Ford Escort

[Steve Holmes]

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Has there ever been a car as popular with racers as the MkI and MkII Ford Escort? This diminutive little British family saloon was first launched in 1968, and was an instant hit with racers around the world. Ford were keen to demonstrate their sporting prowess using the Escort as a showcase, and quickly released a 1,600cc Twin-Cam version which enjoyed huge success in saloon car racing.


Within six years of its release, Ford had produced 2 million Escorts.


Its availability, affordability, size, weight, and enormous range of performance parts made the Escort a hugely popular choice among competitors regardless of the strength of their budget, and these are qualities the model still enjoys today in historic racing.


The MkII was released in 1975, and although the racing world had changed almost beyond recognition in the seven years that separated the release of the MkI and MkII, the MkII would go on to enjoy plenty of success in its own right.


It wasn't just the Twin-Cam, FVA, FVC, and later BDA variant powered Escorts that found favour with competitors, numerous attempts were made to mate the Escorts light weight and nimble handling with much larger, or much more powerful engines, and competitors explored everything from turbocharging, to V8 conversions, with mixed results. But they all added to the history of the Escort in competition, and its incredible versatility.


Today, both the MkI and MkII Escort is as popular as ever with racers in both historic and club competition, and still has few equals when it comes to cheap thrills. So here's a salute to the Ford Escort, and its long standing fan base. Go ahead and share your photos and stories of Escorts past and present.....

[David McKinney]

Unfortunately my period NZ Escorts pix are either crap or unscanned. Both, in most cases...

[timbo61]

Ford Escorts have long been popular in Australian Sports Sedan racing.

Mick monterosso's BDG powered Mk1.
http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/7760/scn0001m.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/815/scn0001m.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Trevor Bridge in a Mazda rotary engined Mk1.
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/6856/scn0002l.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/820/scn0002l.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

John Strudwick with a 6litre V8 powered car.
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4182/scn0003o.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/19/scn0003o.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

I won't forget Mk2 Escorts.

The Trevor Ashby/Steve Reed V8 powered car,

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/7827/scn0005g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/18/scn0005g.jpg/)

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And the Monterosso's RS6000 Mk2.
http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/866/scn0013.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/862/scn0013.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/4417/scn0014.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/571/scn0014.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Steve Holmes]

Killer shots there timbo, thanks for posting. As much as I love the Monterosso RS6000 (and it was a fast car too!) Micks BDG powered MkI is an absolute ripper. Do you know what became of these cars? Are they still around?

[timbo61]

With regards to the Monterosso Mk1 Escort, I will quote from Lee Nicholle on a different forum (if i am allowed),

The Monterosso Escort went to Ron Newbound who fitted a rotary. He crashed it big time at Winton and rebuilt the car with a new shell. he used parts of the roll cage and rebuilt the front space frame the same as original. It looked and performed the same after. Probably a better car as the original neded a LOT of work when Mick aquired it. last I knew Kevin Eyles from Victoria had it, still with rotary power.

[kiwi285]

http://i56.tinypic.com/2diehky.jpg

Not my photo but I loved this car especially as Paul drove the pants off it and stirred up many of the bigger V8's. Jim Richards Carney Racing T/c Escort behind him. Real crowd favourites. Great to hear that it is in safe hands and being rebuilt to race again.

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks for that timbo. Keep the pics coming, they're really enjoyable. You must have a bunch that can be added to the Modified 70s and 80s Saloons thread?


With regards to the Monterosso Mk1 Escort, I will quote from Lee Nicholle on a different forum (if i am allowed),

The Monterosso Escort went to Ron Newbound who fitted a rotary. He crashed it big time at Winton and rebuilt the car with a new shell. he used parts of the roll cage and rebuilt the front space frame the same as original. It looked and performed the same after. Probably a better car as the original neded a LOT of work when Mick aquired it. last I knew Kevin Eyles from Victoria had it, still with rotary power.

