1971 FORD ESCORT (MK 1) LOTUS TWIN CAM

KEY FACTS

• A stunning example of rare British classic, which has been restored and upgraded with motorsport-style equipment.
• Under the bonnet sits a 1.6-litre Lotus-Ford Twin Cam inline-four, fed by dual Weber 40DCOE carburetors, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission.
• Previously registered in Spain, the car has since been imported in to the UK and registered with the DVLA during November 2020.
• It is understood to be one of just 883 examples of the ‘BB49’ chassis code genuine Escort Twin Cam cars.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Having been restored to a high standard, this Escort also features numerous competition-inspired modifications – most notably the Group 4 style body with ‘works’ wheel arches.
• There are also front light pods, cut-off and toggle switches in the cabin, upgraded period-style bucket seats in the front for added support, and a bolt-in rear half-cage.
• The vendor has been told that the car is a matching-numbers example, but has not verified this claim.
• There is very little in the way of documentation with the vehicle, with only a few documents remaining from its time in Spain, though the condition of the car and photographs of the restoration provide very good evidence of its quality.

CONDITION

• There is no known damage to the bodywork.
• Having been previously restored, the paintwork is in very good condition, as shown in the extensive set of photos below.
• The chrome detailing all looks to be in great shape with a mirror-like finish, while all four wheels are generally sound with only cosmetic blemishes.
• Inside, the cabin presents superbly, with few signs of wear visible to the seats, carpet, dashboard or door cards.
• All electrics appear to be working as intended, and there are no known faults with the vehicle.
• On account of its age, this MK1 Escort is exempt from mandatory MOT testing. It is currently under a valid SORN certificate.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The vendor is uncertain when the car was last serviced, as there is no formal history present with the vehicle.
• It would appear that the carburettors have previously been balanced and are running well, though a final tune on a rolling road is required to achieve an optimal setup.

SUMMARY

Offering the chance to live out your childhood rallying dreams; this rare Ford Escort Mk1 Lotus Twin Cam has numerous competition-inspired upgrades, and benefits from a prior cosmetic and mechanical restoration. It should require only minor fettling before being used enthusiastically, either as a fun B-road toy, or as a great choice for hill climbs, sprints, or track days.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.