Ford Escort (Europe)

Ford Escort is the name of several of the beginning of 1968 until mid-2000 in Europe produced car models in the compact class and the lower middle class of the car manufacturer Ford

The Escort was launched by the German and British Ford plants in common to both markets. The main competitors of the Escort was the Opel Kadett and Opel Astra ( Vauxhall Viva in the UK) and the VW Beetle, which by mid-1974 the VW Golf was replaced I.

On the platform of the Escort independently positioned notchback model Ford Orion was produced from mid- 1983 until the end of 1993. The Escort was measured at the registration statistics in Europe one of the best selling cars.

Moreover, there was from early 1981 to early 2003, also an American Escort, who was initially, although related to the European model, but later was based on the platform of the Mazda 323.

Succession in Europe occurred in the fall of 1998, the Ford Focus.

  • 2.1 Model history
  • 2.2 facelift
  • 2.3 Equipment lines
  • 2.4 Special models
  • 2.5 Motor Sport
  • 3.1 Model history
  • 3.2 Equipment lines
  • 3.3 Special models
  • 3.4 RS1700T
  • 3.5 Technical data
  • 4.1 Model history
  • 4.2 Equipment lines
  • 4.3 Special models
  • 4.4 engines
  • 5.1 Model history
  • 5.2 Equipment lines
  • Escort RS Cosworth 5.3
  • 6.1 engines
  • 7.1 Escort Classic
  • 7.2 engines
  • 9.1 notchback
  • 9.2 vans

Escort '68

Ford Escort (1968-1974)

Model history

Developed by the British Ford plant first Escort ( also called " dog-bone" ), with its distinctive grille was produced from 17 November 1967 at the British Halewood.

In early January 1968, the Escort was introduced in Morocco the press. A few days later, the official presentation took place at the Brussels Motor Show. The sales figures exceeded the most optimistic expectations of the manufacturer after two months by 30%. After less than five months since the idea was launched on June 4, 1968 the 100,000 already Escort in Halewood assembly line. In Germany the first car left on January 16, 1970 in Saarlouis, the assembly line.

The technique was based on the previous model Ford Anglia. As an estate version " tournament", the Escort could keep '68 with a style similar to the successor front end to 1980 in the sales program. The as the "Beetle - Killer" designed escort remained in Germany behind the expected numbers, but was very popular especially in the UK.

Mid-1973 came to West Germany during the RS2000 added as a top model. Recognizable was the RS2000 to the eye-catching two -tone paint and the widened wheel arches front. With 100 horsepower, the lightweight motorized escort was more than adequate, this resulted in many successes in motorsports. Been far more successful in international motor sports events, however, were the British Escort Twin Cam and his successor, the RS1600 Cosworth BDA 16V engine. With this engine, the RS1600 also won the Finland Run the World Rally Championship and several rounds of the German Racing Championship in addition to the Rallycross Championship in 1973 in the same year.

Ford Escort RS1600

Body

The Escort was designed by its developers as notchback sedan with an all- steel body. There was a two-door and four-door sedan from 1969, as well as a three-door station wagon ( Ford " Tournament ") and a van on offer.

The volume of the luggage compartment was 270 liters. The station wagon had a load capacity of up to 1.53 m³.

The vehicles were basically round headlight, only the upscale "Super" equipment were delivered with rectangular headlights.

Landing gear

The chassis of the Escort is kept simple. The front wheels are suspended by MacPherson struts and wishbones - along the front wheels were out at the first English Escort series of push rods. For vehicles from German production for an anti-roll bar was used. This wheel location was later adopted for the English models.

The rigid rear axle was initially performed exclusively on semi-elliptic leaf springs and provided with slanting shocks. Over the facelift rear axle trailing arm received additional later.

Brakes

For model introduction, the 1100 models were equipped with drum brakes on all four wheels. The 1300s had front disc brakes, drum brakes on the rear wheels and a brake booster.