[pallmall]

Goodwood FOS 1996

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/escort003750x461.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/escort002750x591.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/escort004750x396.jpg

[pallmall]

NZ Restored or Replicas.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/409750x439.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/107750x432.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/158750x496.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/168750x502.jpg

[Steve Holmes]

Wow, just stunning! Is it a genuine Alan Mann car? I guess it must be given its at Goodwood.

Thats the earlier post I was referring to.

[pallmall]

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/088750x600.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/105750x418.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/110750x426.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/087750x509.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/209750x532.jpg

[pallmall]

Wow, just stunning! Is it a genuine Alan Mann car? I guess it must be given its at Goodwood.

Thats the earlier post I was referring to.

I believe it is genuine, can't find my Goodwood programme at the moment to check the description.

[timbo61]

A few Escorts from the 2010 Bruce McLaren Festival at Pukekohe.

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8414/scn0005.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/849/scn0005.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7895/scn0004.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/135/scn0004.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/381/scn0003.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/51/scn0003.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Rod Grimwood]

Yep, they were a great little car for having fun in.
As mentioned in other thread, if any one has any photos of this Escort from days of past mainly run at Baypark, Puke and Taupo in 80s would like to see them.

[Steve Holmes]

Thats a cool little car Rod, can you share some of the details of it?

[Rod Grimwood]

There you go Steve, Couple of shots of how it looked in Shellsport/club guise. Sister car to Carney (Williment) car and raced by Murray Soames, Think Platt did some and Vern McLaren and then sat for awhile and Robert Van Gisbergen did a deal (as he did) and had it for awhile. I raced against him for couple of seasons in Angle Box and then in 83 Cheese did deal with me and I have had it since. Originally Twin cam but did later years with 2ltr OHV. Good fun car.

Jan 2013. Since been informed that Bryce did not have car, but still researching as it is not all clear at this stage. Definately Soames connection. Apparently built to same as Carney car at time.

[thunder427]

[QUOTE=pallmall;441]http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/088750x600.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/105750x418.jpg

I built a 'Street' version of this Escort around 1980/81, 4/door,same paint scheme,fitted with a 2litre motor and Box ,even had the'round' holes cut in the front pan,split bumpers from a wrecked Escort van, it went like that stuff of the 'shanghi'........nearly finished and a friend decided that it was just what he wanted for the 'good' lady wife...I'm trying to explain that its reasonably Q.U.I.C.K, so I subjest he jumps in.....well up till now I had only had a couple of 'Development' drives to over come some Overheating problem.....so around the back of the Ford dealership I was contracting to at that time where we had a residential 'test Track' and I stand on it!!!!!

1st...2ndddd......3rdddddddd......4thhhhhhhhhhhhh..comming up to the T.intersection,apply the Brakes,.............what F#*!^'n brakes!!????

I had over looked the lack of brakes the basic Escort was provided with by the parent Company!!!!

Well, I'm all over the Gearbox ,rowing back down the selection ava,thinking ,Turn left ,go with the flow,so around the corner, ease back down, look across to my prospective buyer who has this 4ft wide grin on his face,exclaiming ..."Shit,Yes,this sucker hauls,how soon can I pick it up"?????????........I never mentioned the Brakes!!!!!!!!!!!! or how hard I had worked to keep us both alive!!!........................love the Round headlamp look.............regards thunder427?MJ:)

[Steve Holmes]

There you go Steve, Couple of shots of how it looked in Shellsport/club guise. Sister car to Carney (Williment) car and raced by Murray Soames, Think Platt did some and Vern McLaren and then sat for awhile and Robert Van Gisbergen did a deal (as he did) and had it for awhile. I raced against him for couple of seasons in Angle Box and then in 83 Cheese did deal with me and I have had it since. Originally Twin cam but did later years with 2ltr OHV. Good fun car.

Very cool Rod. Do you still own it?

