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There are restoration projects, and then there are restoration projects.
This 1973 Ford Escort Mk1 two-door falls firmly into the latter category. Currently listed for sale on eBay, it’s about as honest as old Escort projects come, with plenty of rust, plenty of work ahead and the sort of potential that keeps Ford enthusiasts interested.
When most people think of the Mk1 Escort, it’s usually the Mexico, RS2000 or Twin Cam that comes to mind.
However, the standard two-door Escort formed the backbone of Ford’s success during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Introduced in 1968 as a replacement for the Anglia, the Escort quickly became one of Britain’s most popular family cars and a familiar sight on roads across the country.
Fast forward more than 50 years and the situation has changed considerably. Good Mk1 Escort shells have become increasingly difficult to find, while two-door examples remain particularly desirable whether destined for a factory-spec restoration or a period-style fast Ford build.
Nobody is going to mistake this Escort for a straightforward recommissioning project.
The photographs reveal significant corrosion throughout the car, including the front end, wings, inner wings and valance areas. The bonnet appears reluctant to close fully, while the engine bay shows extensive rust and there are visible holes in several sections of the bodywork.
It’s the sort of project that immediately divides opinion. Some enthusiasts will see little more than a major welding exercise, while others will see an increasingly rare opportunity to save a genuine Mk1 Escort two-door.
The reality is that many buyers aren’t necessarily purchasing a project like this for its current condition.
The appeal often lies in the identity of the vehicle, the paperwork, the originality and the fact that genuine Mk1 Escorts continue to attract strong demand within the classic Ford scene.
As good cars become more expensive, restoration candidates that might once have been broken for parts are increasingly finding new owners willing to take on the challenge.
One of the most interesting aspects of projects like this is that every potential buyer sees something different.
Some will picture a faithful restoration back to standard specification. Others will already be imagining a Mexico-inspired road car, a historic rally replica or a fast-road build powered by something considerably more potent than the original engine.
Whatever route the eventual owner chooses, it’s difficult to imagine this Escort remaining untouched for long.
According to the seller, the Escort comes with its V5 logbook and original 1100cc engine and requires full restoration.
There are no shortcuts here and nobody is pretending otherwise. However, for the right buyer, this could be the starting point for a very rewarding long-term project.
If you’d like to take a closer look at the Escort or follow the auction, you can view the original eBay listing below:
To see what other MK1 Ford Escorts are currently for sale on eBay, click below:
At UK Barn Finds, we’re always interested in hearing about forgotten classics, unfinished restorations, project cars and long-stored vehicles.
Whether it’s a Mk1 Escort, an abandoned rally car, a barn-find classic or something that’s been tucked away for decades, we’d love to hear from you.
Visit our contact page to get in touch. We can often make a straightforward offer and arrange collection anywhere in the UK.
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Our affiliate partnerships include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network and Amazon.
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