Description
"This MK1 Ford Escort, sponsored by TIMEX and originally owned by Swedish racing legend Bo ‘Emma’ Emmanulson, has a rich and storied history. Since its arrival in the USA, the car has continued to capture attention for its notable provenance and journeyThe car was imported to the USA by AC/ DC's lead singer and avid car enthusiast, Brian Johnson. His original intention was to race the vehicle in historic events in the USA. However, he eventually chose to compete with a MK1 Lotus Cortina, a car that was more widely known in American historic racing circles. As a result, the MK1 Escort was passed along, and I discovered it through an SCCA magazine ad in New Jersey. The car spent several years parked at my home in California while my son Marc and I focused on go-kart racing. When Marc went off to college, I finally brought the Escort into the garage to begin its restoration, with the goal of building a road-going MK1 Twin-Cam or RS1600.
During the restoration process, I noticed period-correct modifications from the early 1970s, which piqued my curiosity about the car’s potential rally history. This led me to research its Swedish origins. I was informed that the car had a race logbook, which I was able to retrieve from Wire Wheel Sports Cars in Florida, the same dealership that sold the car for Brian Johnson. The logbook, issued by the Svenska Bilsportförbundet (Swedish Motorsport Federation), listed Henrik Andersson as a previous owner, which suggested the car might have competed in local rallies.
Upon contacting Henrik, he confirmed that the car had been sourced from a dealer in Stockholm. He had been told it was an old TIMEX-sponsored race car and provided the name Bo 'Emma' Emmanulson. Bo was the team principal of the TIMEX race team. After much correspondence with Bo and his former mechanic, Raymond Peterson, and providing detailed photos of the car’s modifications and paintwork, I was able to uncover the original blue and white TIMEX livery beneath layers of newer paint. Additional investigation, including revealing a green roof and black lower body, eventually led to Bo and Raymond confirming that this Escort was, in fact, Bo’s personal car – the first vehicle developed and sponsored by TIMEX.
The car is now accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from both Bo Emmanulson and Raymond Peterson, verifying its authenticity. Although it was never registered for road use, the car has an extensive history of participation in international circuit racing and is recognized by the historic branch of the FIA. It is eligible for historic FIA events with an HTP (Historic Technical Passport).
I have acquired approximately 95% of the necessary period-correct parts for an Appendix K restoration, including a BDA-based engine. Alternatively, it could be prepared for an earlier racing class using a Lotus Twin-Cam engine. I also have several engine options available, including a fully rebuilt 2. 1L alloy-block HART BDG, an all-steel 1700cc BDD, and a 1700cc QED 420S Lotus Twin-Cam. The car is currently fitted with a new old stock close-ratio S5-18/ 3 5 Speed transmission with a 1:1 top gear.
Supporting Documents:
1. Svenska Bilsportförbundet competition logbook
2. Email correspondence with Henrik Andersson
3. Pre-identification photos provided to Bo 'Emma' Emmanulson
4. Photos documenting the car’s modifications and paint removal process
5. Signed letter of provenance from Bo Emmanulson and Raymond Peterson
6. Race history, including:
- At least 24 issues of Bilsport and Sportscar magazines featuring articles on Bo ‘Emma’ and the TIMEX team
- Dozens of photos of the car in action
- Brochures introducing TIMEX sponsorship to the public
- A copy of the TIMEX sponsorship contract with Bo ‘Emma’
- Video coverage of TIMEX cars on the track
- Documents from Olv Olson detailing the car’s paint codes
- A Swedish article reporting that Ronnie Peterson drove the car
- An original British program from the early 1970s featuring Bo alongside other renowned drivers
- An article in * Classic Ford* magazine about the car’s discovery in California
- An original 1970s TIMEX race jacket
- Correspondence with Vincent Caro, former head of the FIA Historic Branch, verifying the car’s VIN and configuration
- FIA letter authorizing the fitment of a MK1 Escort automatic gearbox tunnel
The body shell restoration has been painstakingly executed to replicate the car’s exact 1971-1972 specifications, including the reproduction of its iconic graphics. The car is at least 99% accurate to its original form.
This vehicle can be supplied in various configurations to meet a new owner’s needs, whether for historic racing with FIA Appendix K certification, exhibition, hill climbs, or as part of a personal collection or museum. It has been raced in both right-hand and left-hand drive configurations, and the engine options range from a mild 145 BHP Lotus Twin-Cam to a 250+ BHP 2. 1L HART BDG. The suspension, brakes, and transmission are period-correct, and there is a choice of either lightweight magnesium BBS (Ford) E30 3-piece wheels or Minilite-style 3-piece aluminum wheels.
Videos and further details are available upon request
