Ford Escort 1.3 GL (U49)

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Vehicle Description
At Cult Classics, we’re not keen on using cliches like “factory fresh” or “time warp”, we prefer to just stick with the facts and to tell it like it is. However with this particular Mk3 Escort it is very difficult not chuck a few of those classic cliches in, it is that good!

The Car
It is a 1981 Mk3 Escort 1.3 GL finished in Sunburst Red with a Grey cloth interior. It is showing a very credible 23253 miles recorded and is in such outstanding condition, that it really as to be seen to be believed.
According to the original sales invoice, it came at the price of £4854.41. This included a few choice options such as the RST 21P radio / cassette (which is still in the car) headrests, headrest pads and a passenger door mirror. The car has also been Ziebart rustproofed when it was a month old which may go some way as to explain its incredible condition.

The History
It was supplied new on the 22/05/1981 by Allen of Romford to a Mr Tynan who then kept the car until 08/04/2016, that’s 35 years of custodianship! A lady in Gravesend then acquired the car and kept it for the next 6 years. It was then purchased by a private collector in October 2022 where it has undergone some recommissioning works resulting in the car you see today. The afore mentioned collector has now thinned down his collection and has reluctantly parted with this exceptional Escort.

The Mechanicals
As soon as the 1.3 CVH motor fires up, you know this is a very special example. It starts first time, without hesitation and ticks over beautifully with no smoke or untoward noises. Out on the road everything feels tight and responsive, the clutch is lovely to use with a nice central biting point and the brakes pull the car up straight and true. There is a sticker on the cam cover showing the car to have had a new cambelt and tensioner, new alternator belt, new oil and filters, new brake fluid, new coolant and new brake pads in January this year. It really is a lovely car to drive and even 40 years later, we can’t imagine it drives a great deal differently now, to when it rolled off the Halewood production line.

The Exterior
Finished in its original shade of Sunburst Red, this 42 year old Escort looks absolutely fantastic. The paint work is almost completely blemish free with zero evidence of corrosion. Every panel is straight and dent free and the glass is all original with the reg number security marks all correct. There is even the original dealership sticker in the rear window. There is a very small crack at the top of the windscreen, we think was the result of someone being a little vigorous reattaching the rear view mirror!
All the badges and trim are in place with just the tiniest amount of oxidization to report on some of the brightwork around the windows. The wheels are perfect with no kerbing or damage and are wrapped in a matching set of tyres, all with plenty of tread. It really is quite exceptional!

The Interior
The interior, much like the rest of the car is quite remarkable. It is incredibly clean and tidy with the only noticeable defect being some age related cracking to the top of the dash above the instrument binnacle, but really that’s it. The carpets and upholstery are in great condition with no rips, tears or damage of any kind. All the switches and knobs work perfectly including the original radio / cassette. Everything is complete and original and feels barely used as you would expect in a car that has only covered 23000 miles.

Conclusion
So, summing up, this car is believed to be 1 of only 2 1981 1.3 GL’s currently on the road, making it one of the very last left running and is consequently a special opportunity to own a very rare piece or our motoring history.
Make no mistake, this is an absolute gem of a car that requires its next owner to appreciate it just like its former keepers have, whether it is as a potential investment for the future or even as part of a collection, it would be fantastic to see this car taken to plenty of classic car shows, for fellow enthusiast to enjoy and reminisce about their own family members owning one. Chances are, at some point, they probably did!
Technical Details
Performance
Engine Size cc
Top Speed 96 mph
0-62mph 12.8 sec
Power 68 bhp
Dimensions
Height 1380 mm
Length 3970 mm
Width 1640 mm
Emissions & Performance
CO2 g/km
Combined 37 mpg
Extra Urban 47 mpg
Urban 30 mpg
Vehicle Performance
68
BHP
73
Torque
12.8
0-62
96
Top Speed
Running Costs
Fuel Economy*
Combined
37 mpg
Extra Urban
47 mpg
Urban
30 mpg
Vehicle Tax**
12 months
-
6 months
-
CO2
-
-
Insurance
Insurance Group
-
Fuel Type
Type
Petrol