[Steve Holmes]

[QUOTE=pallmall;441]http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/088750x600.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/105750x418.jpg

I built a 'Street' version of this Escort around 1980/81, 4/door,same paint scheme,fitted with a 2litre motor and Box ,even had the'round' holes cut in the front pan,split bumpers from a wrecked Escort van, it went like that stuff of the 'shanghi'........nearly finished and a friend decided that it was just what he wanted for the 'good' lady wife...I'm trying to explain that its reasonably Q.U.I.C.K, so I subjest he jumps in.....well up till now I had only had a couple of 'Development' drives to over come some Overheating problem.....so around the back of the Ford dealership I was contracting to at that time where we had a residential 'test Track' and I stand on it!!!!!

1st...2ndddd......3rdddddddd......4thhhhhhhhhhhhh..comming up to the T.intersection,apply the Brakes,.............what F#*!^'n brakes!!????

I had over looked the lack of brakes the basic Escort was provided with by the parent Company!!!!

Well, I'm all over the Gearbox ,rowing back down the selection ava,thinking ,Turn left ,go with the flow,so around the corner, ease back down, look across to my prospective buyer who has this 4ft wide grin on his face,exclaiming ..."Shit,Yes,this sucker hauls,how soon can I pick it up"?????????........I never mentioned the Brakes!!!!!!!!!!!! or how hard I had worked to keep us both alive!!!........................love the Round headlamp look.............regards thunder427?MJ:)

Great story Myles, and I agree, the red and gold on those cars is as good as it gets. Is there anyone who hasn't owned a MkI or MkII Escort at some point in their lives? Mine was a metallic poo brown MkII Sport. It was rough as guts, sat low on 13" kidney bean mags, had a 1600 with all the good bits, and sounded great. I knew it was bad just walking around it the first time I viewed it, but the guy selling it took me for a blast, and that was it for me. Sold! Then I spent the next six months fixing up all his sloppy work.

[Rod Grimwood]

Yes Steve still have it, when I have finished fixing the poor old 72 Mk1 rally car after a fence and gate got in way, I intend to put it back together and do some fun historic events.

[Rod Grimwood]

Here is a couple of photos I found in my collection (sorry do not know photographers) of the Blackberry Escort. Remember for the short time it was around it was quick.

[Steve Holmes]

What a neat car Rod. What happened to it?

[Steve Holmes]

Rod Collingwood in the former Paul Fahey Alan Mann Racing Escort.

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And while we're on the subject of Rod Collingwood, here he is in his NZ Saloon Car Championship winning Mini, which is now owned by Gerald Fogg and raced by Gerald and his son Angus (Roaring Season member 'foggy')

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Both photos by Mike Feisst.

[Steve Holmes]

Hopefully Terry Marshall won't mind me posting his beautiful shot, taken last weekend at Ruapuna of the recently restored Alan Mann Racing Escort driven in New Zealand and Australia by Paul Fahey from 1969 - 1971, winning outright the 1971 NZ Saloon Car Championship. Stunning restoration job and great to see another historic race car return to the track.

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[kiwi285]

Hopefully Terry Marshall won't mind me posting his beautiful shot, taken last weekend at Ruapuna of the recently restored Alan Mann Racing Escort driven in New Zealand and Australia by Paul Fahey from 1969 - 1971, winning outright the 1971 NZ Saloon Car Championship. Stunning restoration job and great to see another historic race car return to the track.

15840

At HD Paul told me that he has been approached by Graeme and asked if he would like to have a drive. Paul seems keen to take him up on the offer.

Hopefully to be joined by the ex Fahey Cologne Capri before the year is out.

[Shoreboy57]

"At HD Paul told me that he has been approached by Graeme and asked if he would like to have a drive. Paul seems keen to take him up on the offer".

So want to see this running at next years HD Festival

[kiwi285]

You and me and several thousand others. We need to talk Graeme into bringing it up this way - maybe some of the other Christchurch historic racers can bend his ear.

[kiwi285]

http://i49.tinypic.com/i5x549.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/2cnfj7t.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/2ljnlm1.jpg

Here are a couple for the collection. Original cars still alive and racing which is great to see.

[SPman]

Gary Sprague at Bay Park!
He kept this corner attitude up lap after lap.
Who said "drifting" is a new sport

[GD66]

15873

Not too sure who said that, this pic of Jack Brabham in his Cooper at Goodwood in 1957 would suggest it's not as new as some believe...

