1968 Ford Escort Mk1 Super 2 Door *Sold £13,750*

Description

• Warranted mileage of 72,000 miles
• Just three previous owners
• Present owner since 1992
• Rare Blue Mink Example
• Known provenance
• One of just NINE Supers still on the road
• Recent service and MOT’d to April 2024

As a replacement for the Anglia, Ford Launched the Escort Mk1 in 1968. The Escort stuck with the engine pointing north to south, rear wheel drive with leaf-springs and Macpherson front shockers.

Ford kept it simple and once again, they struck gold. The engineering was traditional, the execution perfect. The combination of distinctive styling, gutsy engines and sharp handling meant all Escorts drove brilliantly.

The potential was there though to make the Escort into a legendary race car. From the Lotus Twin Cam through the Mexico to the RS, Ford turned the Escort into a legend.

With only NINE 1968 Escort Mk1 Super’s left on the road we would not be surprised if this is literally the last Blue Mink Super to survive.  We certainly haven’t come across one until now.

To add to that rarity, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find any 2 door Mk1 Escorts that have not been raced, modified or in this wonderful condition, we love it.

Our vendor shared that he has owned this lovely 2 door since April 1992, yes.. 35 years! He purchased it from the previous owner, who lived in Temple Close, Billericay, Essex with just over thirty thousand miles on the clock.  Used sparingly over the years it now shows seventy-two thousand miles and has virtually every MOT going back to 1988, the current one expires in April 2024.

Supplied with two sets of keys, the obligatory Ford Escort Handbook, that large pile of MOTs and what our vendor states as a massive stack of invoices.

A very impressive history for a very impressive Escort that, over recent years, has only been used to take our vendor to local car shows and the odd venture on a sunny Sunday afternoon.  Unfortunately, with age catching up on him and the car being used less and less, the decision has been made to allow this Escort Mk1 to reluctantly, come to market.

Outside.

The rare Blue Mink paint work has been remarkably preserved since it was refreshed back in 2001.

All the exterior appears to be in very good condition. The closures, boot, bonnet and both doors look sound, the shut lines are consistent, even the roof is good.  When taking into account that the little Super was painted over twenty years ago you have to agree it looks absolutely stunning.

Take a look at the image gallery and you will spot a small scuff to the nearside quarter panel and a bubble in the paint on the driver’s door but apart from that our vendor struggled to point anything else out, we would not describe it as a trailer queen but it is remarkably clean and well preserved and would be comfortable and, we believe, extremely popular at any show and tell car show should that be your bag.

Open the boot and you will notice a very solid floor, open the bonnet and there is evidence of welding but we suspect that was just part of the refurbishment back in 2001, either way and like we previously said, it is all very solid and well preserved.

Back to the outside and you will see that the brightwork is shiny and bright, again, not perfect but looking very well cared for with only the slightest sign of ageing to the bumpers, the chrome arches and sill trims are lovely, as are the screen trims along with the one-piece headlamp and grille.  The rear lamp trims are probably the most pitted and the offside lens has a crack but we are being very picky when taking into account that this is a lovely, lovely 2 door Escort Mk1.

Inside

We have to admit being a little taken aback when we saw the inside. If you haven’t already, take a look at the gallery.

Without being restored the seat shape, format, foam and condition look as good as any we’ve seen. The benefit being, these are all original. In fact, all the interior is original.

The dash is crack free. Glove box shelf is still nicely intact, remarkable after fifty odd years. The original steering wheel is fitted along with the centre section, in fact everything is original and still fitted to the interior of the car.  We are also told everything works as it should.

If we take a look at the door pads they are the same. They are all damage-free and the interior original chrome door handles and winders are all there.  Again, this is saying something for a 55 year old Ford and it reflects the caring ownership this classic has had.

We are genuinely struggling to find niggles to report to you.

Is it too good to be true? We don’t think so. This has been one of those classic very low-owner cars which has been genuinely cherished. It is one of those classics that we all hope we’ll stumble on one day. Well, here it is. Simple as that.

Engine and transmission

Lift the bonnet again and you will see a very well presented 1300cc Kent engine, unfortunately not the one that left the factory but a perfect replacement that was installed by Specialised Engines Ltd, a well-known Ford Specialist engine centre based in Essex.  The fully refurbished straight swap engine was fitted at 69,500 miles so less than 2500 have been travelled on what is pretty much a new engine.

The Kent engine along with the gearbox looks sound and dry and displays no obvious issues. Given the short mileage of the refurbished engine we fully expected that.

Our vendor shared that it drives wonderfully with no issues present, starts first time and has no unusual knocks or squeaks.  Again, the massive file of invoices is testament to how well the car has been looked after. Clearly, it has wanted for nothing with every foible being sorted as and when any arrived.

Our vendor shared that the last service was carried out at the same time as the MOT, April this year.  Again, testament to how well this Escort has been looked after.

Our view

As always, our view is simple and straightforward. This a remarkable, adorable and very charming 1960’s Ford Escort Mk1 2 Door Super. Don’t dither about, bid on it. These are not like buses. It’s doubtful there will be another in this condition along soon, so don’t miss it.

A “Super” Escort Mk1 that has been affectionately looked after all it’s life, especially the 35 years our current owner has had it and presenting in this good condition, wow, just wow!

Our vendor wants this to go to the ‘right’ new owner. Wouldn’t it be lovely to be able to guarantee that. We can’t, but we do hope any new owner will understand the treasure that has been uncovered here and protect that treasure, as others have, for the next generations. Don’t blow it. Good luck!