Ford Escort (1968-2002): Illustrated History Books & Guides

Ford Escort Mk 1-6 1969-2002

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The Ford Escort was one of Britain's best-selling cars between its introduction in 1968 and the end of production in 2002. Positioned in the lower-medium segment of the saloon car market, it evolved into a significantly broader model range, supported by a successful factory motorsport programme that enhanced its reputation and appeal.

Over its production life, the Escort was offered in multiple body styles, including saloon, estate, van, and convertible versions, as well as higher-performance variants developed for competition use. Across six generations in the UK market, it became a widely used everyday vehicle and a notable presence in motorsport.

This book by motoring historian James Taylor covers all six British generations of the Ford Escort. It combines technical and historical information with an overview of the model's development, variants, and market role. The content reflects both standard production cars and motorsport-derived versions, providing a structured account of the Escort's evolution.

Illustrated with contemporary photographs, this concise reference offers a factual summary of the Ford Escort's history, development, and significance in the British automotive landscape.

Product details

Author:	James Taylor
Details:	96 pages, 9.25 x 6.5 x 0.43 in (23.5 x 16.5 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	100 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing (GB, 2026)
ISBN:	9781398128262

The Complete Catalogue of the Ford Escort Mk 3, Mk 4, Mk 5 & Mk 6 - All Escort variants from around the world 1980 to 2000

The Ford Escort is one of the world's best-selling cars, with around one million units produced in record time. Its success in motorsport is unmatched, and its enduring appeal remains strong.

The Escort debuted in 1967 as a compact, rear-wheel-drive saloon, covered in "The Complete Catalogue of the Ford Escort Mk 1 & Mk 2". However, it was the 1980 front-wheel-drive hatchback that cemented its global dominance, becoming a market leader in Europe, the USA, and South America.

Over the years, the Escort evolved into various models, including vans, estates, and the four-door Orion saloon. Its popularity was further boosted by high-performance versions like the XR3, RS1600i, Cabriolet, RS Turbo, and RS1700T.

A new Escort arrived in 1990 but received mixed reviews. Despite criticism, sales remained strong, helped by performance models such as the RS2000, RS Cosworth, and Escort WRC.

Pages of the book "The Complete Catalogue of the Ford Escort Mk 3, Mk 4, Mk 5 & Mk 6 - All Escort variants from around the world 1980 to 2000"

This book, "The Complete Catalogue of the Ford Escort Mk 3, Mk 4, Mk 5 & Mk 6", provides detailed information on every version, from everyday models to motorsport icons, highlighting both the legendary and the lesser-known variants.

Product details

Author:	Dan Williamson
Details:	360 pages, 10.8 x 8.7 x 1.22 in (27.5 x 22 x 3.1 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	600+ b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2020)
ISBN:	9781906133887

The Complete Catalogue of the Ford Escort Mk 1 & Mk 2 - All rear drive Escort variants from around the world 1968-1980

The Ford Escort Mk 1 and Mk 2 were produced in large numbers worldwide, including in Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Throughout their production, 130 different variants were made, ranging from the basic 2-door saloon to four-door models, vans, estates, campers, luxury Ghia versions, and sporty versions like the Twin-Cam and RS models.

Pages of the book "The Complete Catalogue of the Ford Escort Mk 1 & Mk 2 - All rear drive Escort variants from around the world 1968-1980"

This comprehensive catalog covers all Escort variants globally, celebrating the success of this iconic car in its many forms. It provides detailed descriptions and specifications for each model, from the remarkable to the less successful versions that bore the Escort badge. Each variant is illustrated, offering a complete overview of this popular and versatile car.

Product details

Author:	Dan Williamson
Details:	176 pages, 10.8 x 8.7 x 0.87 in (27.5 x 22 x 2.2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	350 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2018)
ISBN:	9781906133740

Ford Escort Mk1 (Rally Giants)

The Escort Mk 1 fulfilled the promise of its predecessor, the Lotus-Cortina. Versatile, accessible, and highly competitive, it dominated international rallying in the 1970s and gained immense popularity among teams and spectators.

This book explores the origins, development, and rallying success of the original Ford Escort, one of Europe's most significant rally cars of the early 1970s. It provides a concise and detailed history of how and why the Escort became a key part of the sport.

Product details

Author:	Graham Robson
Details:	128 pages, 7.7 x 8.25 x 0.63 in (19.5 x 21 x 1.6 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	107 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2017)
Series:	Rally Giants
ISBN:	9781787111073

Ford Escort RS Cosworth & World Rally Car (Rally Giants)

The Escort RS Cosworth, introduced to rallying in 1993, was one of Ford's most innovative designs. Built on a shortened Sierra Cosworth 4x4 platform with a modified Escort body, it quickly evolved into a highly capable and advanced rally car. It became Ford's most successful rally car since the iconic Escorts of the 1970s.

