I remember when my older brother traded his ‘77 Pinto on a new ‘81 bright red Escort SS hatchback. It was a neat little car and he taught me to drive a manual transmission in that one. My Uncle had a ‘81 Lynx wagon with an auto. It was dog slow but it was in the family for years.
Met Danny years ago when we both collected square body che y trucks, been super cool to see his escort collection grow over the years. I remember when he bought the first one
Fascinating video. I suppose for some in the US these will have likely been a first car so must hold some nostalgia. The use of wood and chrome does date the cars more than the European versions I think but that's just how tastes differed between the US and Europe back in the 80's.
It’s definitely a rarity Mark to see cars like this in collections in the U.S. but they are gaining collectibility. It’s an archetypal example of different tastes were and Hal Sperlich I think had an impossible job on his hands during development.
Fun fact; at launch those two body styles seen here were the only ones available. The 5-door hatchback and EXP 2-seater coupe came out for the 1982 model year. I always thought the American Escort's rounder lines aged a bit better during the long production run than the crisply angular Euro one, but the early Dearborn cars' detailing was what dated them.
That’s correct. My article in Classic.Retro.Modern goes into more detail about bodyshells as well the powertrains. It’s a shame the 1.3 litre CVH used in Europe was stillborn on the U.S. model. I agree on the details; it wasn’t until 1983 that Ford used the blue oval on North American cars, seven years after the European debut.
from the 90s to 05 I had a Festiva - Fun to drive with a 5 speed , great gas milage , inexpensive repairs , and was surprised with roomy interior . Escort ( Mazda co-op ) - A little more power at less RPM , smooth ride , great MPG during fuel crisis . Tracer - rides like a Taurus , Auto transmission had a nice passing gear . I thought it was the best car I owned . Engine failure common .
@@farcasgarage3559 So sorry to hear that. Wish I would have known. I've got an eclectic 80s collection including a GM X car, Indy Fiero, 84 Corvette, 83 Z28, and an 84 Ford EXP Turbo. Would like to add an escort to my club. Hoping to find a base or GL in orange with tan interior. Lynx would work too. Or that 81 SS you had. Doggone. neat cars. Thanks for sharing them.
Many collectors often cycle or step up collections, many often do so as financial needs occur. I know a guy in England who sells cars in his collection to pay for tax bills!
I really love the ford escort I would love to buy one of these off of him i had an old ford escort lx hatchback it was an 88 white i think it was a 5 speed manual trans and manual windows and locks i traded it with my older brother it had a blown head on it i got the old one off i left it at my moms house was going to come back for it after i got the money to fix came back for it and was gone found out my oldest brother sold it behind my back
I love your car collection of Ford escorts my very first new car was back in 1985 I bought a 1985 escort GT turbo I believe it was very rare especially with the turbo charge it was black with a gray interior with the had some red stripes in it fully loaded it had almost every option that had power locks didn't have power windows though but it had am and FM cassette the really good stereo tilt did not have cruise control either it had those funky Michelin TRX tires that were almost impossible to find even back then question mark and I bought it from Downey Ford from my good salesman friend that I bought all my cars from that time on was called Eli Wells he was one of the best salesman at Downey Ford
My family owned a 1990 Ford Escort wagon. By that time in Europe, the Escort had been revised a couple times. However, in the North American market, Ford just slapped a plastic grille and aero headlight covers on the old Escort and kept it going. The engine was big, but slow, noisy, and shaky. The trunk latch eventually rusted off and fell out onto the road, making it unusable for driving anywhere thieves might be. We drove the car from 210,000 to 340,000km, and then scrapped it.
To be fair, the European Escort received a fairly extensive makeover in 1986 and branded it a “mk4”, but the U.S. car also received a fairly extensive one too. The notable mechanical change was the 1.9 CVH. Both Europe and NA had new Escorts for 1991/2, but sadly the US car became a rebodied Mazda 323 at that point.
@@AutoAtlantica FWIU the Mazda 323-based car got better reviews in the American press (and, as the Ford Laser, in the Australian one) than the '91 Euro car did in either the UK or Germany.
@@nlpnt I was going to mention that I enjoyed my '95 Ford Escort GT with the Mazda engine and transmission far more than I ever enjoyed the more comfortable, more broken, and much slower '90 Escort wagon. They shared one peculiarity, though. Neither would heat up the car below -15ºC at highway speeds. My dad and I cleaned out the radiators, blocked them off with cardboard, taped up the edges, and still, no heat came from either car's heater until they were traveling at in-town speeds. Below -20ºC, neither would heat the interior at all.
@@nlpnt that’s because the European mk5 looked so boring initially so it was quickly facelifted two years later. The press expected more progression. It was a great car to drive though and well-built.
Better luck next time with volume control of your video. That was a hard watch having to constantly turn the volume up to be able to hear Danny then down when you come back shouting.
