1979 Escort 45 Van Auto

[Joeandkirsty]

I have recently acquired the above with limited history. My dad has recently owned up to 4 lock ups. Behind door number 1 is this van. He tells me a story about belonging to a Rolls dealer and being only 1 of 3 autos built. After a little digging I spoke to a London RR dealer and yes it was theirs. They had a little dig and it was auto from new. They even have a guy still there who remembers it and said it was "a very rare auto". Any ideas how to find out if the 1 of 3 bit is true too? I have tried fords but am getting nowhere fast!

Thanks

[Savvi]

Nice one I don't know the answer but have heard of Auto's in the past, I think they were a special order.

 

Good luck with it and get some pics posted when you can ................ got a soft spot for the vans and estate models

[Vista]

A Rolls Royce owned mk2 escort van? Interesting! Got any photos? What sort of nick is it in now?

 

As to the 1 of 3 have you tried that how many left website?

[D-FENS]

Was the RR dealer in Hanwell,west london ?

[Vista]

It's not clear which model (mk1 2 etc this refers to) but it does indicate that the numbers of Escort 45 1300 auto were quite low if you check all the available parameters

 

http://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/vehicle/ford_escort_45_1300_auto#!tax

 

There's also this one for Escort 45L auto

 

http://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/vehicle/ford_escort_45l_auto

 

Plus more listings for Escort 35 Auto too

 

That said, I've seen lots of claims that the data on this website is wildly inaccurate

[The Transplanter]

 

 

That said, I've seen lots of claims that the data on this website is wildly inaccurate

That it is.

 

I spent many years through through the 80's & 90's working for a car manufacturer. I use to deal with all the internal registrations, so was always in close contact with the DVLA and the local VRO's.

 

The problem lies with the information typed out on the V55/1's which was largely done manually so for example:

 

• Fiat Uno 60
• Fiat Uno 60s 
• Fiat Uno 3dr
• Fiat Uno 5dr
• Fiat Uno
• Etc etc.

Any of the above info could be typed just to distinguish the same model which would eventually end up on the V5, so the "how many are left" website is BS. Just say "Fiat Uno 60" was only used 10 times (normally by mistake) then that would make it a rare model, even though it wasn't if you get my drift.

 

Consistency didn't come along until the mid to late 90's with the AFRL system (Automated First Registration & Licencing)

[Vista]

Agreed. Fortunately, for me anyway, my other toy only had one model designation and no variations in trim or engine. Enter Montreal and there's no ambiguity at all about the results. I just wish it distinguished between LHD and RHD as mine is the much much rarer RHD.

[The Transplanter]

Agreed. Fortunately, for me anyway, my other toy only had one model designation and no variations in trim or engine. Enter Montreal and there's no ambiguity at all about the results. I just wish it distinguished between LHD and RHD as mine is the much much rarer RHD.

I dont think anything changed in the whole production run with those 

 

Going back,  Nic Nicholas's of Lombarda Carraige Co had a gem of one in Alfa Red which I was fortunate enough to hoon around in for a few days 

[Vista]

There were some subtle interior and exterior trim detail changes here and there but that was it really.

[JAY PS]

Police authority bought autos for London chores as black Miria

Don't think they were very rare then but must be now!

[Joeandkirsty]

I have got some photos and will post them tomorrow as my iphone doesn't want to let me!