Ford's Mark 1 Escort proved a winner in rallying and touring car racing right from the start. The Twin-Cam Escort used the same running gear as the Lotus Cortina, but was lighter and stiffer and famously dominated the London-Mexico World Cup Rally in 1970. Developed by Ford's UK Competition Department, the Twin Cam became an instant legend. At the Twin Cam's heart was Ford's 109.5 BHP 1600cc pre-Crossflow block with a Lotus-developed DOHC cast alloy cylinder head, fed via twin dual choke Weber 40 DCOE carburettors. A stronger four-speed manual gearbox previously used in the Lotus Cortina, with closely spaced gear ratios, stiffer suspension, with lowered ride height, a front anti-roll bar and rear radius arms to keep both ends firmly planted on the road. Better brakes and wider wheels and radial-ply rubber completed the package. The first in a long line of hot Escorts, Ford began marketing the Twin Cam in Australia from March 1970 as an alternative to Holden's Torana GTR. The cars were assembled at Homebush, NSW using local Escort bodies with imported Lotus running gear. This stunning Hot Orange Escort has been owned by the current owner since 2003. The car has been repainted in the early 2000s and has all original interior in excellent condition. He has fitted the race seat and roll cage but has the original seat that will go with the car. The car is showing 57,877 miles and comes with an original owners manual. Riding on period refurbished Mini lite rims and good tyres. Mk 1 Escorts are now in great demand, with values rising sharply in recent years and they rarely come on the open market, making this a fabulous opportunity for the Ford collector or enthusiast. Toowoomba, QLD car. (Ref. 5141)
