MEET THE OWNER – RUSSELL MACFARLANE AND HIS FORD ESCORT GL MK. III

A few years ago, Russell was the proud owner of a Cortina 1300 ‘Base’ 2-Door Mk. V, but this classic Ford marked the pathway to decadence. No more would Mr. Macfarlane be satisfied with beige paintwork. But now, he craved the luxury of a dashboard with a quartz clock. He further demanded a P21 push-button radio and a “colour keyed ribbed carpet” - plus an Aztec Bronze paintwork and “York” fabric trim in “Indian Red” to dazzle the neighbours.

And so, Russell very recently acquired a 1980 Escort 1.3 GL Mk. III. He points out that Ford did not offer the Aztec Bronze finish for long, and the result is:

“A very period early ‘80s car with a real late ‘70s vibe. Usually, my classics are immaculate but this one’s definitely an example of a “shabby chic survivor” which actually makes me love it all the more. I bought it due to its ultra-rare colour and being the earliest W plate, examples of which are now hardly seen as numbers have really dwindled, so I wanted to save it.”

From the perspective of a writer who was ten years old when Ford unveiled the Escort Mk. III, it is refreshing to see a GL. Despite a certain amount of mythology, the XR3is were not that frequently sighted in the 1980s, as you were far more likely to encounter the likes of Russell’s car.

In other words, this was the Escort for the commercial traveller who was really “going places” - namely, a sales conference outside of Dorking. Russell sees it as more transport for “a middle manager - how very moving up the rungs.” Certainly, that GL badge on the tailgate and the cigar light illustrated the driver’s progression from those ‘junior sales executive’ days.

Thus, a splendid new company car was a reward for hard work, loyalty to the firm and not telling the MD about that unofficial office party in 1979. The Escort Mk. III certainly looked up to the minute, while the rear ashtrays, halogen headlamps and reclining front seats were all lacking in the entry-level version. But, of course, head restraints and a rear washer-wiper were both optional extras – there was no point in being over-extravagant.

Russell is still becoming acquainted with his Escort, and much enjoys the 1.3-litre CVH power plant. The fact that the transmission lacks a fifth gear and that Ford denned a boot lamp as a significant sales feature makes 1980 seem a very remote era. Furthermore – did we mention that Aztec Bronze paint finish?

With Thanks To: Russell Macfarlane