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‘Bessie’ - One owner Mk2 Ford Escort heads to auction

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Published
04/03/2021 by

With continuous and extensive history from November 1980 when it left Allen Taylor’s Ford dealership in South West London, this 1300 Ford Escort Ghia is set to attract Ford fans when it will be auctioned by Car & Classic. “Bessie” as its only owner christened it, was his first-ever new car 41 years ago and has been put for sale after he sadly passed away.  With a fastidious and passionate owner from day one, the cherished car was always garaged, rarely ventured out in bad weather and has been carefully maintained for its low mileage of 58,366 miles.

A huge history file catalogues the life story of this rare survivor. From the original sales documentation and copy of the cheque for £4200 used to buy the car, through to the wad of MOTs and tax discs, it is accompanied with owners’ handbook and accessories brochures. Period aftermarket accessories, synonymous of a careful owner abound. From the Escort-branded front mudflaps, fire extinguisher, anti-static strip and reflective door guards, it’s a true survivor and incredibly rare snapshot of what was typically found on every street in the 1980s.

As a Ghia, this Escort benefits from the crushed blue velour interior and matching carpet, centre console with clock, vinyl roof, tinted glass and laminated screen, glovebox, additional chrome and dual tone horn. The chassis plate suggests this car was ordered by a UK Ford dealer and built in December 1979 at the Saarlouis plant in Germany in Strato Silver with blue interior and black roof, all of which it retains. The plate also confirms the other features for the luxury model of the time including H4 RHD headlamps, 1300 engine, standard suspension yet there was no factory fit radio and the common four speed transmission. The invoice confirms the owner’s care by specifying a locking petrol cap and underseal for £38.15.

“With one owner, complete history and no questions, this is a very rare opportunity to own a truly original, unmolested Mk2 Escort,” says Chris Pollitt, head of editorial at Car & Classic. “Whilst the RS2000s and Mexicos command big numbers, it’s the less sporting models in the range that have become the ‘unicorns’ and disappeared. In original condition and with all the accessories of the time, this Escort will immerse the new owner right back in the 1980s with a practical and ready to use classic.”

The Ford Escort auction starts on the April 1st and will run for seven days on the only classic car auction platform to offer escrow payment security and 0 percent buyers’ fees.

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