Lot details
Registration No: JOT 29L
Chassis No: RJF1
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.

Introduced in January 1968, the Lotus-powered Mk 1 Escort Twin Cam proved a highly successful Rally and Rallycross car. The model's first international win was on the 1968 Circuit of Ireland and it remained Ford Motorsport's weapon of choice right up until the 1971 Safari Rally; inspiring a host of imitators along the way.

This particular Escort is reported to have been built-up from suitable parts to 'Twin Cam' specification by Roger Freeman during 1972 (hence the reason it carries the chassis number 'RJF1'). Having retrieved the Ford from a prolonged period of storage in 1998, the previous keeper then had it extensively restored a couple of years later with a view to contesting the Portland Historic Races in America. However, these plans were shelved and after some track day forays, the car was pressed into service as a UK club racer. Apparently able to give a good account of itself against more modern machinery on occasion, the Escort is further understood to have set a class lap record at Brands Hatch in the CTRCC Classic Thunder series.

As well as a Type 9 five-speed close-ratio gearbox, the two-door saloon boasts a limited slip differential, quick steering rack, Group 4 front hubs / bearings and bias adjustable four-wheel disc brakes not to mention uprated suspension (Front: World Cup cross member, adjustable track control arms and Bilstein adjustable coil-over dampers / Rear: five-link back axle, adjustable coil-over dampers). Strengthened during the refurbishment process which also saw it painted white with red stripes (echoing an old Willment Racing livery), the bodyshell derives extra rigidity from a full roll cage.

Describing the coachwork and paintwork as "good" and the gearbox as "fair", the vendor adds "the car has not raced for a few seasons and as such I would recommend that any purchaser carries out their own pre-event checks plus any other mechanical recommissioning work as they see fit". However, the Escort does have the major advantage of a freshly overhauled dry sumped Lotus twin-cam engine. The four-cylinder unit is stated to have covered "no race miles" since the work was completed in July 2009 by recognised specialists AGRA Engineering at a cost of over £10,000.

Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document.