At the end of 1967 the replacement for the Ford Anglia went into production and was launched at the Brussels Motor Show in 1968 as the Ford Escort. Simultaneously produced in several European countries and Israel, the Escort was launched as a 2-door saloon with either 1,098cc 'Kent' engine or 1,298cc version of the same engine. The Escort was developed in Britain under 'Project Brenda' and principally designed by Harris Mann. In March 1968 a 3-door estate car was added to the range, and then a Van version and finally a 4-door model in 1969. Sporting models began with a 1300 Sport, and a 'luxury' version of this marketed as the Escort 1300E. In 1968 Ford also launched the Escort Twin Cam, using the AVO bodyshell and the 1,558cc Twin Cam engine from the Lotus Cortina. In 1970 the RS1600 with the 1,600cc BDA 16valve engine took over from the Twin Cam, and was itself replaced by the Pinto-engine RS2000. Alongside the RS cars was the cheaper 1,598cc crossflow-engined Escort Mexico, built to commemorate the 1970 World Cup Rally victory. In 1975 after 2-million Escorts had been built the Escort Mk1 gave way to the Escort MkII.
Ford Escort 1968 1100 Deluxe - badge on bootlid
Ford Escort 1974 1300 XL 4-door - badge on bootlid
Ford Escort 1977 1300 L 2-door - badge on bootlid.
Ford Escort 1978 RS2000. Badge on bootlid.
Ford Escort 1983 RS 1600i - badge on bootlid. The 'RS 1600i' badge was given in 1981 to a limited edition Homologation special, but the intended 5,000 copies was extended to 8,659.
Ford Escort 1984 1.6i Cabriolet - badge on bootlid
Ford Escort 1985 RS Turbo - badge on bootlid.
Ford Escort 1989 XR3i Cabriolet - badge on bootlid
Ford Escort 1990 1.3 Popular - badge on bootlid
Ford Escort 1968 - 1975
Ford Escort 6/8cwt Van, MkI and MkII
Ford Escort 1975 - 1980
Ford Escort 1980 - 1986 and 1986 - 1992
Ford Anglia 1961 Standard. The 'Standard' model had the small front grille set into a painted panel, whereas the Deluxe had a full width grille. The 105E was designed in Britain at Birmingham, but it is believed that Elwood Engel was working there at the time and gave it the reverse rake rear window to improve rear headroom.
Ford Escort 1958 100E. The Escort was the cheaper estate car, equivalent to the 5cwt van and to Anglia level equipment.