Motors

The motors of the type Kent were taken from the English Anglia and Cortina. There are four-cylinder four -stroke engines with blocks and cylinder heads made of cast iron and five bearing crankshaft. The hanging valves are actuated via tappets, pushrods and rocker arms. All engines have the same bore of 80.98 mm. The different large displacements are achieved through different strokes.

Power transmission

All Escort I were fitted as standard with a fully synchronized four-speed transmission. For an extra charge (initial 799,20 DM), a three -speed automatic was available.

The power from the transmission to the rear axle has been transmitted through a one-piece propshaft in the 1100s models of the first series, the models had from 1300 cm ³, a two-piece.

Escort '75

Ford Escort (1974-1977)

Model history

For developed under the code name " Brenda " second Escort - generation Ford took over the basic shape and technology of its predecessor notchback and rear-wheel drive The body of the station wagon " tournament" corresponded to the old model, ., Only the front section has been adapted to the new model.

Also the Escort '75 still had a live rear axle, as the main competitor to 1979 produced Opel Kadett C, but achsführende leaf springs, there were 1974 in Europe on the mainland almost exclusively in Japanese import cars.

The Escort was towards the end of the 1970s by the German automotive press is not always positive reviews, especially since the basic concept had come with rear-wheel drive but significantly in the years. In Britain, however, he sold well.

Ford Escort RS2000

Facelift

A small revision led by Ford in August 1977, the front of the Escort was provided with rectangular headlights and the Ford logo. Furthermore, the facilities were extended to small details (eg chrome protection bars on the sides).

Equipment lines

  • The top model available in Germany was the RS2000 (in the UK, however, it was the RS1800 with BDA engine), the already known from the '68 Escort 2.0 liter OHC engine with 74 kW ( 100 hp ) received a further 10 PS more that were achieved by a modified exhaust manifold. The new engine gave the Escort higher performance. The distinctive feature of the RS2000 was the beveled plastic front made ​​of polyurethane with dual headlights.

Special models

Motorsport

With the Escort RS1800 was Björn Waldegård 1979, Ari Vatanen 1981 until today only driver in a vehicle of Ford World Rally Champion, with only Waldegård for the factory team started, Vatanen's car was used by a private team. Ford also was able to secure the manufacturers' title in 1979. The vehicle was in contrast to the series production car from the UK fitted with a BDA engine with 2 liter displacement, the (250 PS) made ​​about 180 kW at 7,000 min -1.

Escort '81

Ford Escort five-door hatchback (1980-1986)

Model history

Already in the winter of 1975, or about two years after the first oil crisis, the development work began for a successor to the built since 1968 model, which continued to run from the end of 1974 with only minor modifications as the second generation. Goal of the developers was to finally be competitive with the very successful VW Golf.

The third generation Escort (code name: Erika ), who was in Germany from September 26, 1980 available at prices 11000-17000 DM, that meant a radical departure from the previous two model lines.

The Escort '81 was the first Escort hatchback ( called Aero rear ), transverse engine with front wheel drive and rear independent suspension to trapezoidal wishbones and damper struts. Also new were the CVH engines developed specifically for this model.

For Sale beginning of the Car of the Year 1981 stood next five different trim levels five engines to choose from:

Taking into account in addition to the pure development cost of the vehicle, the investment in the production, so the total cost for the development of the third series at the time amounted to around 2.5 billion DM

Beginning of 1981 the series has been supplemented by a van, called Express. There was also the beginning of the '83 model year (from August 1982) significant changes to the chassis and engine range escort. Thus, the criticized as uncomfortable suspension was improved and the 1.1 -liter CVH engine replaced due to unsatisfactory consumption values ​​by the older but proven 1.1 -liter Kent engine from the Ford Fiesta.

In the spring of 1983 the tournament called combination was also offered as a five-door hatchback. With notchback he was sold from mid-1983 when Ford Orion and was originally as a separate model similar to the VW Golf / Jetta team positioned. In addition, from the summer of the same year, the Cabriolet by Karmann in Rheine was made ​​available.