Thank you. As pointed out, it was a video shot last year as a video interview for the magazine I write for, with an old, single microphone. Equipment is something that’s constantly being improved and invested in. Hope you enjoyed the video.
The Merkur name was a stupid idea by Ford. The XR4i and the Scorpio were perfectly capable cars and well built enough to carry the Ford badge in America. Both cars probably would have sold better if that was the case. Certainly, the Scorpio was better built and more high tech in every department than any state side offerings at the time.
It was an appalling marketing exercise. The problem was complex, but would have still suffered the same fate even with Ford badges, as similar sized Tempo and Taurus models were far, far cheaper as they didn’t suffer from a weak dollar. There’s more to come on Merkur Pauline and thanks for watching!
@@nlpnt that’s where it differed also from the European model, which initially carried on with a three-door estate like the mk1 and mk2, with a 5-door estate added in 1982.
American watching from the State of Rhode Island in the U.S.-Hm-so what you're saying is this car wasn't born here-it came from Europe-and it-became-a naturalized citizen-explains a lot-explains why it always seemed kind of awkward and out of place-even the name-I always thought-but now-knowing the background-Escort-to me at least-does-sound a lot more like a European-or English-car name than American-think Chevette, Omni or Probe.
The Chevette was on both sides of the Atlantic too, the side profile was identical but the Vauxhall had a droop snoot front end compared to the Chevy. As with the Escort the English ones were better looking. IMO 😂
@@whynotagain3639 the RWD T-Car was sold in 34 different guises all over the world. The Chevrolet version used a different bodyshell despite looking similar, and could be had as a 5-door. It used Isuzu engines.
I remember when my older brother traded his ‘77 Pinto on a new ‘81 bright red Escort SS hatchback. It was a neat little car and he taught me to drive a manual transmission in that one. My Uncle had a ‘81 Lynx wagon with an auto. It was dog slow but it was in the family for years.
The SS is very rare nowadays!
Met Danny years ago when we both collected square body che y trucks, been super cool to see his escort collection grow over the years. I remember when he bought the first one
He’s an asset to the entire hobby, saving cars like this is admirable in my opinion.
I really enjoyed this video i hope to find more videos like this im glad i found your video
Thank you for the kind words! Do please spread the word to help make the channel grow, and like and subscribe!
Fascinating video.
I suppose for some in the US these will have likely been a first car so must hold some nostalgia.
The use of wood and chrome does date the cars more than the European versions I think but that's just how tastes differed between the US and Europe back in the 80's.
It’s definitely a rarity Mark to see cars like this in collections in the U.S. but they are gaining collectibility. It’s an archetypal example of different tastes were and Hal Sperlich I think had an impossible job on his hands during development.
I want to do the same thing but with the Gen 1 86-91 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sables. I'd love to especially find an 86 LX Taurus wagon in red.
Fun fact; at launch those two body styles seen here were the only ones available. The 5-door hatchback and EXP 2-seater coupe came out for the 1982 model year.
I always thought the American Escort's rounder lines aged a bit better during the long production run than the crisply angular Euro one, but the early Dearborn cars' detailing was what dated them.
That’s correct. My article in Classic.Retro.Modern goes into more detail about bodyshells as well the powertrains. It’s a shame the 1.3 litre CVH used in Europe was stillborn on the U.S. model. I agree on the details; it wasn’t until 1983 that Ford used the blue oval on North American cars, seven years after the European debut.
from the 90s to 05 I had a Festiva - Fun to drive with a 5 speed , great gas milage , inexpensive repairs , and was surprised with roomy interior . Escort ( Mazda co-op ) - A little more power at less RPM , smooth ride , great MPG during fuel crisis . Tracer - rides like a Taurus , Auto transmission had a nice passing gear . I thought it was the best car I owned . Engine failure common .
What a cool collection! Why on earth would he sell them. Wish I had known!
We had some financial issues come up, unfortunately they had to go
@@farcasgarage3559 So sorry to hear that. Wish I would have known. I've got an eclectic 80s collection including a GM X car, Indy Fiero, 84 Corvette, 83 Z28, and an 84 Ford EXP Turbo. Would like to add an escort to my club. Hoping to find a base or GL in orange with tan interior. Lynx would work too. Or that 81 SS you had. Doggone. neat cars. Thanks for sharing them.
@@howebrad4601 I kept my SS and my 81 escort EV. Only ones I didn't sell .
Many collectors often cycle or step up collections, many often do so as financial needs occur. I know a guy in England who sells cars in his collection to pay for tax bills!
