Ford Escort Mk2 1600 Sport – Signal Orange
The Escort Sport was launched on March 4th 1975 along with the rest of the Mk2 range and was available as a 2 or 4-door saloon, both of which could be specified with an automatic gearbox. It sat above the GL but below the Ghia in the pricing hierarchy and featured: a twin-choke Weber carburettor, high-lift camshaft, distinctive graphics, spotlights, sports wheels and a close-ratio gearbox. Although it rode 12mm lower than standard, it used a modified version of the standard suspension rather than the more specialised components used on the RS models. Power came from the 1.6-litre Kent Crossflow engine that had previously been seen in many Fords, including the Escort Mk1 Mexico.
The current owner of the car modelled, Steven Maclean from Aberdeenshire, bought it in 2016 after it had been totally restored by friend, neighbour, and fellow RS Club member Gary Bell in 2009.During this nut and bolt rebuild Gary modified the car extensively but retained the original ‘narrow-arch’ factory look, its distinctive 1600 Sport graphics, original paint colour and interior. The modifications included fitting a Vauxhall C20XE engine (a very popular transplant in the Escort world), which is fuelled by throttle bodies, a close-ratio Ford type-9 gearbox, Bilstein suspension, uprated brakes and completely new black trim and carpets. The result is a car which looks standard but packs nearly 200bhp and, because the bodyshell is quite light, has fantastic performance.
Engine: 1598cc 4IL OHV; Power: 83bhp@5,500rpm; Torque: 92lb.ft@4800rpm; 0-60mph: 11.1 seconds; Maximum speed: 101mph; Weight: 868kgs.
Ford Motors Company Trademarks and Trade Dress used under license to Hornby Hobbies. Manufactured by Hornby Hobbies Ltd.
