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1978 Ford Escort MK2
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The Project

This 1978 Ford Escort MK2 arrived at our workshop in August 2024. This car has only 9000 miles from new and is completely original.

28th August 2024: New heating matrix and pipe work fitted. Wheel bearings are being replaced on both front wheels.

> More updates to follow.

Ford produced the Mk1 version of the Escort, including the up-market 1300E, until the heavily revised Mk2 took over the reins in late 1974. Developed under the code name Brenda, the second incarnation of what was fast becoming the nation’s favourite car now featured a totally different profile.

Out went the early car’s subtle curves and in came a sharp, squared-off body shape sitting on a revised underbody that had been used for the last six months of Mk1 production.

A full-sized black-painted front grille now replaced the earlier car’s ‘dog bone’ affair and entry level Mk2s were badged as the starkly equipped Popular.

There was still no hatchback in the range, although a four-door estate was available. Mainstream models now included L and GL-badged variants, while the Ghia badge took over from the ‘E’ suffix on the range-topping non-sporting models.

Although the mechanical line-up was very much as before, the good news was that there was now a 1599cc 1.6-litre unit available for mainstream models.

As with the Mk1, Ford produced an impressive range of sporting Mk2 Escorts and these included the Sport, RS1800, RS Mexico and RS2000. The 1.3 and 1.6-litre Sport models had replaced the Mk1 GT and the DOHC RS1800 was another Escort ‘homologation special’ produced to allow the Mk2 to go racing.

The 1593cc SOHC Pinto-powered Mk2 Mexico was the ultimate ‘boy racer’, although it was successful overshadowed by the very capable Escort RS2000. Powered by a 1993cc version of the Pinto engine, the RS2000 was rated as a great driver’s car and was instantly recognised by its plastic wedge-shaped nose cone and quad headlight set up.

From late 1978 a cheaper variant of the RS2000 equipped with steel wheels took over from where the Mexico left off and Mk2 production finally came to an end with the introduction of the heavily revised Mk3 hatchback range in 1980. Following is what to look for when viewing either a Mk1 or Mk2 Escort, whether it’s a very expensive sporting model or a more affordable cooking version.

1978 Ford Escort MK2 | Classic Car Restoration | Carrosserie
Karen Innes
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Friendly, helpful, extremely knowledgeable, patient enough to explain the processes and reasons for doing things and highlighted even more how approachable the team are. They tried to accommodate our needs and requests to get our beloved old riley back on the road as soon as possible despite the ups and downs that were thrown our way and into the teams path! We could not have wished to deal with a more personable company after encountering some other teams that really made a botch of stuff, seemed uncommitted and were not professional at all. Carrosserie as a team were totally the opposite . . would we recommend them ? ABSOLUTELY !!! We would not go anywhere else now, THANK YOU TO Steve, Neil, Graham and Nicola . . Oh and Karen who spilled the beans about the the birthday surprised to my partner (whose car it is ) . but made the experience all the more special when a bottle of wine was presented as well as a treat to Simon for his birthday AND made it all the more worth dealing with the team ! THANK YOU AGAIN !!!
Graeme Phillips
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My car was the subject of some body and paint repairs here in Spring 2024, to address corrosion plus some substandard paintwork. An annual service was also carried out. There was good responsive communications, advice, and attention to detail throughout, to ensure a high quality, durable result, with the final paintwork being indistinguishable from factory finish, and easily better than any franchised dealership repairs. If you are invested in your classic car, want to make it last, with an exemplary finish to be proud of, then you need look no further.
Steve
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I can't recommend Carrosserie highly enough, the service was exemplary from start to finish and the workmanship is second to none. I highly recommend giving the team a call for any work you need doing to your classic car, no matter what it is, you will not be disappointed!
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28th August 2024

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