Smaller, lighter, and more agile than the Sierra, it combined Cosworth power, four-wheel drive, and advanced aerodynamics, making it competitive in all conditions. In its debut season, it won five World Rally Championship (WRC) events and continued to achieve success worldwide. Legendary drivers such as Carlos Sainz, Tommi Mäkinen, and François Delecour contributed to its reputation.

In 1997, the Escort World Rally Car replaced the RS Cosworth to comply with new regulations, continuing Ford's winning streak until the arrival of the Focus WRC in 1999.

This book details the full history of the Escort RS Cosworth and its achievements. It is part of the "Rally Giants" series.

Product details

Author:	Graham Robson
Details:	128 pages, 7.7 x 8.25 x 0.59 in (19.5 x 21 x 1.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	146 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2017)
Series:	Rally Giants
ISBN:	9781787111714

Ford Escort RS1800 (Rally Giants)

The Ford Escort RS1800 (Mk II) was one of the most successful and versatile rally cars of the late 1970s. Developed from the Mk I, it retained a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout but was powered by the BD-series 16-valve engine, a 2.0-liter unit producing up to 270 bhp.
Known for its strength and reliability, the RS1800 excelled in demanding rally conditions.

Between 1975 and 1981, it won 17 World Rally Championship (WRC) events, including victories in the RAC, Safari, Acropolis, 1000 Lakes, Sweden, Portugal, and Canada. In 1979, it secured the World Makes Championship, while Björn Waldegård (1979) and Ari Vatanen (1981) won World Drivers' titles.

Hundreds of RS1800s were built for motorsport, making it one of the most widely used and adaptable rally cars of its era.

Models covered: Escort RS1800 and factory-supported "works" versions (1975-1981), all equipped with the BD-engined 16-valve system.
Models not covered: Lower-powered derivatives such as RS Mexico or RS2000.

Product details

Author:	Graham Robson
Details:	128 pages, 7.7 x 15.9 x 0.75 in (19.5 x 40.5 x 1.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	112 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2017)
Series:	Rally Giants
ISBN:	9781787111097

Performance Mk 1 Ford Escorts 1968-74

This book tells the story of the development of the legendary Ford Escort, which became one of the most successful rally cars ever. Written in an engaging style, it covers the road cars, the dealership network, and the dedicated Ford factory, along with the car's motorsport achievements.

The author explores the creation of Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO), the design of the twin-cam engine, and the production of the RS1600, Mexico, and RS2000 models. Additionally, it delves into the growth of Ford motorsport and the Rallye Sport dealership network.

With interest in 1970s performance Escorts at an all-time high, and these cars featured in TV shows, this book provides essential information for enthusiasts of classic 1970s Fords and motorsport fans.

Product details

Author:	Stewart Anderson
Details:	96 pages, 9.25 x 6.5 x 0.43 in (23.5 x 16.5 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	80 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing (GB, 2017)
ISBN:	9781445667126

Factory-Original Ford RS Cosworths - The originality guide to the Ford Sierra, Sapphire & Escort RS Cosworths

The launch of the Sierra RS Cosworth in 1985 marked a significant milestone for Ford. Initially developed for racing, it quickly became one of the most desirable performance cars available to the public. Its impressive performance at the time still stands out today.

The Sierra RS Cosworth was the first in a series of turbocharged Ford Cosworth models, followed by the Sierra RS500, Sapphire RS Cosworth, Rouse Sport RS Cosworth, Escort RS Cosworth, and Escort RS Cosworth Monte Carlo.

Today, these cars are highly sought after. This book provides owners and prospective buyers with detailed information on the original factory specifications and equipment, supported by hundreds of specially commissioned colour photographs of exceptional examples.

Pages of the book "Factory-Original Ford RS Cosworths - The originality guide to the Ford Sierra, Sapphire & Escort RS Cosworths"

The book covers all aspects, including body panels, trim, paint colours, interior details, dashboard, instruments, underbonnet parts, engine, transmission, lamps, and the tool kit.
Of particular interest are the unique components developed specifically for the RS Cosworth, as well as those adapted from other Ford models to create the perfect combination.

Written by classic Ford expert Dan Williamson, with around 400 colour photos, this book is a must-have for Cosworth owners and enthusiasts.