Apologies for the thread sidetrack...man, that FVA of Fahey's is an achingly beautiful little car...:cool:

[Allan]

In those days GD66 they called it four wheel drifting.

[Rod Grimwood]

Escorts and Bay Park, natural behaviour.

As mentioned above, 'Drifting' a new sport ?.

It was a little different back then. Good days.

[hilstwist]

That's great news about the Fahey Escort being restored! I would start a new thread on Fahey if I knew how to transfer some of the photos from my collections on Roaring Season! Seeing the photo of the 104 Escort got me thinking that most of the top running"saloons" from that era. Say 65 through mid 70s have been restored. Amazing really! The only Fahey cars that i wonder about are the Lotus Cortina and the Cooper single seater?

[David McKinney]

Is the Cooper not still at MOTAT?

[John McKechnie]

David- its MOTAT, what else would you expect? There are only wandering eyes there............

[fullnoise68]

Escorts and Bay Park, natural behaviour.

As mentioned above, 'Drifting' a new sport ?.

It was a little different back then. Good days.

Rod, I`ve got one somewhere of a magenta coloured Chev powered MK1 Escort going around the outside of Alan Fergusons Marley Torana onto the back straight at Baypark, left front wheel in the air, and opposite lock! Excellent photo, just can`t find it at present.

[mid-year]

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[BWilliams]

Here's a pic of my brothers Escort at the Hanmer rallysprint,1989.I think it was his first proper outing in the car,with the rally being the day before and the sprint on the day of the photo below.
This was taken at the ford,which you can see some spray from it in the background.Yes,it did land ok,but bent the some parts of the suspension in the process.
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[TonyG]

Rod, I`ve got one somewhere of a magenta coloured Chev powered MK1 Escort going around the outside of Alan Fergusons Marley Torana onto the back straight at Baypark, left front wheel in the air, and opposite lock! Excellent photo, just can`t find it at present.

Magenta ? Well there you go, I always though it was PINK !!!!! Lol.

[BMCBOY]

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[Rod Grimwood]

Magenta ? Well there you go, I always though it was PINK !!!!! Lol.


I thought Magenta was a fancy drink.

[fullnoise68]

No Rod, the Magenta I`m talking about is actually one of those horrible Porsche car factory colours from whenever!

[Steve Holmes]

Here's a pic of my brothers Escort at the Hanmer rallysprint,1989.I think it was his first proper outing in the car,with the rally being the day before and the sprint on the day of the photo below.
This was taken at the ford,which you can see some spray from it in the background.Yes,it did land ok,but bent the some parts of the suspension in the process.
16148

Woah! Terrific photo! That is some SERIOUS air!

[BWilliams]

And here is another,this time at Ashley Forest at the "dipper",probably 98-99ish.16431

[kiwi285]

Have recently received my copy of the new book 'Alan Mann - A Life of Change' and have had a quick look through it. Some great photos and, I am sure, some interesting information.

One item I did note was that whilst the team were waiting for the Mk I Escort to be made available from the factory (even though they had already seen the car and done some work on a race model and under dire threats from Ford UK if any info was leaked ) they were racing their Mk II Cortina and had installed an FVA engine in it for the start of the 1968 (I think) season. I had never heard of a Cortina with an FVA - that would be a sight and sound to gladden the senses.

There is a front on photo of the car but there is absolutely nothing to suggest that the car isn't anything but standard.

[Jac Mac]

Have an article on that FVA MkII somewhere, have to purchase a new scanner first though!

[crunch]

No Rod, the Magenta I`m talking about is actually one of those horrible Porsche car factory colours from whenever!

