1971 Ford Escort MkI

The Ford Escort as we know it didn’t come to us until 1981, so this MkI might not look familiar. It’s actually a rallying version of the European Ford Escort RS2000 Mark I that helped propel Ford’s Advanced Vehicle Operations plant and Rallye Sport efforts. Way cooler than our rather tepid Escort but maybe not as iconic as the Escort RS Cosworth rally car. This particular 1971 Mk 1 Escort Twin Cam is a rarity because it’s only one of three delivered to Ford of Portugal and subsequently converted to left-hand drive. It also happens to be only one of three clad in Sunset Red Paint as special order from the factory. Under the hood is a 1.6-literThe inline-four with Weber 40DCOE carburetors, mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox. The engine has been rebuilt, and the exterior has been refurbed with a new paint job. The cabin is rally-specific with instrumentation, roll bar, racing seats, and fire extinguisher.