1971 FORD ESCORT (MK1) 1100L - 9,139 MILES

This Ford Escort Mk1 1100L is a remarkable unrestored classic car, presented with exceptionally low mileage and in highly original condition. Under the bonnet is a 1.1-litre inline-four petrol engine, with rear-wheel drive via a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 9,139 miles, which is supported by the history file accompanying the car.

First registered on 30 September 1971, there are just two former keepers on the log book, with the third private owner acquiring it in April 2011. It is now in the collection of its fourth owner, but it has not been registered in their name. The first owner kept the car for just over 30 years, and between 2004 and 2011 it was displayed in a Ford museum.

The vendor states there is no evidence of any accident damage, but it has had some remedial paintwork earlier in its life. There are some touched-up areas on the bonnet, one 15mm scratch on the nearside rear quarter, and some paint cracking on the offside door. However, the overall appearance is still impressive, presenting very well for a car that will turn 50 years old in 2021. The only obvious replacement part is a new rear window, and there is an original invoice from Ford for this component. The vendor notes that it has been undersealed in the past, and that there is no worrying rust underneath the body or chassis.

Inside, the upholstery and other cabin trim is believed to be entirely original, and is in superb order. There are no rips or splits in the front or rear seats, and the former show only minimal signs of use. The blue carpets are in generally excellent condition, as are the trims around the door panels and rear quarters. The steering column casing is cracked and heavily worn around the key barrel, which may have been where someone started an attempted repair in the past. There are no issues with any of the electrics, and the switchgear all works as it should.

Its last service was in October 2020, when the oil was renewed and the filters changed for genuine new old stock Ford items. The battery was also replaced, the fuel tank was drained, all it received new tyres for all four road wheels plus the spare in the boot. There is paperwork dating back to the 1970s in the history file. It may well have had minor routine maintenance in the interim, since it saw sparing use through the 1990s and 2000s - as reflected in the MOT history below.

Now exempt from mandatory annual MOT testing on the basis of age, its last inspection was on 8 April 2014 at 9,049 miles, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories or defects noted. The new tyres are all date-coded to 2020 and are as-new.

Accompanying the car is a collection of old invoices and MOT certificates, as well as some tax discs and the original stereo manual. The original jack and a spare drive belt are also present.

This Ford Escort Mk1 1100L is a charming unrestored example of a classic saloon. While there are minor cosmetic imperfections that could be attended to by the next owner, the car is generally in remarkable condition throughout, with paperwork to support its incredibly low indicated mileage. The vendor reports that it starts, runs, and drives very well, and of course it benefits from a fresh service in October this year. It would make a great addition to any Ford collection, and no doubt a thoroughly enjoyable fair weather classic.

MOT history on file:

• 08/04/14 9049 miles
• 27/04/13 9033 miles
• 24/03/12 8954 miles
• 01/03/11 8742 miles
• 13/03/03 8612 miles
• 04/04/02 8373 miles
• 10/10/97 8356 miles
• 30/09/96 8351 miles
• 28/09/93 8049 miles
• 26/09/90 7749 miles
• 28/09/89 7523 miles
• 26/09/79 4250 miles

Service history on file:

• 21/09/20 9137 miles
• 30/09/91 7893 miles
• 30/09/89 7523 miles
• 30/09/83 5641 miles
• 29/09/81 4859 miles
• 30/09/80 4484 miles

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 through HPI checks and MOT history where available. 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. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.