No Steve, isn't the Magenta a rare (unusual looking) model of MG? think Ray Green owns one...:cool:

[Hart1598]

car was mine, all suspension and cage done by Murray Soames, body and rest done by us. ran a 1600 BDA when first built, then 1600 twin cam. was sold to Vern McLaren less motor and gear box. Bryce didn't own or drive it, was built about same time as Bryces, witch was based on Rex Harts Escort

[ERC]

No Steve, isn't the Magenta a rare (unusual looking) model of MG? think Ray Green owns one...:cool:

http://www.classic-kitcars.com/classic-kitcar-details.php?30

Nope, Ray does NOT have one of these... AMCO's stable has something closer!

[Rod Grimwood]

car was mine, all suspension and cage done by Murray Soames, body and rest done by us. ran a 1600 BDA when first built, then 1600 twin cam. was sold to Vern McLaren less motor and gear box. Bryce didn't own or drive it, was built about same time as Bryces, witch was based on Rex Harts Escort

Take it you are talking about my car.
Hart1598, can you email me please as that fills in a missing piece I been looking for.
Murray saw car years ago in Whangaparoa and said was his 'old one'.
who had after Vern.

Email grimmie64@xtra.co.nz

Phone 09 402 6832

Cheers

[seaqnmac27]

I have borrowed the pic of Wayne Huxfords Escort from Rods Scrapbook Cuttings thread, however my understanding is that these are the same car.

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[Rod Grimwood]

Have picture some where of orange Huxford escort in south island not sure of it's history.

Notice Ken Sager name on on door if Frist car, was this after Brian Blackberry or was it a guest drive.

Looks like Bob Homewoods Corrolla in back ground.

[seaqnmac27]

Sager bought the car off Blackberry. then in 79 repainted it. 1980 it was sold to Mike Moore in Palmy. when it first appeared as the Frist car, it was referred to in MotorAction as the ex Huxford Escort. not sure where it went after Mike Moore. You posted 2 pics of the Huxford car on your Scrapbook Cuttings thread Rod, this is the better of those 2, do you have another one? My understanding is that Huxford built this car, that is based on something I vaguely remember Dave McKinney saying on another thread.

[Rod Grimwood]

Sager bought the car off Blackberry. then in 79 repainted it. 1980 it was sold to Mike Moore in Palmy. when it first appeared as the Frist car, it was referred to in MotorAction as the ex Huxford Escort. not sure where it went after Mike Moore. You posted 2 pics of the Huxford car on your Scrapbook Cuttings thread Rod, this is the better of those 2, do you have another one? My understanding is that Huxford built this car, that is based on something I vaguely remember Dave McKinney saying on another thread.


That sounds pretty right, as South Island shot was a xmas meeting I think when groups travelled south.

[seaqnmac27]

In looking through some MotorActions, I would like some more information on 2 Ford Escorts as they are both completely new to my knowledge. Peter Hustler drove what is variously reported as a 7 or 6.5 litre Escort and the second is the ex Osborne Falcon engined Escort. Any pics? where are they now?

[spinner32]

John Osborne's Escort went through a couple of hands including Dave Agnew, who fitted a 4 cylinder turbo Toyota engine. Steve Donaldson now has it amongst his collection of Escorts, which, I understand includes the Ron McPhail/Wayne Ross car.

[Rod Grimwood]

Anyone got photos of the Escort that Lynn Rogers built and raced way back. It would have been one of the first built. Was a purple/burgundy colour and was a quick tidy car. Lynn was very clever with these engines and was involved with the development of Bruce Manons 2ltr (amongst many others) way back. I think he went onto be also behind a lot of development for TRD.

PS my computer has pooped itself so using missus when I can.

[Jizim]

No Steve, isn't the Magenta a rare (unusual looking) model of MG? think Ray Green owns one...:cool:

Close Crunch......you would be thinking of the MG Magnet. And maybe Magneta...? The colour magenta is based on a red......(just saying...)

[Jizim]

No Steve, isn't the Magenta a rare (unusual looking) model of MG? think Ray Green owns one...:cool:

Close Crunch......you would be thinking of the MG Magnet. And maybe Magneta...? The colour magenta is based on a red......(just saying...)

[Bryan]

Close Crunch......you would be thinking of the MG Magnet. And maybe Magneta...? The colour magenta is based on a red......(just saying...)

