As a matter of fact, any moment there is a Ford Escort up for sale in an auction, it will always be sure to drum up some interest such that people cannot help but take a second look at the car. They come from far and wide, and others send representatives who can place bids on their behalf. What’s more, very few of those who manage to acquire these cars ever let them go; most of them either hold on or pass them on to their children. So, what makes this car worthy of this attention, and what do you get in return for your investment? This guide has all the answers.
The Ford Escort Through the Years
It’s important to note that while the Ford Escort is now available worldwide, its history takes us back to the UK, where the story began. Later, we will see how this car moved to different regions, with its sales spearheaded by its unique features.
The First Generation (Period: 1968 to 1974)
The Ford Escort was, in fact, a small family car upon its first introduction from the manufacturer in the UK. After all, it came in saloon, estate, and van versions with engines ranging from 1.1 to 1.6 liters, so that it could have become a very good and practical option for most families. And it won the popularity contest owing to its affordability. Of course, the manufacturer also came up with models with more-than-usual performance in later years, such as the RS1600.
The Second Generation (Period: 1974 to 1980)
gc_collect_cyclesWith the car having been a success, the manufacturer was keen to ensure the models kept up with the changing market needs. So, the next set of cars had better seating, more appealing interiors, and more powerful engines. It was during this time that some models started featuring the 2.0-litre engine. This power, coupled with the more aerodynamic design, catapulted the car models into the world of rallying, carving out a niche for these cars in motorsports.
The Third Generation (Period: 1980 to 1986)
Not only did the manufacturer switch the layout to front-wheel-drive, but they also released new car models and increased the overall car performance. What’s more, they put more effort into the overall look, creating an even more modern design that appealed to a larger market. Unsurprisingly, these changes saw the manufacturer make headway in the US market, sparking the first generation of these cars in this market. Rather than the typical saloon and van options, people in the US got access to station wagons, sedans, and hatchbacks.
The Fourth Generation (Period: 1986 to 1990)
The manufacturer now had two viable markets. As such, they had to make changes that resonated with the different needs in both markets. In the UK, they focused on the overall design, ensuring that the car had a more aerodynamic style that matched the rallying industry – they also improved the crash protection features by doubling up on the safety protocols. And once they increased the range of engines to serve more people, they had the market where they wanted it.
In the US, the manufacturer focused on widening their market by showcasing what the vehicle had to offer. The first generation of cars in the US continued up to 1990 as the car was making its debut in this market.
The Fifth Generation (Period: 1990 to 1997)
This was the time when performance topped the list, brought in by the manufacturer with the all-wheel-drive system, turbocharged engines, and more safety features at this point. Meanwhile, they were working on various redesigns that could make the cars more comfortable by integrating air conditioning, sound systems, and other changes that made the cars more conducive through the seasons. These changes prompted the second generation of this car in the US market, where buyers were all about the appearance and performance. The GT model was especially a hit at this time.
The Sixth Generation (Period: 1995 to 2004)
This generation came to be known as the final generation in Europe. The manufacturer focused on upgrading the car, not just in its looks but also in its performance. As such, buyers got the special treat of a sleek design complete with technology upgrades such as electronic fuel injection. They also had a wide choice of engines, enabling families to choose what best fit their needs. In the US, this period marked the third generation of this car, which continued till 2003 before the Ford Focus took over.
The Key Features of This Car
When we talk about the Ford Escort, we refer to all the generations of this car in both the US and the UK. In each of the periods, the manufacturer excelled in the following aspects:
- Affordability. This car was a great buy for anyone who wanted a reliable car at a reasonable price.
- Versatility. Buyers had access to different body styles and engine types.
- Comfort. While this was not the most luxurious car in the market, it provided people with convenient and practical ways to get around.
Plus, the cars boasted such good performance that they qualified for rallying.
Is the Ford Escort a Vintage Car
Many people who want to buy this car do so because they are looking for a collectible. And nothing says vintage like a car whose generations ended about two decades ago. But are all cars in this line vintage? The answer is no.
The eligibility for a car to be vintage depends on the following factors:
- Its age. A car must be anything from 20 to 40 years old. This variation depends on what collectors agree on per car.
- Its design. Some designs are so unique or limited that they are seen as historically significant.
If you’re curious about which cars in the six generations can qualify as vintage, here are some pointers:
- 1968 to 1980 models. By virtue of age, all the cars produced within this period are vintage. They especially hold more value if they were used in rallying.
- 1981 to 2004. Some of these cars may be vintage. However, this depends on how unique they were or the number of cars that were in the collection. A good example is the RS 2000.
But regardless of whether the car you buy falls into the vintage classification, one thing is for sure – a Ford Escort is a remarkable purchase.
