The Ford Escort MkI was launched in January 1968 and the Van version followed in April using all new panel work except for the rear doors which were carried over from the Anglia-based vans. A lowly 1298cc 'Kent' crossflow engine provided the power for the 6cwt and 8cwt versions. In 1975 the MkII Escort was launched, and although it looked to be a new body, in fact it was not much more than a re-skin of the MkI, and this became clear with the Estate and Van versions which used the same panelwork and doors as the MkI with only the metal in front of the windscreen changing for the MkII. The MkII was known as the Escort 45 and carried on with the same 1298cc engine.
Ford Escort 1974 8cwt Nimbus Camper. Badge on front wing.
Ford Escort 1968 6cwt Van. The Escort Van was launched as 6cwt and 8cwt versions, both having 1,298cc engines, but the 8cwt had wider wheels and stronger suspension.
Ford Escort 1968 6cwt Van. The Escort Van was powered by a 1,298cc 'Kent' engine
Ford Escort 1968 8cwt Van. A 1298cc 'Kent' engine powered the MkI Escort 8cwt Van.
Ford Escort 1968 8cwt Van. The rear doors of the Escort MkI van were inherited from the Anglia-based 305E/307E Van and taken forward to the MkII Escort Van.
Ford Escort 1970 8cwt Van
Ford Escort 1972 1300 XL Elba. The Elba had a drop-down rear door which was covered by an awning and provided the room for a full length bed
Ford Escort 1972 1300 XL Elba, A Dormobile conversion by Martin Walter
Ford Escort 1972 1300 XL Elba. Elba Motorhome by Dormobileon an Escort 1600XL Van.
Ford Escort 1973 Elba Camper. A Dormobile conversion by Martin Walter of Folkestone on a Ford Escort 1,298cc van
Ford Escort MkII 1.3L Estate. MkII Estate and Van models only got new panel work in front of the bulkhead, and retained the sheet metal from the MkI Escort for the rest.
Ford Escort 45 Van. The MkII Escort Vans were given new Escort MkII bonnets, grilles and front wings, but kept the doors and main panelling from the MkI
Ford Escort 45 Van. A MkII (or '45') Escort Van, but from this rear view it is identical to the MkI
Ford Escort 45 Van. The rear doors came from the Anglia-based Van, re-used on Escort MkI and MkII Vans.
Bedford HA 10cwt Van. By 1981 the HA Van had been uprated to 10cwt and given the 1256cc engine of the Chevette.
Austin 10cwt 1975 Deluxe Van. From 1972 the Marina Van was offered as either Austin or Morris (later 'Austin-Morris') in 7cwt with 1,098cc engine, or 10cwt with 1,275cc engine
Ford Escort 1958 100E. The Escort was the cheaper estate car, equivalent to the 5cwt van and to Anglia level equipment.
Ford Transit 1977 Diesel Van. The Diesel Van was given a longer nose because the 2.5-litre 4-cylinder York Diesel was longer thyan the V4 petyrol engine.
