Skip to main content
1978 Ford Escort MK2
VIEW PROJECT IMAGES

Start your restoration journey with us today

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

28th August 2024

All reviews
4.9
Google
Google
4.8
Reviews.io
Reviews.io
5.0
ExcellentTrustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 54.962 reviews
4.9Trustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 5
Excellent62 reviews
ExcellentGoogle star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 54.824 reviews
4.8Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent24 reviews
ExcellentReviewsio star 1Reviewsio star 2Reviewsio star 3Reviewsio star 4Reviewsio star 55.038 reviews
5.0Reviewsio star 1Reviewsio star 2Reviewsio star 3Reviewsio star 4Reviewsio star 5
Excellent38 reviews
Posted on Google Google
Steven Parkes
12/07/2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Steve has helped me through some difficult situations throughout this restoration process. The car I bought was a total rot box, I had no idea. Nicola’s support with my finances has helped me get this car over the line. Don’t look elsewhere if you are serious about doing a restoration properly look no further.
Posted on Reviews.io Reviews.io
Sean Bellew
12/06/2026
Reviewsio star 1Reviewsio star 2Reviewsio star 3Reviewsio star 4Reviewsio star 5Verified
I recently had corrosion repairs carried out to both front wings on my Porsche 944 and I am extremely pleased with the quality of the workmanship. The repairs involved cutting out the corroded sections and fabricating replacement metalwork rather than simply filling over the affected areas. The standard of fabrication and welding is excellent, with the repairs blending seamlessly into the original panels. The attention to detail is evident throughout the work, and the finished result looks completely in keeping with the car. As an owner of a classic Porsche, preserving originality is important to me, and the repairs have been completed in a way that maintains the character and integrity of the vehicle. The paint finish and panel presentation are superb, and once completed it is virtually impossible to tell where the repairs have been carried out. Overall, the craftsmanship is first-class and the car now looks significantly better than it did before the work was undertaken. If you are looking for high-quality metal fabrication and restoration work on a classic vehicle, I would have no hesitation in recommending them based on the quality of the finished product.
Posted on Google Google
David Kelly
15/05/2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Their work looks fantastic. Love the regular blogs.
Posted on Reviews.io Reviews.io
Mark
30/04/2026
Reviewsio star 1Reviewsio star 2Reviewsio star 3Reviewsio star 4Reviewsio star 5Verified
Excellent service and Neil’s knowledge is second to none. The wealth of experience resolved the issues with the carburettors ensuring I had an uneventful drive home and can now look forward to driving the car on the odd sunny days we call summer. Would recommend Carrosserie without hesitation.
Posted on Google Google
John Lonergan
09/03/2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great service , top quality work , very friendly and helpful , i had a probem with no dipped headlights and a couple of nasty stonechips and despite being very short notice they fitted me in the next day diagnosed the faults and while that was going on the paint guy sorted the stonechips , two hours later all completed . I know these guys will take good care of my classic car and do an excellent job I've used them before . Highly recommended .
Posted on Reviews.io Reviews.io
Robert Montague
04/03/2026
Reviewsio star 1Reviewsio star 2Reviewsio star 3Reviewsio star 4Reviewsio star 5Verified
The team at Carrosserie have done an excellent job . Focus on detail and quality of work Fully responsive and engaging the client at all time . I will be giving them a further project and recommend them as a first class service Thank you Steve and the Team, plus of course Neil 😎
Posted on Reviews.io Reviews.io
Andrew Whittaker
04/10/2025
Reviewsio star 1Reviewsio star 2Reviewsio star 3Reviewsio star 4Reviewsio star 5Verified
Reference: 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith – Rewire. I recently received my car back and I am absolutely delighted with their work. The rewiring has been completed to an exceptionally high standard, and it is evident that great skill and care went into the process.
Posted on Reviews.io Reviews.io
J J Beeton
02/09/2025
Reviewsio star 1Reviewsio star 2Reviewsio star 3Reviewsio star 4Reviewsio star 5Verified
10 out of 10 perfect restoration work on Jaguar XKR.
Posted on Reviews.io Reviews.io
Keith Devonport
25/06/2025
Reviewsio star 1Reviewsio star 2Reviewsio star 3Reviewsio star 4Reviewsio star 5Verified
I found the team at Carrosserie to be friendly and helpful whilst maintaining an organised and professional approach towards the job in hand, they were also able to incorporate extra work I asked for at the eleventh hour. Carrosserie kept to the 'booked in' start date for the work to commence and throughought the work cycle i was presented with photos and videos as the work progressed. I'm very happy with the finished job, thank you and well done Carrosserie.
