Description
Specifications
Year: 1968
Make: Ford
Model: Escort Mk1 Twin Cam conversion
Chassis number: GCATMT50513
Engine number: John Wilcox No. 0492A
Engine specifications: 1594cc, in line 4, DOHC, carburetted by 2 Weber 45 DCOE, 152Ps@6880rpm, 172Nm@5650rpm, wet sump.
Power to weight ratio: 19% (152 / 790)
Homologation: 1968 Mk1 Group 4
Registration: Greek, FIA and HTP passport.
Racing history: This Twin Cam has participated in numerous local historic rallies primarily for exhibition purposes. In June of 2011, Escort expert and WRC champion Jari-Matti Latvala test drove this particular car at a gravel section of the Acropolis track. His ensuing enthusiasm was manifested by placing his signatures at the lateral superior aspect of the doors of the car which have been carefully preserved and are still on display. The year after, J. M. Latvala was officially announced as Ford's No. 1 WRC driver.
Conversion: In 2007 a perfect-bodied 1972 Ford Escort Mk1 1. 1lt was selected as basis to conduct the following upgrades by Greece's foremost rally preparation Ford Escort technicians at Agelakis Service, Nea Erythraia, Attica.
Body
The rust and accident-free body was sandblasted and converted to Group 4 specifications. The steel doors were retained while new steel side fenders and plastic engine and trunk lids were fitted. The entire body was sprayed in original Ford Diamond White and a roll cage by Safety Devices was installed.
Engine
In 2015 this original Lotus Twin Cam 1. 6lt was completely overhauled and ran in by expert John Wilcox at Hinckley, Leicesterchire, UK. This included fitting numerous new parts such as a steel crankshaft, main and big end bearings and bolts, Cosworth piston rings, cylinder bores, cylinder head race springs, camshaft bearings and bucket (L1 cams), gaskets, seals, oil pump, 120 link chain, exhaust valves and guides. The 45 Webers were also overhauled using a service kit and fitted on with new spacers, O rings and mounts. NGK B7ECS spark plugs were selected and oil was replenished for the 4hr run-in session. The camshaft timing, belt's tension, tappets and ignition timing were adjusted for optimal performance providing the following approximate figures (precision graphs available upon request):
rpm / Power(PS) / Torque(Nm)
3500 / 70 / 140
4000 / 85 / 150
4500 / 100 / 155
5000 / 115 / 160
5500 / 130 / 170
6000 / 140 / 165
6500 / 150 / 160
7000 / 150 / 155
Fuel
An FIA-approved and NQA-registered alloy enclosed bag tank by Premier Fuel Systems Ltd was installed. Facet pumps were selected for fuel delivery.
Exhaust
The manifold and exhaust were made by hand.
Drivetrain
Brand new 4sp gearbox and LSD by Tran-X were matched to deliver through the original Ford Gr 2 spec. rear axle.
Suspension
Adjustable in the front and set rear shocks by Bilstein were selected.
Brakes
The brakes are 2 pot caliper discs in the front and drums in the rear.
Wheels
A set of 7x13 inch wheels on Continental tires are fitted with a spare set of Michelins for tarmac.
Interior
The seats, seat belts and steering wheel are Sparco (seat model Sprint V, driver's expiration date 2021). The VDO and Smith gauges are connected by a lightweight wiring loom to the lightweight gel battery circuit fitted in the rear of the cabin.
All original glass (including roll up rails) is preserved.