Perhaps Crunch was thinking of Magenta the castle maid from Rocky Horror - definitely an unusual looking model. :D

MG Magnette (1953-68)

Magenta (colour) definition from wiki

Magenta is a violet-red or purplish-red color, and one of the three primary colors of the subtractive CMYK color model. On color wheels of the RGB (additive) and CMYK (subtractive) color models, it is located midway between red and blue. It is the complementary color of green.

Magenta was first introduced as the color of a new aniline dye called fuchsine, patented in 1859 by the French chemist Francois-Emmanuel Verguin. Its name was changed the same year to magenta, to celebrate a victory of the French and Sardinian army at the Battle of Magenta on June 4, 1859, near the Italian city of that name.

The web color magenta is also called fuchsia.

And just to keep it on topic, the Escort's descendent Fiesta was available in Hot Magenta :eek:
http://www.mibz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/2011-Ford-Fiesta-02.jpg

[Steve Emson]

I have borrowed the pic of Wayne Huxfords Escort from Rods Scrapbook Cuttings thread, however my understanding is that these are the same car.

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24984

i remember following this car closely in my ETC Datsun B110 coupe a few times. It had just a wee bit too much grunt for my car!

[seaqnmac27]

Have picture some where of orange Huxford escort in south island not sure of it's history.

Notice Ken Sager name on on door if Frist car, was this after Brian Blackberry or was it a guest drive.

Looks like Bob Homewoods Corrolla in back ground.

Yep thats the one, I think at this stage, 1978, it would have been peddled by Bernie Porschisch (probably spelt that wrong).

Sager purchased the car from Blackberry, it then went to Mike moore

[seaqnmac27]

i remember following this car closely in my ETC Datsun B110 coupe a few times. It had just a wee bit too much grunt for my car!

I think theres footage of you chasing it at Bay Park Labour weekend 1976 on another thread Steve.

[seaqnmac27]

I have borrowed the pic of Wayne Huxfords Escort from Rods Scrapbook Cuttings thread, however my understanding is that these are the same car.

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Under Ken Sager's ownership the 'Fristcort' went into the Child Freighters Escort, seen here chasing Reg Cook
25523
Then went to fellow Palmerstonian Mike Moore
25524

[John McKechnie]

Just a question- diagonal bar on roll cage runs differently, any ideas here?

[seaqnmac27]

Hmmm, did Moore have 2 Escorts? Sold the ex Frist one and this is the second? Just a thought. I remember the ex Frist car being Black under Moore's ownership.

[Rod Grimwood]

Also different headlights/grill (this was easy upgrade) and remember black colour.

[escorthvn]

Just a question- diagonal bar on roll cage runs differently, any ideas here?

In period on works Escorts the diagonal ran both ways as to suit the co drivers reclining seat.The seat was able to fully recline so the driver /co driver was able to rest on long touring stages .Peter .

[Rod Grimwood]

Its a curcuit car Peter. Can not understand why you would put the top of diagonal on left side when your head is on right. ?

Just picked up that nose spoilers are different and rear spoiler/wing is different. Also flares on white car 'external attached' (screwed on) not bog flared like yellow car.

[John McKechnie]

Rod- you have sharp eyes, well spotted.

[Habu]

Also different headlights/grill (this was easy upgrade) and remember black colour.

Front panel on the yellow car is different too - its an early one with the hole between the lower radiator ducts. The car in the second picture has the later style front panel. IMO they're not the same car.

[ElCoyote]

Wayne's were bog flared when first built

[seaqnmac27]

Front panel on the yellow car is different too - its an early one with the hole between the lower radiator ducts. The car in the second picture has the later style front panel. IMO they're not the same car.

Mike Moore had the Black one up for sale in 1980-81, I will read some race reports and see where I get to.

[Growler]

It would be great to get these cars back running again. I know this has been raised in another thread about Shell Sport cars...but just saying...
When I was a lot younger I do remember a MK2 Escort driven by someone McNamara (Menswear?). It did have on the back something like "Go easy on me - I'm only a 1600 pushrod..."
I wonder what happened to that car?

