When we Americans think of a Ford Escort, generally, images of small, front-wheel drive hatchbacks from the 1980s enter our brains. Slow, underpowered and not exactly fun to drive, they’re usually relegated to the dumpster bin in the automotive world.
Of course, Ford offered sporty, and slightly more powerful versions in GT trim in the ’80s and ’90s, as well as a ZX2 and ZX2 S/R model in the late-90s and early 2000s. The latter were unique and fun to drive in their own right, but us Yanks didn’t have it quite as well as the Brits, at least when it came to the Escort.
Across the pond, things were quite a bit different. There, the Escort can trace its roots all the way back to 1967, where a front engine, rear-drive layout offered plenty of potential, as well as sporting driving. The car had so much going for it in fact, that it was a force to be reckoned with on the racing circuits.
Official Release:
DEARBORN – Hot on the heels of Sebastien Ogier winning the 2018 FIA WRC Drivers Championship in a Ford Fiesta, we could not resist the opportunity to celebrate another milestone – the 50th anniversary of the legendary Ford Escort.
Racing has always been in the DNA of Ford and the Escort firmly lived up to this reputation on track and especially on rally stages across the world.
The fact that the Escort is still used competitively in rallies globally is a testament to its ability – something that we hope we have captured in this video.
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