Mk1 escort 1600gt

[68gt]

14 hours ago, Rally Pack 2000 said:

Yes they do really exists and yours is an original South African GT even down to its original paint and unique striping. I had to revise my original post because I found conflicting engine code information on whether its a 1300GT or a 1600GT unfortunately

It was built in March 1968. Its the earliest I have seen for a 1600 if that proves correct but have seen 1300 GTs of this vintage as most 1600GT's seem to be from early 70s but it definitely appears to be a genuine GT. The early South African GT's didnt use split bumpers so that's actually period correct and hasnt been changed like you thought. At first glance I thought it was a 1300GT for this reason having not seen an early 1600GT of this vintage always under the assumption 1600s were offered later. Here is an original 1968 full bumpered South African 1300GT.

As mentioned at a glance I would have pegged the car as a 1300GT but the engine Code reads to me as a 1600 GT Kent engine when using a period Capri Code of the same vintage as a reference. So in that respect it all looks good. I just have one example of South African vin that uses the same code which I dont believe was a 1600 but rather 1300. It gets difficult when this information is lost by the factory and they would often reuse codes. Its still a great rare find I must add. I love their distinctive striping and Yellow is one of the best colours in their range for GT's to contrast with the black bonnet striping so you got a great car in the best colour combination as well. I would very much like to see the side striping that your example has as well as that changed in colour form and positioning in the early cars to later.

If you can get an image of the secondary Vin plate that's paint coloured that would be excellent and reveal more details. It should clarify any engine doubts.  They reused trim code colours unfortunately and using Capri codes as a guide it should have an Aqua interior but being a GT its more than likely black, however the early GTs there did have some wild interior colours. So would be nice addition to my code data base if you could photograph the paint coloured plate.

You sir are a legend! A true gent.

 

Thank you for taking the time to find the info. And the well executed reply!

To say I'm happy is an understatement! My first dip into the mk1 world. And I come across this! I can't wait to take delivery of it. Got a long old wait tho. 5 or so weeks. 

 

I must confess to not knowing a great deal about the mk1 escorts...... And feel guilty about it!  But no time like the present to start learning! 

I did shoot an email off to ford. And they have replied. And want to see the documents to prove I own her. But have replied again today. To say please don't forget to send us the pics when it arrives. 

 

I can't thank you enough. And i will get lots more pics when she arrives and stick them up. Can't wait to find out some more info.