Product details

Author:	Dan Williamson
Details:	168 pages, 10 x 10 in (25.5 x 25.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	400 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2015)
Series:	Factory-Original
ISBN:	9781906133580

Ford Escort - All Mk1 & Mk2 models (1967-7/1980) - Essential Buyer's Guide

Looking for a good Ford Escort? This Essential Buyer's Guide, written by a brand expert, offers practical advice for buying a Ford Escort Mk 1 and Mk 2.

Escort Mk 1 versions: 1100 cc and 1300 cc, 2-door, 4-door, Estate, and Van. Includes Base, De Luxe, Super, GT, L, XL, Sport, and 1300E, as well as Twin Cam, RS1600, Mexico, and RS2000.

Escort Mk 2 versions: 1100 cc, 1300 cc, and 1600 cc, 2-door, 4-door, Estate, and Van. Includes Base, Popular, Popular Plus, L, GL, Ghia, Sport, Linnet, Harrier, and Goldcrest, as well as RS1800, RS Mexico, and RS2000.

Production years: 11/1967-07/1980.

This guide helps you find the right car at a fair price and answers the following questions:
- Walk away or buy? First assessment of a rear-wheel-drive Ford Escort.
- What is the right price? Value assessment with a unique scoring system.
- How to check authenticity?
- Which models are the best choice?
- What common issues should you watch for?
- What are the restoration options and costs?
- What are the maintenance expenses?

Product details

Author:	Dan Williamson
Details:	64 pages, 7.7 x 5.5 in (19.5 x 14 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	95 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2013)
Series:	The Essential Buyer's Guide
ISBN:	9781845845254

Factory-Original Sporting Mk 2 Escorts - The originality guide to the sporting versions of the Ford Escort Mk2

This book details the sporty versions of the Ford Escort Mk 2, including the RS Mexico, Sport, Harrier, RS1800, and RS2000. It also covers Australian variants and Series X models.

With hundreds of photographs, it provides a model-by-model breakdown of factory specifications and equipment. This includes body panels, exterior trim, badges, paint colors, interior materials, dashboard, instruments, switches, engine, transmission, under-bonnet components, lighting, and even the tool kit. It documents all changes from the start to the end of production.

Each model section begins with a brief introduction, followed by specially taken color photographs with detailed captions, offering a clear and reliable reference.

Product details

Author:	Dan Williamson
Details:	160 pages, 10.25 x 10.25 x 0.75 in (26 x 26 x 1.9 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	370 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2012)
Series:	Factory-Original
ISBN:	9781906133290

Works Escorts in Detail - Ford's rear-wheel-drive competition Escorts, car by car

Between 1968 and 1981, the Ford Escort became the most successful rally car family in the world. The first specialized Escort, a Twin Cam, won its first major International Rally in April 1968 and its last in mid-1981. During this period, Escorts won the World Rally Championship three times, and their drivers claimed the Drivers' Championship twice.

Ford-UK and its partners built 113 works or 'works-blessed' Mk I rally cars between 1968 and 1974 and 55 Mk II cars between 1975 and 1981.

This book, by renowned rally co-driver, team manager, and historian Graham Robson, details the career of each of these cars, including their successes, challenges, build details, competition histories, drivers, development, specification changes, and color schemes.

Each car is illustrated in its primary livery using contemporary photographs, with special images of important surviving cars taken for this book to allow enthusiasts to examine them in detail.

Product details

Author:	Graham Robson
Details:	224 pages, 10.25 x 10.25 x 0.94 in (26 x 26 x 2.4 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	350 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2012)
Series:	In Detail
ISBN:	9781906133443

Factory-Original Sporting Mk 1 Escorts - The originality guide to sporting Ford Escorts Mk1

This book is a detailed originality guide to the sporty versions of Ford Europe's Mk 1 Escort, covering the GT, Sport, Mexico, and RS models.

Through hundreds of photographs, it provides precise information on factory specifications and equipment, including body panels, exterior trim, badges, paint colors, interior materials, dashboard, instruments, switches, engine, transmission, under-bonnet components, lighting, and even the tool kit. It covers all changes from the start to the end of production.

Essential for buyers, owners, and restorers, this book helps identify correct details and maintain authenticity. Each section begins with a brief introduction followed by specially taken color photographs with detailed captions, making it a reliable and easy-to-use reference.

Product details

Author:	Dan Williamson
Details:	176 pages, 10.4 x 10.4 x 0.83 in (26.5 x 26.5 x 2.1 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	300 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2011)
Series:	Factory-Original
ISBN:	9781906133221

Ford Escort RS & Mexico (1970-1979) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Ford Escort RS and Mexico models from the years 1970-1979. Describes the Ford Escort Mark I and II Mexico, RS1600, RS1800 and RS2000.

• The 40 period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	136 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.35 in (27 x 20 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2004)
Series:	Performance Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855206724