The first generation of the Ford Escort distinguishes itself from the following ones for its original design, whose aesthetic lines will later be abandoned in favor of more square and banal ones. It made its debut in 1968 by replacing the now obsolete Anglia, a family car produced from 1940 onwards. Ford proposes the Escort MK1 as a four, two, or, later, three-door sedan, simple and reliable and with a clean and linear design distinguishable from that of competing cars, such as the Alfa Romeo Alfasud and the Fiat 128, and more similar to that of the Opel Kadett. The dimensions are as small (3,97 x 1,56 meters) as the weight (between 800 and 900kg depending on the chosen trim). Inside, the equipment is minimal: headrests are missing, and even the storage compartments are scarce. Initially, it was possible to choose between two engines, both of low displacement: one of 940cc and 44HP and another, available only for the 1100cc and 53HP “De Luxe” version. When the three-door version arrives, it can only fit the 53HP engine. These engines are combined with a four-speed manual gearbox, while the braking system is composed of four medium-effective drum brakes. From 1969 onwards, several sporty engines arrive, which are to date rather rare, namely the “1.3 De Luxe”, the “GT” and the “RS” (in the photo). In 1975, after a discreet commercial success, the production ends in favor of the new Escort MK2, which brings several important changes.

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📷 @rallysport_germany_
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🏎️ Ford Escort I
📍 USA
🛠️ 930cc 44HP
🔝 110km/h
💶 No longer on sale
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Our vote: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)