Posted on Reviews.io Reviews.io
Geoff Lowson
16/04/2025
Reviewsio star 1Reviewsio star 2Reviewsio star 3Reviewsio star 4Reviewsio star 5Verified
I took my Citroen 2CV for an assessment for a potential repair. The manager Steve Liversedge was very accommodating and staff were helpful and courteous and very professional in giving their advice.
Posted on Reviews.io Reviews.io
Ian Carter
01/03/2025
Reviewsio star 1Reviewsio star 2Reviewsio star 3Reviewsio star 4Reviewsio star 5Verified
A big thank you to the team who worked on my 20 year old BMW. The car looks fantastic and the care and attention to detail tackling the rust that was in a most awkward place showed real desire for doing the best job possible. Updates and photographs were given daily as the job progressed. Finally the customer care was second to none, and my job wasn't anything like a serious restoration. Thanks again. Ian
Posted on Reviews.io Reviews.io
Andrew Pyle
13/02/2025
Reviewsio star 1Reviewsio star 2Reviewsio star 3Reviewsio star 4Reviewsio star 5Verified
Took my Escort XR3i to Carosserie for re-commissioning. Brakes, suspension, springs, shocks, general overhaul - some gaskets,polish etc. All staff very welcoming, professional from office staff to engineers. Took me through the car's inspection - lots of photos of work to be done, progress and work finished. Kept in touch via e-mail throughout project. Not cheap but you get what you pay for with old motors! Good luck with move to new premises.
Posted on Reviews.io Reviews.io
Iain Jane
22/11/2024
Reviewsio star 1Reviewsio star 2Reviewsio star 3Reviewsio star 4Reviewsio star 5Verified
I received a recommendation from a friend as I was looking for someone to deal with my Aston Martin. From the very outset Steve, Nicola and their team have been professional through out the process. I was kept appraised of every step and the app showing the work in progress was an excellent way of not only seeing what was being done but the finished product also. The car was delivered back today and the work was beyond my expectations. I have a 1952 MG TD which requires some work I will look no further than Carrosserie. If you want a first class job whilst dealing with people you can trust look no further. Thank you all at Carrosserie 👍
Posted on Google Google
Paul Simpson
08/06/2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I will let the pictures do the talking. Attention to detail is second to none, very knowledgeable and skilled guys here at Carrosserie. All the staff are polite and very professional. Highly recommended.
Posted on Google Google
Jeremy Roff
10/05/2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Thanks to all at Carrosserie for managing to make my Jimny look perfect again. A great job.
Posted on Google Google
Phil Sage
27/09/2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The work carried out here is like magic, the standard the cars leave is fantastic, the cars they restore are works of art !
Posted on Google Google
Catherine Lonergan
26/02/2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very Friendly always helpful staff
Posted on Google Google
Nigel Cramp
25/06/2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great friendly and helpful team at Carrosserie. Highly quality work. This is the second time I've used their services. Highly recommended if you want quality restoration or paint work.
Posted on Google Google
Ian Roper
26/03/2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Neil who owns the company straight away gave me one of the best buying experiences I have ever had. He was nice to speak with giving me confidence in buying from him from the outset. This continued throughout the buying process with updates on the process of finance that he organised. Because of my working schedule being so hectic and having to juggle many parental duties. We were unable to get over to pick up the car in the week. Despite the company being closed on weekends, Neil went out of his way to meet me on a Saturday afternoon and even showed me around his amazing company. It was so clear to me that this is someone who is genuine, kind and cares about his company and customers in equal amounts. A truly rare thing in this day in age. I wouldn't hesitate to use his company myself in the future and would recommend him to friends and family in a heartbeat.
Posted on Google Google
John Royce
16/02/2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Outstanding choice of cars, superb restoration facilities from a very professional team. Highly recommended.
Verified by Trustindex
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Are you ready to start your restoration journey with us?

Sign up to stay informed about our latest restoration projects, industry news and more

By signing up, you agree to the Carrosserie Privacy Policy