Shortly before the end of production in 1985, the first Escort was introduced with regulated catalytic converter. For the 1.6-liter engine of the XR3i was equipped with an electronically controlled fuel injection system (Bosch KE- Jetronic) and reduces the compression of 9.5:1 to 8.5:1. The thus designed for regular gasoline engine developed 66 kW (90 hp) and filled the exhaust emission standard Euro 1 The short construction period and the then low demand for low-emission vehicles, very few copies of the engine was sold. In the follow-up model, however, this engine enjoyed great popularity and was offered alongside the engine without catalyst with 77 kW (105 hp) in the XR3i models.

Ford Escort Turnier

Ford Escort XR3i (1982-1986)

Ford Orion (1983-1986)

Equipment lines

  • Escort L
  • Escort GL
  • Escort Ghia
  • The XR3 was a decidedly sporty -held version of the Escort with sports seats, alloy wheels, sports steering wheel and a revised suspension. The 1.6 -liter CVH engine developed thanks to a Weber carburetor, manifold, together with a modified exhaust system and another camshaft 71 kW (96 hp). Initially, the vehicle was equipped only with a 4- speed gearbox, later versions had a five-course standard. The XR3 was available as a three-door sedan and as a convertible.
  • The XR3i based on the XR3, which was as well as the special model RS1600i with the K -Jetronic, an injection system from Bosch equipped in October 1982. The otherwise equipped only with a different camshaft engine was now powered by 77 kW (105 hp). Like the XR3i and the XR3 was offered as a convertible.

Special models

  • The Escort laser was sold from 1983 to 1985 and was based on the Escort L. The standard features of the laser included a grille in body color, a color coordinated interiors and special trims.
  • In February 1982, the Escort RS 1600i was introduced. This is a particularly sporty model that was often used in touring car racing. The vehicle was developed by Ford Cologne as LHD, but later sold as right hand drive. The modifications to the vehicle for markets such as the United Kingdom brought some problems, which manifested itself with a poorly dosed brake. The 1.6 - liter engine of the XR3 made ​​thanks to Bosch K -Jetronic with fuel cut-off, a computer ignition (first car model of Ford with such a control) and other changes to the cylinder head and the attachment parts 85 kW (115 hp). In addition, the car with sports seats, Koni shock absorbers, an adjustable front axle, additional stickers and alloy wheels were fitted. From this vehicle good 9000 units were built.
  • The Escort RS Turbo was the top model in this series and was in October 1984 was presented at the Geneva Motor Show. The, also referred to as S1 cars ( Escort RS Turbo for series 1) was limited to 5000 units and available in white only. The compression of the 1.6-liter CVH engine was lowered by means of flat piston at 8.3:1. With 0.5 bar of boost pressure, which was generated by a Garrett T3 turbocharger, the engine delivers 97 kW (132 hp). The mixture preparation was carried out by a Bosch KE- Jetronic. The vehicle was equipped with the most extras available at that time. Facilities included, inter alia, Recaro sports seats, alloy wheels of the Escort RS 1600i in the dimension 6Jx15 and exclusive to the Turbo available color-keyed Komplettverspoilerung. There are rumors of a few vehicles delivered in other colors. Delivered is evidence that a black RS Turbo, the longer time Lady Diana, Princess of Wales was one. It is a right-hand drive version with registration number C973HAR.

Dashboard

RS1700T

The RS1700T is a prototype, which was modeled on the escort of the third series and is intended as a rally car for the new group B. As a rear wheel drive vehicle in motorsport significantly greater chance of victory was attributed, was only taken over the body of the Escort and the vehicle converted to rear wheel drive. The engine type BDT was installed longitudinally and the transmission together with the differential on the rear axle. ( Transaxle) The engine is a turbocharged version of the BDA engine developed by Cosworth (Belt Driven A-series ) with a displacement of 1.7 liters. As with its predecessor, the Escort RS1800, some plastic parts such as spoilers and wheel arch extensions were added.