[seaqnmac27]

Mike Moore did have 2 Escorts. The ex Frist car, purchased from Ken Sager in April-ish 79, and the ex Steel Mk2. Therefore is the cage a modification? Maybe done at the same stage as cosmetic changes?

[BMCBOY]

When I was a lot younger I do remember a MK2 Escort driven by someone McNamara (Menswear?). It did have on the back something like "Go easy on me - I'm only a 1600 pushrod..."
I wonder what happened to that car?[/QUOTE]

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25535

[John McKechnie]

Growler- I have extended an invitation to the Shellsport cars that since they ran with Sports Sedans, they can run with Historic Sports Sedans 4 times a year.
Rod Grimwood has one and would like to run.

[Growler]

When I was a lot younger I do remember a MK2 Escort driven by someone McNamara (Menswear?). It did have on the back something like "Go easy on me - I'm only a 1600 pushrod..."
I wonder what happened to that car?

25534

25535[/QUOTE]

Never seen that one. I know it was a MK2 Escort and I think coloured dark blue...

[Jac Mac]

Cant help thinking those pics should be other way around, looks like damage to RF rim of pic #1 might have happened in pic #2.

[Malcolm McLeod]

Probably Kevin McNamara then...he owns the Okara Super Liquor in Whangarei. ..

It would be great to get these cars back running again. I know this has been raised in another thread about Shell Sport cars...but just saying...
When I was a lot younger I do remember a MK2 Escort driven by someone McNamara (Menswear?). It did have on the back something like "Go easy on me - I'm only a 1600 pushrod..."
I wonder what happened to that car?

[Rod Grimwood]

Thats him Malcolm. Sadly it ended up on roof at Bay Roof. Kevin was quick peddler and bloody nice rooster with it.

Photo i found in programme for NZGP at Puke.

[Allan]

Kevin McNamara also drove the Paul Fahey owned Union Travel Chev Camaro in the GTX series in the late 70s.

[Gus]

Mark Rutherford Mark 2 Escort:
McPhail Motor Parts OSCA Wigram 1980, behind a couple of rally cars from Blenheim playing with the race cars, Robert Smith RX3 and Brent Loader Datsun 1200 (1800) 25569

[Bryan]

Mark Rutherford Mark 2 Escort:
McPhail Motor Parts OSCA Wigram 1980, behind a couple of rally cars from Blenheim playing with the race cars, Robert Smith RX3 and Brent Loader Datsun 1200 (1800) 25569

I had a b&w photo published in MotorAction (the old newsprint mag) of the Rutherford Mk2 Escort spinning at the Ruapuna hairpin after contact with (iirc) the Harrington Mk1 Escort. From memory there were Datsuns 3-wide right behind them (iirc Aitken and Cook). Would have been a Shellsport race in the early '80s?

Unfortunately the negative and my prints have got damaged over time, would be keen to know if anybody has a copy of that paper.

[John McKechnie]

Bryan- will look through my copies .

[Bryan]

Bryan- will look through my copies .

Thanks, John. They also published a photo of Dave Waldron (iirc) fighting an under-bonnet fire in his OSCA turbo Mk1 Escort at Levels.

[John McKechnie]

Just checked-All my motoractions, and other publications are from 70s- sorry

[seaqnmac27]

I had a b&w photo published in MotorAction (the old newsprint mag) of the Rutherford Mk2 Escort spinning at the Ruapuna hairpin after contact with (iirc) the Harrington Mk1 Escort. From memory there were Datsuns 3-wide right behind them (iirc Aitken and Cook). Would have been a Shellsport race in the early '80s?

Unfortunately the negative and my prints have got damaged over time, would be keen to know if anybody has a copy of that paper.

I suspect that would be from 1980 or 81. The Escort was built up by Rod Collingwood who lost his sponsor and could not develop it, so he sold it to Mark Rutherford. This car then became the donor shell for Bob Homewoods Escort Sports Sedan.

