Would you keep it standard?

[Dave Knight]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/267470612622?_skw=ford+escort&itmmeta=01K9Z6M06R1TH6NTMYJZF77E5S&hash=item3e467da88e:g:KQIAAeSwTaFpFfA7&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA0FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1epT2s%2B3IIo30GPfa%2FAxyYjv1kHt%2B5QiUg9OiGsh1CXzt%2FI3TU29faMOnC6BJLAwZ%2BdNZo0AY0Wh3lFzNF38zIN2uXt7KurK046bSEdIt6S8EQLluhr%2F67L7jEGBEeapjPhLyn3r8TvYlRi%2FgK0Qanx61DLNL%2Bq8bH%2FpmpCoI4oAA90r8YjFvx8BQ8RveluLEn7%2FmAsfVZMznh7DhIZlq2qgKVhQJA0ZicxgWELBvoi%2BbUE3QTHNhzGP%2FtwMJ1YCRs%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR9aD0ObPZg
 

Look at the inside! 

[BaileyMex]

Not sure I would be able to leave it as is, but that's just me

[BROWNY 1968]

leave it looking just like it is, but chuck a turbo honda motor in it 🤣

[Dave Knight]

2 hours ago, BaileyMex said:

Not sure I would be able to leave it as is, but that's just me

Agreed. 

[Rally Pack 2000]

I would leave it standard yes.

One thing I have noticed is the most common Escorts left are the RS models. They were saved because of the badge and value. But regular models with no real sporting heritage have been forgotten and they are rarer than the RS models themselves. A standard one like that is precious.

Would I keep in 100% original? As much as possible yes but there are things Ford didn’t get right or cut costs for mass manufacturing. If its subtle that most wont notice the change and it offers are greater longevity or cures a nagging fault always present in the original design then Im open to swapping out parts in that instance.

[accord83]

I would keep it as is, but maybe uprate the front brakes to discs, my car was a January 1974 base 1100, it came from stock with disc brakes. Although it's a bit of a weird spec, as it was delivered as 1100 base 2dr, it came with discs, rear anti roll bar, carpets, opening rear windows, heated rear screen, 2 speed wipers, hazard lights, reversing lights, and in Modena Green. It's also built with metric suspension. Its been in the family over 40yrs and known to us from new. It's now as original as Triggers Broom.

[BIG G]

I hate chrome so that would go straight away 🤢

[Dave Knight]

11 hours ago, accord83 said:

I would keep it as is, but maybe uprate the front brakes to discs, my car was a January 1974 base 1100, it came from stock with disc brakes. Although it's a bit of a weird spec, as it was delivered as 1100 base 2dr, it came with discs, rear anti roll bar, carpets, opening rear windows, heated rear screen, 2 speed wipers, hazard lights, reversing lights, and in Modena Green. It's also built with metric suspension. Its been in the family over 40yrs and known to us from new. It's now as original as Triggers Broom.

Great story that. I wonder why the specs were so unusual and diverse.

[Dave Knight]

18 hours ago, Rally Pack 2000 said:

I would leave it standard yes.

One thing I have noticed is the most common Escorts left are the RS models. They were saved because of the badge and value. But regular models with no real sporting heritage have been forgotten and they are rarer than the RS models themselves. A standard one like that is precious.

Would I keep in 100% original? As much as possible yes but there are things Ford didn’t get right or cut costs for mass manufacturing. If its subtle that most wont notice the change and it offers are greater longevity or cures a nagging fault always present in the original design then Im open to swapping out parts in that instance.

That’s a good point about the RS models. There semis to be more MK 1’s than 2’s these days, especially for sale on eBay. 

[Vista]

Though I could cope with it appearing standard, I couldn't keep it completely standard. It just wouldn't be quick enough.

[Nige65]

11 hours ago, Dave Knight said:

Great story that. I wonder why the specs were so unusual and diverse.

It would have depended on how many pints the assembly workers would have consumed on a Friday lunchtime 😁

[accord83]

On 14/11/2025 at 19:41, Dave Knight said:

Great story that. I wonder why the specs were so unusual and diverse.

No idea, it was bought from my Bro-in-Laws boss's mother who'd allegedly bought it a base spec car. It was built in the first week of January, maybe they just chucked anything on it due to back to work dilligaf blues?🤭

Edited November 16, 2025 by accord83