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| Lot number | 63 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £3,100 |
| Description | Ford Escort Nimbus Camper |
| Registration | CTT 479L |
| Year | 1973 |
| Colour | Blue |
| Engine size | 1,300 cc |
| Chassis No. | BBAVNU30541 |
| Engine No. | NU30541 |
Launched in 1968 to replace the Anglia, the Escort soon became Britain’s best-selling car, with over 2 million sold by 1974.
With a distinctive ‘dogbone’ front grille and swept ‘Coke bottle’ flanks, the Escort perfectly captured the clean '60s look and was widely admired. Mechanically it was conventional but effective, with rear-wheel drive, precise rack-and-pinion steering, MacPherson strut front suspension and a simple live rear axle mounted on leaf springs.
It was initially available only as a two-door saloon with either a 1.1 or 1.3-litre Kent Crossflow engine. Blessed with excellent handling characteristics, the MkI Escort went on to become one of the most successful rally cars of all time, remaining popular to this day within the now burgeoning classic rally scene.
The Ford Escort MkI Van version followed just a few months after launch and used all new panel work with the exception of the rear doors which were carried over from its Anglia-based predecessor. A modest 1,298cc 'Kent' crossflow engine was deemed sufficient to power the 6cwt and 8cwt versions.
From 1972, Torrington-based C&W Conversions marketed the Nimbus Camper, based on a Mk1 8cwt Escort van. The C&W factory premesis had previously been used by Torcars Ltd which had produced various Camper conversions on Morris Marinas, Commer and Sherpa vans and the Toyota Hi-ace, these modified vehicles being known as SunTor Campers. In addition to the Escort Nimbus Camper the company also produced a Ford Transit 'Nimrod' camper van.
A charming letter from a Mr Campbell dating from 1992 addressed to its new (second) owner included an original leaflet extolling the many virtues of this particular Nimbus Camper. The car joined the Stondon Collection a year later and was last taxed in 1994. It will require a light recommissioning before the next family holiday, but it looks in nice original condition with its original pop-top and interior fittings.There are two old MOTs from 1992 and 1993 on file and a bill from 1991 which shows that two new rear springs were fitted.
This smart looking and extremely rare camper looks like a ‘must have’ for the serious Mk 1 Escort collector.