The appearance of the Audi quattro on various rally events, however, meant a sudden end to the project. Ford saw - the other manufacturers also - very quickly that one long run in rallying also can be competitive only with a four-wheel drive vehicle. The few (about a dozen ) built as a test car, exhibits and technology support prototypes were dismantled and re-used some parts for the new RS200. There, a BDT engine was mainly used again. The bodies of the cars were sold by the motor sports department, from time to dive pictures of unfinished vehicles, and are offered for sale. Two or three cars but were apparently not disassemble, this appeared occasionally on national rally events as private vehicles used.

Specifications

HC = high compression = highly compressed; LC = low compression = low compression RS1600i with mechanical valve lifters 5-speed and automatic for all engine versions, XR3 from 82 and 1.6i 5 -speed RS1600i with altered translation, RS Turbo with limited slip differential XR3 and RS Turbo, with firmer springs and gas pressure shock absorbers RS1600i with other spring seats, and Koni shock absorbers XR3 and RS Turbo with firmer springs and gas pressure shock absorbers, RS1600i with Koni shock absorbers

Escort '86

Ford Escort (1986-1990)

Model history

In February 1986, the Escort was given a complete facelift and henceforth categorized as a fourth series. Many body parts were changed, increase the passive safety, improved rust prevention, the landing gear and the motors. Some engine variants were now available with a G- Kat. The interior was revised and adjusted to the Ford Sierra and the Ford Scorpio. The range of engines available for the Escort now extended by a 1.3-liter Kent engine with 60 hp to the already familiar 1.6-liter CVH turbo engine with 132 hp.

From September 1988, the 1.3-liter Kent engine was replaced by a 1.3-liter HCS engine, offered this same performance from a similar type of engine, but the order of intake and exhaust valves in the cylinder head and other small technical details ( crankshaft bearings etc ) were changed significantly. This HCS engine was then fitted with an electronic fuel injection also in other Ford models like Fiesta and Ka. At the same time was also a minimal change in the front bumper: The trim of the front bumper now runs consistently above the license plate.

Especially in the UK enjoyed the new Ford Escort great popularity and was in 1982 the best-selling car.

In Brazil, based on the two-door Ford Orion Verona VW Apollo off the production line.

In South Africa there was a pickup truck called " Bantam " to escort base. This car was sold there by MMI ( Mazda and Mitsubishi assembly plant and distribution) - first as " MMI Rustler ", later as "Mazda Rustler ". A second Bantam / Rustler - generation was based on the Mazda 323 then after SAMCOR the escort stopped after a few years in favor of the 323.

In the USA, a sister model of the Escort '81 was also offered from spring 1981 to summer 1990. See: Ford Escort ( USA)

Ford Escort Turnier

Ford Escort Cabriolet

Equipment lines

  • The Escort XR3i was the sporty version of the Escort, which was initially offered with two engines. The 1.6-liter CVH engine developed with Bosch K -Jetronic without catalyst 77 kW (105 hp) or with KE -Jetronic, reduced compression for regular fuel system and catalytic converter 66 kW (90 hp). The XR3i was a 3- door sedan or as a convertible available. In 1990, shortly before the introduction of the new series, the engine without a catalyst against the new EFI engine with electronic fuel injection G- Kat (102 PS) and 75 kW replaced. These models also received a revised front bumper with additional air intakes and for the sedan rear wing with drooping corners.
  • The Escort RS Turbo was with 97 kW (132 PS) continues to be the top model in the series and has now been built in unlimited numbers. Apart from the new body shape, the S2 differed ( for Escort RS Turbo Series 2 ) adopted in only a few details of his predecessor, because the technique was virtually unchanged. The turbocharger of Garrett was now oil-and water-cooled, the transmission had a higher ratio, there was a significantly larger brake system of the Sierra XR4 used and there were new alloy wheels in the form of a turbine. As with the predecessor included a Recaro interior and a limited slip differential to the extensive standard equipment. The Turbo was only available as a 3-door sedan. Coinciding with the launch of the new EFI engine with G- Kat for the XR3i also received the turbo its front bumper with additional air intakes and rear wing with the hanging down corners.

