Jun 20, 2001 03:13 PM
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I was all right, for a while, I could smile for a while…………The headlines read, “the last escort runs of the production line at Halewood, Liverpool”
30 years of history, ceased in one day.
I don’t think there are many people who have never owned, or driven an Escort at some time in their lives.
Here are some interesting facts about the Escort, before I go into detail and describe the features of the Escort Finesse, the last escort produced by Ford.
QUESTION: WHAT COLOUR WAS THE LAST ESCORT PRODUCED AT THE HALEWOOD PLANT?
Answer in comments box!
Although used in an estate format, the Escort was the replacement for the hugely popular Anglia car, back in 1968.
Some 18 million Fords have been produced at the joint venture factories in England and Germany.
The Escort Mexico was named after its rally victory in 1970, in the London to Mexico Rally.
Legend has it, that the Mexico was the first Boy Racer car, and inspired the RS2000 to be produced 4 years later in 1974.
An escort RS2000 was the popular mode of transport used by Doyle, in the professionals.
1980 saw the introduction of the mark 3 Escort, which died out in 1990 to be replaced by the last, and most reformed model.
Cosworth found fame with their variation of the Escort Cosworth, an Insurance companies nightmare.
Other famous Escort drivers were Sarah Ferguson and the late Princess of Wales.
Replaced by the car of the century Ford Focus
FORD ESCORT FINESSE
The last production model of her class.
A bargain in the field of spec available on a car, with more gadgets than the inspector himself.
Should not be in the past model catagorie, as there are still unregistered models to be bought, but at the same time, should be, as they don’t make them anymore!
Escort Finesse.
£9995 5 dr hatch
1600 16v engine
Also available in estate version
Other versions available earlier, but I will just give the info on the 5dr Finesse.
Standard features.
Metallic paint
Central locking
Power steering
Air Con
Rear spoiler
Alloy wheels
Driver’s air bag
C.D. Player
Choice of colours
Pepper Red
Panther Black
Moondust Silver
Amparo Blue
PERFORMANCE
Very versatile car
Max speed 110 mph
Average fuel consumption 34.4 mpg combined
Town 26 mpg, motorway 43 mpg
Holds roughly 12 gallons
Average 400 miles before refilling
HANDLING
Not quite the smoothness of her predecessor the Focus, but still a sturdy drive, with a good, safe all round feel.
Tends to over steer at corners, but feels a bit stiff.
Accelerates very well, and holds the road evenly.
Good all round vision.
Easy to manoeuvre, handy to park.
SECURITY
Comes fitted with an immobiliser as standard, and is not top of the stolen vehicle list, you will be pleased to hear.
Double locking, and also single door opening help to eliminate intruder interest.
COMFORT & INTERIOR
Fairly roomy, although boxy feel to it.
Being 6ft, I only just manage to squeeze in, and when travelling a journey of considerable distance, I feel it.
Not a great deal of room in the back, but bearable for short journeys.
Still looks dated and plasticy, but not quite as bad as continental cars, such as the Fiats.
Air Con is a major boost here, and makes it that much more bearable and less insufferable on hot days.
Chairs tend to move, tilt and adjust to your needs, and steering wheel can be adjusted.
EXTERIOR
Looks quite attractive and sporty with the Alloys and Spoiler.
Still looks like a modern car, and has an attractive shape to it.
Touches of chrome give the final touch and all in all this is a decent car, that can be picked up relatively cheap.
There it is, my opinion on the dieing swan, the Escort, one of the most common cars on the road, and a pioneer of the modern automobile.
God bless her, and every Essex boy who has ever raced his RS2000 along those twisty roads to Southend on Sea.
Angus
