"The squarer-styled Escort Mk. II appeared in January 1975 with the first production models having rolled off the production lines on 2nd December 1974. Unlike the first Escort (which was developed by Ford of Britain), the second generation was developed jointly between the UK and Ford of Germany. Codenamed ‘Brenda’ during its development, it had the same mechanical configuration as its predecessor; the estate and van versions even used the same panel-work as the Mk. I but with the Mk. II front end and interior. The car used a revised underbody which had, in fact, been introduced as a running change during the last six months of the life of the Mk. I. The car was a success with just four body styles competing in a variation of market niches where rival manufacturers had multiple models. The ‘L’ and ‘GL’ models were mainly purchased by the private sector; the ‘Sport’, ‘RS Mexico’ and ‘RS2000’ in the performance market; the ‘Ghia’ for an untapped small car luxury sector and ‘base’ models for the fleet market.
In September of 1989 this Escort was purchased by Mr. G Halstead who after much research set about building this superb Group 4 rally car to exact specification of the cars built by David Sutton Motorsport Ltd. In August 1991 David Sutton personally invited Mr. Halstead to his factory to run through the specification and work involved. Starting with a Ford Mexico bodyshell, Gartrac of Chiddingford carried out the body modifications Gartrac Shell number GAR104MK2/03/98. This Escort was stripped and totally rebuilt. A significant history folder confirms the specification, however here are some of the important details; a 1975cc Millington BDG fuel injected engine is fitted. This is mated to a ZF works gearbox, with Gartrac rear axle and suspension, braking is courtesy of ventilated disc brakes. Seating is via a pair of Sparco seats with four-point harness safety belts and of course, a roll-cage is fitted. Open the boot and you will see a G4 Premier Fuel Systems Ltd tank and the reservoir for the engine oil. The under bonnet area is an area of braided hoses and stainless steel, with everything in easy reach and ample room to work as and when required. This Group 4 rally car is supplied with a V5C registration document and a superb history folder detailing the significant expenditure and with drawings and specifications for any future owner. Superb quality and attention to detail make this Escort an outstanding example, any interested parties are strongly recommended to view the car and paperwork of this vehicle.
Photographs courtesy of Luke Papworth from Hampshire Photography"