Lot details

Year: 1986
Make: Ford
Model: Escort L
Registration: C830 BOT
Chassis No: WFOAXXGCAAGT00001
Odometer: 88,000

• First Mk. IV produced
• Prototype with chassis number one and engine number one

The third generation Escort, codenamed 'Erika', was launched in September 1980. The car, Ford Europe's second front-wheel drive, was originally meant to be called the 'Ford Erika' but ended up retaining the Escort name. Sales in the United Kingdom increased and, by 1982, it had overtaken the ageing Cortina as the nation's best-selling car and beginning an eight-year run as Britain's bestseller. Unlike the Mk. II, which had essentially been a reskin of the original 1968 platform, the Mk. III was a completely new 'wheels-up' design and was conceived as a hi-tech, high-efficiency vehicle which would compete with the Volkswagen Golf, considered at the time the class benchmark, and indeed the car was launched with the advertising tagline "Simple is Efficient".

This example was the first ever Mk. IV produced and was Ford's Press release car. It was written up in Practical Classics Car for the July 2025 issue, an article by Danny Hopkins who is the editor. In very original condition and in running order, this important car is chassis number one and engine number one! A true piece of Ford's history and for those with a hankering for something that is historically important, British and can be driven then look no further! Four doors, hatchback, five speed gearbox and powered by a 1300cc engine, this car is being sold with various Ford manuals and a current V5 registration document. Consigned by James Good