Ford Escort MkII 1.6L Automatic

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Launched in 1968 to replace the long running Anglia, the Escort soon became Britain’s best-selling car, with a record-breaking 2 million sold by 1974.

Updated in early 1975 as the Escort MkII, it was little changed mechanically (retaining the MacPherson strut front suspension and simple, but effective live axle/leaf spring rear set up) but received a completely new bodyshell. Developed jointly between Ford UK and Germany, this had more modern, squared off lines and a revised underbody structure.

As before it came in a variety of trim options from L, GL and Sport to a top-of-the-range Ghia. Buyers could choose between two and four-door saloon bodies or even a two-door estate version. As on the MkI there was a choice of 1.1, 1.3 and 1.6-litre engines and automatic transmission was available as an option.

Further updates came in 1978 with the L models gaining square headlights (previously exclusive to the GL and Ghia variants) along with a wider front track and improvements to the interior. The Escort range had fairly simple equipment levels but this did not prevent more than 600,000 cars from being sold before it was replaced by the far less characterful MkIII in 1980, sales no doubt being helped by the MkII’s impressive competition record which included winning the RAC Rally every year from 1975 to 1979.

This left-hand drive 1979 MkII 1600L 4-door Automatic has spent its whole life in Switzerland where maintenance and MOT standards are famously amongst the highest in the world. Looking wonderful in gold with a beige velour interior, it has covered a mere 50,500kms to date (31,400 miles) and comes with a reassuringly exact Swiss service history.

Said to be in outstandingly good and original condition throughout, it has recently been fitted with a new carburettor and was driven over 200 miles to the sale without missing a beat. Recently UK registered and MOTd until January 2016, the vendor doubts that you would find a better example anywhere.

It comes with all its original handbooks, still in the original Ford wallet, plus the original toolkit, red triangle and wheel-changing kit. A first aid kit, sewing kit, playing cards and a few other period accessories are also in the glovebox. Beautifully preserved and very low mileage, it would make a fine addition to any collection.