[Les Laidlaw]

I suspect that would be from 1980 or 81. The Escort was built up by Rod Collingwood who lost his sponsor and could not develop it, so he sold it to Mark Rutherford. This car then became the donor shell for Bob Homewoods Escort Sports Sedan.

Think you will find the Rutherford Mk2 was built at Reg Cooks for Warren Steel.

[seaqnmac27]

Think you will find the Rutherford Mk2 was built at Reg Cooks for Warren Steel.

Ok I am confused. I have got a reference from 1980 of the Warren Steel one going to Rutherford, but then I have another reference, and picture of Mike Moore driving the ex Warren Steel Mk 2 before it went back to him. Then another reference in 82 to the Collingwood Mk2 which he drove at the end of 80/81 Collingwood then built up the Trueno, and then that Escort being purchased by Mark and Ron Rutherford.

[seaqnmac27]

I had a b&w photo published in MotorAction (the old newsprint mag) of the Rutherford Mk2 Escort spinning at the Ruapuna hairpin after contact with (iirc) the Harrington Mk1 Escort. From memory there were Datsuns 3-wide right behind them (iirc Aitken and Cook). Would have been a Shellsport race in the early '80s?

Unfortunately the negative and my prints have got damaged over time, would be keen to know if anybody has a copy of that paper.
This the one?
25580

[Jac Mac]

FWIW I remember racing against Mark Rutherford in the brown MK2 Escort in an OSCA round at Teretonga, it would have been 1979/1980, same meeting Ian Munts Capri dropped its oil at the entry to the loop.

[Marty]

My memory says that the brown Rutherford car was LHD.

[Les Laidlaw]

That's right Marty, the donor car was the LHD AWA Clarion Mk1, used the rack & pedal box out of it,

[seaqnmac27]

So this is the LHD one built by CMR for Warren Steel then, here Mark Rutherford, then to Mike Moore, back to Warren Steel before going to Bob Homewood.

25581

And this RHD is the ex Collingwood car driven here by Mark Rutherford.
25582

[Les Laidlaw]

I only know the brown one was sold to Mark, don't know what happened after that as I went overseas.

[Richard Clunie]

Hi Bryan, not the picture you're after but three scanned images from the Motorsport Annual '80 of Bryce Platt v. Mark Rutherford; you can see the Datsuns and John Armstrong's Escort in the background. Great looking car and really quick too.... Is this the one that became Bob Homewood's Sports Sedan?

256202562125622

[Bryan]

Thanks for those photos, Richard. :-)

Memory faulty after 30 odd years - had forgotten it was Platt in the Mk1, not Harrington.:o

I was one of the chaps sitting on the bank on the outside of the hairpin, and caught the incident from the other side.

25647

[Steve Holmes]

This one just popped up on facebook, having been in storage for 20-plus years. Ex-Ron McPhail twin-cam.

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[Steve Holmes]

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Nick Donaldson photos.

[Spgeti]

Another survivor....

[Steve Holmes]

This one just popped up on facebook, having been in storage for 20-plus years. Ex-Ron McPhail twin-cam.

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Its a great looking car. Good to know they're still out there.

[Andrew Metford]

Is it for sale? No engine or front end by the looks of it? Can you help out the non-Facebook people please. I'm looking for a new race car, hopefully I can get hold I can get hold of my dream car, if not then something else worth the effort, and this could potentially fit that bill.

[Steve Holmes]

Is it for sale? No engine or front end by the looks of it? Can you help out the non-Facebook people please. I'm looking for a new race car, hopefully I can get hold I can get hold of my dream car, if not then something else worth the effort, and this could potentially fit that bill.

Not sure Andrew. I assume not. But I could find out if you're interested? The pics were posted by Nick Donaldson, who accompanied them with the following:

"Thought that this was appropriate seeing this car is the profile picture of this group. Dragged her out of the roof after 20plus years today. Ex mc phail twin cam escort!!"

[Andrew Metford]

I got my mate to find it on fb. Looks like a lot of bits missing, how would you rebuild it to period correct? Think I'll pass.

[agnewnj]

Quick ratio rack and pinion 16.63:1 ??