Fast Facts:

Thoroughly reworked example of the Mk1 Escort that has featured on the cover of Street Machine magazine

Powered by a turbocharged Nissan FJ20 engine tuned to produce 260hp at the rear wheels on 98RON

Backed by a five-speed manual transmission and riding on coilover suspension with staggered Forgeline wheels

The Details:

The Mk1 Ford Escort has long been one of the most loved, raced, and modified cars, but the 1973 example offered here is a true one-of-a-kind build.

It’s perhaps no surprise that this car previously featured on the cover of Street Machine magazine, as this unique vehicle has been thoroughly reworked inside and out.

Finished in the Limestone Grey hue offered on a Volkswagen Golf R and riding on a set of staggered Forgeline wheels (17x7.5 front with 17x10 rear), this attractive package is packing some serious punch underneath. 

The original ‘Kent’ engine was quickly ditched when it came to this build, with the decision made to use a now-rare Nissan FJ20 engine instead. The precursor to the iconic SR20, this example has been fitted with a BorgWarner 7163 turbocharger, and thanks to its Haltech Elite 1000 ECU has been tuned to deliver 260hp at the rear wheels running on 98RON.

Speaking of fuel, the engine has been fitted with Bosch injectors in a Hypertune fuel rail, while its Radium tank features an Aeroflow fuel pump. 

The engine has also been treated to LS1 ignition coils, a Hypertune 75mm throttlebody, a PWR radiator, and a custom exhaust system with 4.0-inch oval and 3.5-inch round tube.

The engine comes backed by the five-speed manual that would normally sit behind an SR20 and features a BorgWarner live axle diff at the rear. 

This Mk1 Escort also rides on GAZ Group 4 coil-overs with adjustable lower arms and a 28mm sway bar up front, along with Spax coil-overs and four-link Watt’s link suspension in the rear. It also features four-piston brakes from a Nissan 200SX up front for extra stopping power.

Currently located in Sydney, New South Wales, it should be noted that the vehicle has not been engineered since the build’s completion and will be sold unregistered. Any potential buyer should be aware that further changes might be necessary to achieve an engineering certificate and registration.

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