Special models

  • Convertible highlight
  • XR3i Cabrio BB ( Boris Becker)
  • XR3i Cabrio All White

Engines

Gasoline:

Diesel:

Escort '91

Ford Escort (1990-1992)

Model history

As of late summer 1990, a new model of the Escort was sold. This grew considerably compared to its predecessor. The design matched the spirit of the times (end of 80er/Anfang 90s ) to build more streamlined vehicles. Examples of this style are also presented in the same year Opel Calibra or sold from the summer of 1991 Opel Astra F.

The engines initially corresponded to the previous model with 1.3 liters and 44 kW (60 hp). In addition there was the 1.4 - liter engine with 52 kW (71 hp) and the 1.6 - liter engine with 77 kW (105 hp). The chassis was not very comfortable tuned so that the press initially had to find a few shortcomings. In the course of its construction ( 1990-2000 ) of the escort received three major facelifts (see Escort '93). One and a half years after the presentation of the new competitive 1.8-liter Zetec engines came with 77 kW and 96 kW. In 1993, the Escort was one of the first vehicles with front airbags in the compact class and was able to achieve quite good crash test results from now on.

Also from this escort generation there was a convertible variant, which was prepared as the previous model by Karmann in Rheine. Motorized this was by 1.4 - and 1.6 -liter engines (52 and 77 kW). The Escort Cabrio 1995 was one of the first, which was to have with a diesel engine.

On the platform, this escort was in Brazil, the VW Pointer.

Ford Escort RS Cosworth

Equipment lines

  • The XR3i was initially provided with the CVH engine of its predecessor, this was later replaced by the new 1.8-liter Zetec 16V with optional 77 kW (105 hp) or 96 kW ( 130 hp ) as XR3i 16V. Standard equipment included all-round sports seats, alloy wheels, modified front and rear aprons, rear wing, a lowered and revised vehicle and in some models even 16V - disc brakes.
  • The RS2000 with 2.0 liter displacement and 110 kW ( 150 hp) was the top model in the series. The engine is based on the DOHC 8V engine with timing chain from the Ford Sierra. In addition to the facilities of the XR3i RS2000 had a standard Recaro interior and four-wheel disc brakes.

Escort RS Cosworth

The Ford Escort RS Cosworth occupies a special position within the Escort series, because actually the RS Cosworth is not an escort, but only the body shape of the escort sitting on a shortened floor assembly of the Sierra. In contrast to normal escort the engine as in the Sierra is mounted longitudinally in the Cosworth models. Ford took this step in order to have for the World Rally Championship a competitive smaller car, but to use the well-known powerful engine and all-wheel drive of the Sierra. The excessive Sierra had not proved to be competitive. But the escort were denied greater success.

The Escort Cosworth, which is shortly known as Cossie was built for the most part at the company Karmann. Markedly for this vehicle is the very large and aerodynamically important rear wing. The vehicle is provided with a permanent four-wheel drive was initially equipped with a Garrett T35 - loader and an injection system won Weber- Marelli, the last model from 1995 was a smaller loader by Garrett, who built T25, so the turbo lag should be reduced. This also HTT -Cosworth ( High Torque Turbo, high - torque turbo ) called Escort was the only vehicle in which this engine was fitted with a Ford EFI fuel injection system and a Doppelfunkenzündanlage. The Escort RS Cosworth participated successfully in several rally competitions, despite the plant utilization Ford achieved a driver or brand title with either the Sierra or with the escort. The Escort Cosworth was - always built with the same body shape ( that of the Escort from 1990), there were two different versions of the factory rear wing - contrary to the facelift of the Ford Escort.

Escort '93

In this revised Escort from September 1992, is a modified version of the Escort '91. In addition to some changes to the technique, such as reinforcements to the bulkhead and other security-related changes to both the front and the rear has been changed ( the hatchback ).

In addition, from 1993, the new 1.6-liter Zetec engine with 65 kW ( 88 hp ) and from 1995 the new 1.8-liter Zetec engines with 85 kW (115 hp) in the Escort was available. The somewhat " lame " 1.4 -liter engine was revised to 1995, he was replaced by a completely new unit. The tournament and the Express kept the tail shape.

From 1994, the body was reinforced when Escort.

