Classic Car Listing

1980 Ford Escort MK2 1600 Sport – Origin Story

Just as the Capri received its straight-edged new styling, so did the Escort to become the Mk2 in January 1975. The first production models rolled off the production line on the 2nd December 1974. The second generation Escort was developed jointly between the UK and Ford of Germany and codenamed “Brenda” during its development the 1975 Escort Mk2 benefitted from a number of new variations and trim options, with new styling. The Mark 2 used the same mechanical components as the Mark I.

While the estate and van versions used the same panelwork as the Mark I, they still retained the Mark II front end and interior. The car had a revised underbody, which had been introduced as a running change during the last six months of the production of the Mark I. The rear suspension still sat on leaf springs, although some of Ford’s contemporaries such as the Hillman Avenger had since moved on to coil springs. In 1979 and 1980 there were three special edition Escorts were launched: the Linnet, Harrier and Goldcrest. Production of the Escort ended in Britain in August 1980, with other countries following suit soon after.

• The “L” and “GL” models (2-door, 4-door, estate) aimed at the mainstream private sector.
• The “Sport”, “RS Mexico”, and “RS2000” at the performance market.
• The “Ghia” (2-door, 4-door) at the hitherto untapped small car luxury market.
• The “base / popular” models aimed at the bottom end of the marked.
• With panel-van versions left to cater to the commercial sector.

MK 2 Rallying

The Mark 2 Escort would continue its predecessor’s run on the RAC Rally, by winning every year from 1975 to 1979 and also by racing in a variety of other events around the world. The 1979 season of the World Rally Championship saw Björn Waldegård take the drivers’ title, with Hannu Mikkola as runner-up and Ari Vatanen also finished the year in fifth place, while all driving Escort RS1800s.

1980 Ford Escort MK2 1600 Sport (2 door)

• 2.0L Sapphire EFI engine
• 5 speed Sierra gearbox
• 15” Minilights
• New tires
• Undergoing full rebuild
• Bare metal respray
• Spitronics (Fuel Management System)

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