1969 Ford Escort Mk1 1600 Saloon Historic Rally Car
A first-generation Ford Escort in Monza Blue, built as a dedicated historic rally car from a rolling shell acquired in 2017. Powered by a fully prepared all-steel 1600 Twin-Cam engine, it has been campaigned extensively on UK rally stages, competing regularly in the British Historic Rally Championship and HRCR events, including a C2 Class victory. The interior and safety equipment are to a high club-rally standard, and the car is currently configured for gravel competition.
Ownership
- 2025-02-22Auction saleSold £21,500 (≈ $27K)
- 2017 →Private salePhilip Atkinsonpartial documentation
Acquired the car as a bare rolling shell and built it into a fully prepared historic rally car, setting it up for gravel stages. A long-standing rally competitor who has campaigned the car extensively in UK historic rallying.
Competition
- —British Historic Rally ChampionshipBritish Historic Rally ChampionshipDriver: Philip Atkinson
Competed on multiple occasions across both tarmac and forest/gravel stages throughout the UK over several years.
- —HRCRHRCR eventsDriver: Philip AtkinsonC2 Class win
Multiple outings in HRCR-organised events, with at least one recorded class victory in C2.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2017Restoration
Complete build from a rolling shell into a fully prepared rally car, including professional preparation of the engine bay and boot area with alloy remote filler, twin fuel pumps, oil catch tank, carbon battery box, and rally-spec interior fitment.
Project undertaken by or under the direction of the acquiring owner, Philip Atkinson.
- —Engine rebuildGathercole Race Engines
All-steel 1600 Twin-Cam engine fully prepared to competition specification.
Work carried out by David Gathercole of Gathercole Race Engines, a noted specialist builder.
- —Mechanical
Gearbox recently refreshed; noted as potentially requiring a period of gentle use to fully bed in.
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