Description
14th Sep, 2024 10:00
The September 2024 Auction
1986 Ford Escort 1. 6 GL
No Reserve - Blue Oval family favourite with low recorded miles
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: D336ALA
Chassis: WF0AXXGCAAGB36268
Odometer: 57, 000
Transmission: Manual
MOT: June 2025
Low indicated mileage
5-speed gearbox
Recent new head gasket and battery
Original specification
Rare and desirable GL trim
The Ford Escort Mk4, introduced in 1986, marked a significant evolution in the Escort lineup, building upon the Mk3's platform with notable stylistic and technical updates. This iteration featured a more aerodynamic design with smoother, more rounded contours and an updated front end that included new headlights and a revised grille. Under the bonnet, the Mk4 offered improved engine options, including the introduction of fuel injection in some models, which enhanced performance and efficiency. The interior also saw upgrades with better materials and more advanced features for its time. The Escort Mk4 was well-received for its reliable performance and practical design, securing its place as a popular choice in the compact car segment throughout its production until 1990, when it was succeeded by the Mk5. Its legacy lies in its balance of affordability, durability, and modernity, characteristics that cemented the Escort's reputation in the global market.
We are pleased to offer this 1986 Ford Escort 1. 6 GL in burgundy with grey cloth interior. First registered in September 1986, the first year of Mk4 Escort production, the car wears Chiswick Garage stickers and number plates although we cannot confirm that they are original. The odometer shows 57, 000 miles and, whilst we cannot ever guarantee a mileage figure, the lovely condition of the car and particularly the interior makes us believe it is likely to be correct. The V5C records 6 former keepers but an older copy records 5 with the same registered keeper, suggesting that the latter figure is correct. There isn’t a huge amount of history with the car but the vendor has replaced the battery and head gasket in the last 12 months. He also drove the car in to us from West Yorkshire, giving a good indication of his confidence in it mechanically.
Externally, the car presents extremely nicely. It has had all the arches replaced to a high standard and the plastics are good, with no obvious cracking to the bumpers. It’s nice to see the correct Ford wheel trims remain in place. Inside is possibly even better and, like the outside, has pleasingly been left in original specification. Time-warp is an overused term in the classic car world but that seems a fair description for the interior of this Escort. Nice touches are the original radio / cassette and a parcel shelf unsullied by aftermarket speakers.
The car comes with V5C, current and some old MOTs and a small number of invoices for recent work.
If you’ve paid any attention to the Festival of Unexceptional, you’ll appreciate that there is a lively and enthusiastic scene around nice examples of once commonplace vehicles. In that context this Escort ticks a lot of boxes - lovely condition, rare GL trim, strong 1. 6 litre / 5-speed combination making it very useable and kept in completely original specification. Offered with no reserve, this would make an ideal starter classic which would be welcomed at the Festival or any local car meet or show.
