1970 Ford Escort MK1 Cosworth

Basic information and history

Spectacular Ford Escort from 1970 that received a proper rebuild in the form of widening, lightening, increased traction and last but not least, a 2-liter redtop Cosworth engine! With its low weight of approx. 1050kg and a much potent machine, the performance is breathtaking! The Escort has been rebuilt in several stages by the first owner, and more if possible can be read in the Bilsport magazine which of course comes with the car. The following is written in the registration certificate:

1. T12B - Rebuilt vehicle
2. T31A - Engine replaced
3. T71E - Protective cage
4. T71K - Front track width 4120mm
5. T71L - Rear track width 1360mm

Last inspection took place on 2019-07-05 with an approved result.

Engine specs:

2-liter redtop Cosworth engine, likely from an '88 Sierra Sapphire. When the engine was acquired by the builder it was brand new. Intercooler comes from a Volvo 240 Turbo Group A and has been modified to fit. Water cooling is specially manufactured. Expansion vessel and servo reservoir are made of aluminum. Silicone type water hoses and turbo hoses from Samco. Exhaust system is custom made in 3" stainless and rust-free silencer. The gearbox is a 5-speed Borg/Warner, i.e. Cosworth original box. Clutch is a single disc sinter from Tillton. Clutch housing is modified for the starter motor that comes from an Escort XR3i from 85. The engine is built to last but according to the builder you can ride with 1.5 bar, which should be more than enough.

Chassis:

1. Front axle:

Type 343 GCT Gas shock absorbers with springs from Volvo Turbo 240 Group A. Top stock Ford Escort Heavy Duty. Strut from 1982 Volvo 242 Turbo shortened 60mm with reinforced and lowered control arm. Brakes consist of original vented discs with original calipers and Ford hubs for correct bolt pattern. Brake hoses are Teflon-type metal-wrapped with screw connections. The control arms are original Ford. Back brace is specially made and adjustable at the front. Rubber bushings in the rear edge from the Volvo 740. Front anti-roll bars measure 22mm and have been modified. Linkage from Volvo. Mounts from Ford Escort. The front beam is of the Ford Escort type and has modified wishbone mounts. Engine mounts from Ford Escort mk2. Rack and pinion from a BMW 320 that has been modified into a tie rod from a Volvo 240. This is also reinforced. Outer steering joints and steering column shadows from Volvo 240 and BMW 320 respectively. The steering column has been modified to fit BMW hubs. The ball bolt mounts for the control arm and strut are a special model from Volvo with the Escort taper.

1. Rear axle:

The rear axle comes from a Volvo 240 and with an aluminum diff housing. Shortened with mounts for fourlink. Pannhard stays are newly manufactured. The drive shafts come from a Volvo 740/760 and are shortened with remilled splines and have been modified to fit the Escort's bolt pattern. The diff brake is from a Volvo 240 with anti-spin. The ratio in the rear axle is Volvo 3.91:1. The rear brakes are with Volvo original OK and original Volvo discs with the Escort's bolt pattern. The handbrake is of a mechanical type and also comes from Volvo. Fourlink struts are specially made and adjustable at the front. Bushings from Volvo 740. The universal joint is specially made with Volvo's big knots. Shock absorber and spring type Koni Coilovers with adjustable lower plate.

Body

Fender flares from Ford Motorsport. The case has received modified wheel arches, towers for the shock absorbers and the floor has been raised for the exhaust system and rear axle. In the trunk there is a custom-made foam-filled aluminum tank, washer tank, battery, fuel pump and pre-filter. In the passenger compartment, the floor and torpedo wall have been modified for, among other things, the new gearbox, cardan shaft, rear axle and mounts for the four-link stay. The engine compartment has been modified towards the passenger compartment as well as the front for the radiator and intercooler.

Cabin and interior

The entire electrical system is newly wired and the relay and fuse box are located under the panel on the right side. The dashboard is original except for the instruments which are from VDO. The instruments consist of speedometer, tachometer, tank, water temp, volts, oil pressure, fuel pressure, oil temp in engine, rear axle and gearbox as well as charge pressure. Sparco seats with four-point belts are installed as well as the protective cage which is specially made and can be removed when it is screwed down. It is attached at 22 points around the body.

Summary

An incredible toy that Mike Costin and Keith Duckworth could only dream of when they opened the doors in Northhampton in 1958 to one of the world's most famous engine builders, Cosworth!