first version of the Mk5 was short-lived: it got panned by the motoring press for its poor handling and mediocre styling.

Nonetheless, the UK public remained loyal to the badge and the Escort came first or second in the bestseller lists between 1990-1992. However, the gap between the Escort and its nearest rival, the Vauxhall Astra, was now narrowing.

Ford continued to win plaudits for its rally version: the Escort RS Cosworth, launched in 1992. This car had a turbo-charged 2L Cosworth 16-valve engine capable of 140mph. Design-wise, its whale-tale spoiler gave it a highly distinctive flair!

The ‘Cossie’ could do 0-60mph in 5.7 seconds, putting it on a par with the Ferrari 348. It won several key rallies in the mid-90s, and is a much sought-after Escort today – though many argue that it actually has more in common with the Ford Sierra.

The standard Mk5 received a few upgrades, including a new Zetec engine in 1992 and airbags in 1994. Then Ford decided to give it one more revamp.

The Escort Mk6 rolled off the production line at Halewood in 1995, and continued until the new millennium. It remedied several of the issues with the Mk5, with revised engines, higher dashboard quality, and improved handling, ride and suspension.

But underneath this overhaul, the Mk6 was pretty much the same car, and it was getting somewhat tired. Engineering-wise, it couldn’t compete against the new kids on the block.

Just as the much-loved Ford Anglia made way for the Escort, it was now the Escort’s turn to give up pride of place in the Ford pantheon: to the Focus.

The last Escort car was manufactured in 2002, although small-scale production of the van version continued for a couple of years. It truly was the end of an era.

The Halewood plant switched to manufacturing Jaguars, which were then owned by Ford. Meanwhile, the new Focus was made in Germany and Spain.

Escorts are now well established as classics, and early Focuses are on their way to classic status, too. Whichever one you buy, Lancaster can arrange classic car insurance to suit your budget and requirements.

 

What to look for in your classic Ford Escort

So if you want to invest in a classic Ford Escort, what issues should you look out for?

One concern is rust. It’s well known that certain models have a tendency to rust and remedying this problem would be a mammoth task for the amateur restoration enthusiast. You may be able to get a car that’s been imported from a drier climate.

Another problem is fake sporting models. Be sure to check the history and provenance of any car you’re buying carefully.

And finally, poor quality modifications are common in Ford Escorts. Make sure the model you’re purchasing has not suffered any bodge jobs – ask to see its service history, and check that repairs have been done by experts.

If you get classic car insurance through Lancaster, you can get a choice of repairer, so you will always get the best quality work done to your treasured motor.

Finally, which Escort should you buy? Each version has its fans, as classic cars are very personal. So, the choice is entirely yours. Happy driving!

 

Get a quote from Lancaster today

Whether you own a rare Ford Escort Mexico or a more standard Mk3, it’s best to get your motor covered with classic car insurance.

At Lancaster, we love Ford Escorts of all types. We are classic car insurance specialists with over 35 years’ experience arranging to suit all budgets and requirements. We offer a 24-hour claims helpline, and a UK-based call centre, making it easy for you to manage your policy.

Benefits of the policies we arrange include discounts for limited mileage and for members of classic car clubs. Free EU cover of up to 90 days can be included.

If you want to restore an old Escort, ask us about laid-up cover. And if you plan to display your car, we can arrange cover for static shows and historic car rallies, too.

Get a quote from Lancaster Insurance today to keep your Escort on the road.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.