The Enfield Escort: A Comprehensive Guide to Ownership and Maintenance

Introduction

The Enfield Escort was a popular car produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) from 1968 to 1980. It was initially designed as a small, affordable family car, and over the years it evolved into a more upscale, sporty model. The Escort was a commercial success, with over four million units sold worldwide.

History and Evolution

The Enfield Escort was based on the Ford Escort, which was launched in the UK in 1967. BMC acquired the rights to produce the Escort in 1968, and the first Enfield Escort rolled off the production line in Dagenham, Essex, in October of that year.

The early Escorts were available in two- and four-door saloon and estate body styles. In 1970, a three-door hatchback was added to the lineup, and in 1972, a convertible was introduced.

The Escort underwent a major facelift in 1974, which included a revised front grille, new headlights, and a redesigned interior. In 1975, the Escort RS2000 was introduced, a high-performance version that was successful in rallying.

The Escort continued to be produced until 1980, when it was replaced by the Ford Escort Mark III.

Engine and Performance

The Enfield Escort was available with a range of four-cylinder engines, ranging in size from 1.1 liters to 2.0 liters. The most common engine was the 1.3-liter unit, which produced 60 horsepower.

The Escort was not known for its blistering performance, but it was a capable and reliable car. The 1.3-liter engine provided adequate power for most driving situations, and the Escort's handling was praised by many reviewers.

Fuel Economy

The Enfield Escort was not particularly fuel-efficient, but it was comparable to other cars of its era. The 1.3-liter engine returned an average of 35 miles per gallon in combined driving.

Interior and Comfort

The Enfield Escort's interior was basic but functional. The seats were comfortable, and there was plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard was simple and easy to read, and the controls were well-placed.

Reliability and Maintenance

The Enfield Escort was a generally reliable car, but it was not without its problems. Some common issues included:

• Rust: The Escort was prone to rust, especially in the sills, wheel arches, and door bottoms.
• Electrical problems: The Escort's electrical system was not particularly reliable, and problems with the wiring and fuses were common.
• Engine problems: The Escort's 1.3-liter engine was prone to overheating, and head gasket failure was a common problem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When buying an Enfield Escort, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Buying a car with rust: Rust is the Escort's biggest enemy, so be sure to inspect the car carefully for any signs of rust before you buy it.
• Overpaying for a car: The Escort is a relatively common car, so there's no need to overpay for one. Be sure to do your research and compare prices before you buy.
• Buying a car without a service history: A well-maintained Escort is more likely to be reliable, so be sure to ask for a service history before you buy.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable: The Escort is a relatively affordable car to buy and maintain.
• Versatile: The Escort is available in a variety of body styles, so there's sure to be one that suits your needs.
• Reliable: The Escort is a generally reliable car, especially if it has been well-maintained.
• Fun to drive: The Escort is a fun car to drive, especially the RS2000 model.

Cons:

• Rust: The Escort is prone to rust, so be sure to inspect the car carefully before you buy it.
• Fuel economy: The Escort is not particularly fuel-efficient, so be prepared to pay more for gas.
• Electrical problems: The Escort's electrical system is not particularly reliable, so be prepared to deal with some electrical problems.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between an Enfield Escort and a Ford Escort?

A: The Enfield Escort was a British-built version of the Ford Escort. It was produced from 1968 to 1980, and it was sold in the UK and other European countries. The Ford Escort was produced from 1967 to 2000, and it was sold in North America and other markets.

Q: What is the most common engine size in the Enfield Escort?

A: The most common engine size in the Enfield Escort is the 1.3-liter unit. It produces 60 horsepower and returns an average of 35 miles per gallon in combined driving.

Q: What are the most common problems with the Enfield Escort?

A: The most common problems with the Enfield Escort include rust, electrical problems, and engine problems.

Q: Is the Enfield Escort a good car to buy?

A: The Enfield Escort is a good car to buy if you are looking for an affordable, reliable, and fun-to-drive car. However, it is important to be aware of the potential problems that the Escort can experience, such as rust, electrical problems, and engine problems.

Q: What is the value of an Enfield Escort?

A: The value of an Enfield Escort depends on a number of factors, including the year, model, condition, and mileage. According to Hagerty, a 1968 Enfield Escort in excellent condition is worth around \$10,000.

Conclusion

The Enfield Escort was a popular car that offered a good combination of affordability, reliability, and fun-to-drive performance. However, it is important to be aware of the potential problems that the Escort can experience before you buy one.