Launched at the end of 1967 the Escort took over from the successful and long-running Ford Anglia 105E. Adopting a similar, very conventional format to its predecessor, it used an in-line four-cylinder Overhead Valve (OHV) engine driving a live rear axle with MacPherson front struts, rear leaf springs and rack-and-pinion steering. The Escort’s most distinctive styling feature was the so-called ‘dogbone’ shaped radiator grille. The first passenger car developed by the Ford of Europe, the Escort was built at various plants across the continent although around 60 per cent were built at Halewood on Merseyside, UK. In June 1974, Ford announced the completion of the two-millionth Ford Escort, a milestone unmatched by any Ford model outside the US. With larger and more power engines, including a Double-Overhead Cam (DOHC) 1601 cc 16-valve unit, the Escort dominated rallying and circuit racing, and these models are particularly sought after today. The model on display is a 1974 Mk1 Escort in the middle-upper trim specification of XL (Extra Luxury).
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