Rear view

Ford Escort Cabriolet

Engines

Gasoline:

Diesel:

Escort '95

The seventh and final series of the escort is a significantly reworked successor model, which was built from January 1995 to autumn of 1998. The external appearance of the car was made ​​much more rounded. The escort was once more a new front and a completely new, also rounded designed interior.

From this model, there was in Germany a special edition that was sold under the name "F1 Edition". These were a version with 2.0 -liter 16V engine and 110 kW ( 150 hp). Since this edition was limited to 500 copies, it is now considered collectible. In Austria and Switzerland, also a 2.0 -liter version was sold under the name "Clean Edition".

The production of the RS2000 models were discontinued in June 1996 with the F1 - Edition. A new Ghia X model type that has a standard boast air conditioning and a 6 -disc CD changer, was introduced at the same time.

Ford Escort Turnier

Ford Escort Cabriolet

Cockpit

Ford Escort RS2000 (1995-1996)

Escort Classic

After the release of the successor to the Ford Focus Escort Escort Classic as from October 1998 to July 2000 as a five-door hatchback and station wagon (tournament ) has been further built. A 1.6 -liter gasoline engine with 66 kW (90 hp) and a 1.8 -liter turbo diesel engine with 66 kW (90 hp) were available. Despite good reviews the trade press for the new Focus, the cheap Escort Classic could continue to sell well.

Engines

Gasoline:

Diesel:

End of production

In October 1998, the Escort was replaced by the new Focus. As the reputation of the escort due to quality deficiencies in the 1990s was getting worse, the Executive Committee wanted to put with the totally new and independently developed car and the modern design and a sign clearly distinguished the new vehicle of the getting on in years escort.

The last Escort ran as an escort Classic in July 2000 at the Dagenham assembly line.

Other body styles

Saloon

In July 1983, the notchback version of the Escort '81 came on the market. However, they got their own model name Orion. Ford foresaw it, the Orion to sell as higher positioned compact car and therefore offered him only with the bigger engines ( 1.3 and 1.6 liters) and better equipment ( L, GL, Ghia and later a sports version ) of the Escort to.

Coinciding with the first review of the Escort in February 1986 and the Orion was modernized. Both were wearing the factory internal options ( Escort / Orion ) '86.

In September 1990, production of the first Orion was terminated. At the same time the sequel was presented based on the Escort '91. Again, this presented the more luxurious escort variant dar. However, this generation did not sell as expected. The end of 1993, the name Orion was dropped. In early 1994 the Orion was renamed for this reason and simply sold as an escort sedan.

Beginning of 1995 has been revised and adapted to the other body variants of the Escort sedan.

The end of 1998 the production of the saloon was discontinued. Was succeeded by the beginning of 1999 the Focus in corresponding thereto variant.

Rear view

Van

From the first generation of the Ford Escort, there was a van version without rear side windows. Unlike other vehicles in this class of case of Ford stands sideways only from height of the side window on the driver's area to the outside, so similar even the shape of today's high-roof station wagon. As a passenger car with box trucks ( vans ), Ford offered the based on the Fiesta Ford Courier in from 1994 to 2002.

Before the escort vans there was with the Ford Thames 307E, Ford of Britain an analog version based on the Escort predecessor Ford Anglia. Successor to the Escort van was the Ford Transit Connect, which was an independent body, but still based on the same platform as the Ford Focus Escort successor

From early 1981 this body version was marketed as a Ford or Ford Escort Express Express.

Model names

At Ford in Germany the identification of the individual series exclusively through the model years is common. Abbreviations as in Mark (or MK for Mark, German model) are in some other markets, such as Great Britain usual.

In Germany extensive facelifts (model revisions) are usually seen as a new model generation in the UK, however, include facelifts usually only a minor visual changes, which is why the models of individual series are identified there are usually about the years of manufacture or model years. The Escort '93 is there as a facelift of the fifth series ( Mk5b ) out there, which is why the Escort has only six series.

Other abbreviations with figures such as Escort Escort 7 or VII have become established outside of Ford over the years, the official name is, however, still over the model years.

Quick view

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