Five special edition Ford Escort Mk2s

In 1979, there would have been few keen motorists unaware that Ford was planning a radical new third-generation Escort – a front-wheel-drive hatchback no less. In the meantime, there was a spate of Limited Edition Mk2s.

Ford was not alone in producing such cars during the late 1970s; BL, Chrysler UK/Talbot and Vauxhall all made similarly exclusive models. But the Escorts were exceptionally well-executed; a respected, tried and tested model boasting an array of useful extras at a reasonable price. Plus, it had some thrilling add-on stripes.

Capital

Quite possibly one of the rarest Escorts in the world, let alone a special edition version. Ford produced just 1,000 for distribution in London only; 600 red and 400 in beige. The decals reflect an association with Capital FM while the example in the photo was sold on eBay in 2016. Do any others survive?

Linnet

This was much more than a Popular Plus 1300 4-door adorned with some not overly-tasteful decals. No, this was a Ford apparently “distinctly different from any other Escort you’ve ever seen”. In reality, the proud owner gained a car fitted with “Diamond Fabric” upholstery, front head restraints and a passenger door mirror. There was also ‘sensible’ fuel economy, as befitting the perfect car for creating a modest stir on that weekly journey to Fine Fare.

Goldcrest

For the motorist who demanded even more luxury than a Linnet could offer, there was the Goldcrest, based on the 1.3/1/6L 4-door. The cabin was enhanced by a “Sports steering wheel” while the paint options of metallic Sable Brown or Gold immediately appealed to The Medallion Man school of fashion.

Harrier

The most famous of all limited-edition Mk2s - and not only because the producers of classic TV show Minder once intended it to be character Terry McCann’s transport. The Harrier celebrated the Escort’s eight successive victories at the Lombard RAC Rally – and winning the Team Award, the Ladies’ Prize, and the Group I Category for standard production cars. At £4,330 it was £345 dearer than the 1600 Sport, but the specification did include spot lamps, bronze-tinted glass, Recaro seats, plus alloy wheels and boot spoiler from the RS. The colour choices were limited to Diamond White or Strato Silver; both naturally augmented by “3 tone blue body stripes”. As Edward “Think Bike!” Judd once asked – “Wouldn’t you like to take off in a Harrier?”

N.B. Euston Films eventually opted for the Ford Capri as Minder’s penny-pinching Arthur Daley was unlikely to have given Terry a car as desirable as a new Harrier.

Huntsman

Or a very attractive dealer special from Ford’s “South-East Region” based on the 1300L Estate. The specification included “Halogen Driving Lights”, a “Tailgate Wash/Wipe” and even a “6 Push Button MW/LW Radio”. Best of all was the distinctive “Huntsman Red” paint finish augmented by a gold coachline. Just 350 were produced, and any surviving example is guaranteed to cause a stir at any classic car show.

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Here at Lancaster, we love classic cars as much as you do and we understand what it takes to protect them for future generations.

We have links with some of the top classic car clubs around the country and some of our policies even offer discounts of up to 25% for club members.

Other benefits of classic car insurance through Lancaster can include:

• Historic rally cover
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Give your classic the protection it deserves and get a quote for your Ford today.