The Ford Escort was introduced in 1968 as a replacement for the long-running Anglia. The modern, distinctive design became immensely popular with 2.1 million units of the mk1 being sold in the first 6 years. The history of the Escort developed and it continued to sell in huge numbers through the 70's & 80's. In the earlier years, sales were buoyed by unparalleled success on the rally stages & the mk 2 Escort became the most successful & iconic rally car of all time.
In the 80's the XR3i was launched to compete head-on with the market leading
VW Golf GTi. Later came the RS Turbo, a boy racers wet dream, draped in a body kit to die for that no essex lad could resist, even Princess Diana had one!
Through the 90's some would say that Ford lost their way with the Escort, the switch from rear to front wheel drive was not a popular one but the 90's did see the return of the Escort's partnership with revered engine tuners Cosworth. The mighty, 4 wheel drive, turbocharged Escort RS Cosworth (which was actually based on the Sierra floor pan) was spectacular. Its enormous 'whale tail' spoiler, aggressive wide-arched stance and
blistering performance made it one of the most desirable cars available.
In homage to the incredible Escort we decided to make the infographic below which timelines the history of the escort from its Anglia roots to its current incarnation, the equally popular Focus.