I really love the ford escort I would love to buy one of these off of him i had an old ford escort lx hatchback it was an 88 white i think it was a 5 speed manual trans and manual windows and locks i traded it with my older brother it had a blown head on it i got the old one off i left it at my moms house was going to come back for it after i got the money to fix came back for it and was gone found out my oldest brother sold it behind my back
I love your car collection of Ford escorts my very first new car was back in 1985 I bought a 1985 escort GT turbo I believe it was very rare especially with the turbo charge it was black with a gray interior with the had some red stripes in it fully loaded it had almost every option that had power locks didn't have power windows though but it had am and FM cassette the really good stereo tilt did not have cruise control either it had those funky Michelin TRX tires that were almost impossible to find even back then question mark and I bought it from Downey Ford from my good salesman friend that I bought all my cars from that time on was called Eli Wells he was one of the best salesman at Downey Ford
Not my collection, but I’m happy it exists!
My family owned a 1990 Ford Escort wagon. By that time in Europe, the Escort had been revised a couple times. However, in the North American market, Ford just slapped a plastic grille and aero headlight covers on the old Escort and kept it going. The engine was big, but slow, noisy, and shaky. The trunk latch eventually rusted off and fell out onto the road, making it unusable for driving anywhere thieves might be. We drove the car from 210,000 to 340,000km, and then scrapped it.
To be fair, the European Escort received a fairly extensive makeover in 1986 and branded it a “mk4”, but the U.S. car also received a fairly extensive one too. The notable mechanical change was the 1.9 CVH. Both Europe and NA had new Escorts for 1991/2, but sadly the US car became a rebodied Mazda 323 at that point.
Glad you got some extensive mileage out of it! They were more durable than people gave them credit for!
@@AutoAtlantica FWIU the Mazda 323-based car got better reviews in the American press (and, as the Ford Laser, in the Australian one) than the '91 Euro car did in either the UK or Germany.
@@nlpnt I was going to mention that I enjoyed my '95 Ford Escort GT with the Mazda engine and transmission far more than I ever enjoyed the more comfortable, more broken, and much slower '90 Escort wagon. They shared one peculiarity, though. Neither would heat up the car below -15ºC at highway speeds. My dad and I cleaned out the radiators, blocked them off with cardboard, taped up the edges, and still, no heat came from either car's heater until they were traveling at in-town speeds. Below -20ºC, neither would heat the interior at all.
@@nlpnt that’s because the European mk5 looked so boring initially so it was quickly facelifted two years later. The press expected more progression. It was a great car to drive though and well-built.
Just assumed he was a 50 year old guy!
Young head on older shoulders I reckon!
Better luck next time with volume control of your video. That was a hard watch having to constantly turn the volume up to be able to hear Danny then down when you come back shouting.
Thank you. As pointed out, it was a video shot last year as a video interview for the magazine I write for, with an old, single microphone. Equipment is something that’s constantly being improved and invested in.
Hope you enjoyed the video.
Fun little cars. Ashame usa is going away from compact cars with tiny efficient engines. Euro, its not uncommon to see a 1.1l 😊
Don’t know about that, the 1.2 and 1.3 I3 turbos GM are using really are terrific! Video to come on the 1.2.
The Merkur name was a stupid idea by Ford. The XR4i and the Scorpio were perfectly capable cars and well built enough to carry the Ford badge in America. Both cars probably would have sold better if that was the case. Certainly, the Scorpio was better built and more high tech in every department than any state side offerings at the time.
It was an appalling marketing exercise. The problem was complex, but would have still suffered the same fate even with Ford badges, as similar sized Tempo and Taurus models were far, far cheaper as they didn’t suffer from a weak dollar. There’s more to come on Merkur Pauline and thanks for watching!
To British eyes they sure look fussy. An original UK spec XR3 is still a nice looking car. I admit the 'wagon' is fun though. And a red interior!
A prime example of differences in cultural tastes in the 1970s for sure!
The wagon also only ever had five doors and probably carried a bit more with its' more upright rear liftgate.
@@nlpnt that’s where it differed also from the European model, which initially carried on with a three-door estate like the mk1 and mk2, with a 5-door estate added in 1982.
American watching from the State of Rhode Island in the U.S.-Hm-so what you're saying is this car wasn't born here-it came from Europe-and it-became-a naturalized citizen-explains a lot-explains why it always seemed kind of awkward and out of place-even the name-I always thought-but now-knowing the background-Escort-to me at least-does-sound a lot more like a European-or English-car name than American-think Chevette, Omni or Probe.
It was developed by two design teams, one in the U.S., the other in Europe.
The Chevette was on both sides of the Atlantic too, the side profile was identical but the Vauxhall had a droop snoot front end compared to the Chevy.
As with the Escort the English ones were better looking. IMO 😂
@@whynotagain3639 the RWD T-Car was sold in 34 different guises all over the world. The Chevrolet version used a different bodyshell despite looking similar, and could be had as a 5-door. It used Isuzu engines.
Fair enough!@@whynotagain3639
Don't mind that the Probe got discontinued.