Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
1973 Ford Escort 1300 XL
Just 32, 000 recorded miles
Estimate
£11, 000 - £13, 000
Registration No: TDJ 770L
Chassis No: BBAFNP19116
MOT: Exempt
1300 XL model presented in the attractive combination of ‘Sunset’ with contrasting Biscuit vinyl interior
Just 32, 457 Miles on the odometer with 4 former keepers
Offered with a comprehensive history file
Ford’s phenomenally successful Escort made its debut at the 1968 Brussels Motorshow. It was a direct replacement for the long running Anglia range and, while much of the mechanicals were carried over, the styling was far more contemporary. Power came from a choice of 1100 or 1300cc versions of the Crossflow ‘Kent’ engine, which drove through a slick four-speed manual gearbox or three-speed automatic unit and on to the rear wheels. Suspension was by MacPherson struts at the front and live axle mounted on leaf springs at the rear, while the Escort was the first Ford to feature rack and pinion steering. The XL trim variant included the GT-Style six dial instrument binnacle, two speed wipers and heater/ demister, ashtrays and simulated wood fascia to the dashboard and door cappings. On the exterior, stainless-steel finish sill plates, wheel trims and more.
This particular Escort, presented in ‘Sunset’ with contrasting Biscuit vinyl interior was first registered on 01 May 1973 and delivered to Liverpool. ‘TDJ 770L’ would have just 2 keepers until it was purchased by its third owner, an R J Gourley, also living in Liverpool in August 1975 at just two years old. The car would remain with Gourley for the majority of its life, for some 42 years between 1975 and 2017. During his ownership, the car covered 14, 374 miles and was dry-stored in his single garage and used sparingly. Following his ownership, the car was passed to a family friend, before being sold to the previous owner, and the current owner in June 2019. Amazingly, ‘TDJ 770L’ is believed to be in remarkably original condition, with its original paint still showing touch-ins from Gourley accidentally scraping the car on either side of the rear arches when pushing the car in and out of his small garage; adding to its charm. The condition of the interior and notably the boot further corroborate the story that this car spent most of its life garaged, and cherished.
Included with the vehicle is a charming history file. Included within are various documents such as an AA Road test report dated November 1972, Escort comparison guide, Lubrication and Maintenance Chart Service Schedule and more. Also included within are numerous Tax discs, laid out nicely, a significant collection of MOT certificates from 1983, showing a clear progression in the car’s mileage over that period. An original ‘The Ford Escorts’ brochure, a Ford Warranty Facts booklet, Esso Recommended Lubricants booklet, Its original Owner’s handbook and Ford Sure booklet are also included, along with a handful of invoices, further literature and the current V5C document which displays 4 former keepers.
In current ownership, ‘TDJ 770L’ has been enjoyed for numerous car shows and events, and now presents a fantastic opportunity for its next owner to cherish.
