Mk3 escorts, will they ever be old skool?

[docscars]

What's the point? Surely the MkI & II were virtually the same car. These were "old fashioned" style front engined, rear wheel drive cars of the period.

These were a dying breed of low tech cars, with ultra simple cart spring suspension (not even the axle location of a Cortina or Chevette). The MkIII was Ford's attempt to catch up with the rest of the motor manufacturers and build a car that included (innovative?) features like electronic ignition and 5-speed gearboxes etc for the masses.

I always felt the MkIII to be a bit soul-less, the 16i and RST aside. It was never going to be the same as a MkI or MkII though. I grew up being driven around in cars like MkI Escorts, Lotus Elans or Cortinas, I thought these were great fun, these cars also made better noises than the Henries that came afterwards.

Add to that, that the FWD era was when all the Cosworth and bling-brigade came on to the scene, that's really when "RS" just became a sales gimmick in my eyes, especially the use of names like Harrier and Mexico in the late 90's and even to some extent the resurrection of the RS2000 (i.e. the MkV).

I agree with Ruddy, the Escort Cosworth just feels like an early 90's car, mind you loads better than the standard MkV (possibly the worst European Ford ever built).

There are plenty of forums and groups for these cars (I suppose the cars are the lifeblood of the RSOC these days) but will these cars ever be considered "old skool" whatever that's supposed to be? I doubt it.

they didnt look like a dying breed around the Heaves last weekend

and a lot of them were very high tech
a lot of people can confirm this lont live the mk1 and 2

[Lee R]

I think some people are getting my question wrong. Im not asking if they will ever be alowed on this forum, it is just an internet forum that is all! What I was asking was approaching 3 years old are they regarded as an old skool car? Thats all! I was not wanting something out of it, nor were i trying to get the car into something, just a general question after looking at the lakes tour pics!

[rwdrs]

they didnt look like a dying breed around the Heaves last weekend

and a lot of them were very high tech
a lot of people can confirm this lont live the mk1 and 2

I don't think you're going to find many new cars coming off the production line with cart springs, carburettors and points igntion somehow.

The standard MkIIs were well behind most other cars at the time, Ford even had the cheek to bring out the XR3 without electronic injection and a 4-speed box, when the Golf GTi had already been available for years with a five speed and fuel injection as standard.

Ford could see market share slipping away and decided to go low risk, i.e. use the Fiesta to test the water and then launch the MkIII Escort 4 years later.

[RS_Fiesta]

Ruddy-BRM is well smart and best resto you have done imo.

Back on topic,it's each to there own I suppose,I know a hell of a lot of people who laugh and take **** when I mention I like mk1/2s and say they are old knackers and crap(obviously they don't know what there talking about).

[Lee R]

Ruddy-BRM is well smart and best resto you have done imo.

Back on topic,it's each to there own I suppose,I know a hell of a lot of people who laugh and take **** when I mention I like mk1/2s and say they are old knackers and crap(obviously they don't know what there talking about).

TBH mate when I was younger and really into newer stuff (at the time) Series ones, twos, Fiesta turbos, Cossies, I never really liked the mk1 or Mk2, they were old rotters and not worth much at all . I remember A few mk2 rs2k's in 'good' condtion for less than a grand! If only Id bought one then and stored it lol! But as Ive got older they have grown on me to the point where like I said before I love them

[rsjohn1]

Nice cars in there own right and not much plastic compaired to the mk4's. They may and will be classic one day. Not for me personaly but they do have there place in the RS marque.

Mk2's It's in the blood

John

[Chesney]

IF and its a bloody massive IF but should I ever sell the mex it would be replaced by a 16i OR a very nice S1 turbo. 16i is 1st choice though.

[Rallye]

This was my Sunburst 1600i. Didn't come out of the garage much. Perfect seats & one of the few without a cracked dash. Still alive & kicking.

[ebj60t]

Good thread Lee and some interesting comments and answers. I've had plenty of mk1's and 2's in my time, problem I've got is having the RS1600i for 27 years I just can't get rid but love this forum and all the cracks etc.
I think "mid skool" as mentioned above is a good label and also secretly a lot of folk on here have a soft spot for the RS1600i don't they?

[1600L]

Not sure if there's a good place to get a balanced view on this subject, sorry.

I have had MKI's and MKII's years ago and joined here because I still like them and would like my old RS2 (SEC 444V) back TBH. I have also been contacted by the current owner of my rally car from 20+ years ago, via this forum now in Austria!

I have also had my RSi for a few years (21 actually) and it was the natural progression as a daily driver from the above RS2. Love the looks, drive etc and hence it's stopped.
It will never be RWD and so whilst it 'must be' RWD to be old school according to the masses then it never will be . Until this glass ceiling is smashed, we will always be the modern machines of satan.

But as for cool, oh yes

I'll get my coat (again LOL)...........

Stu.

[Lee R]

It seems that way Nige, I reckon it was fords last attemp at a motorpsort Escort which still had passion in the styling too! As much as I like the Escos it doesnt shout motorsport at you unless it is the full rallye WRC version in full livery!

[Lee R]

Not sure if there's a good place to get a balanced view on this subject, sorry.

I have had MKI's and MKII's years ago and joined here because I still like them and would like my old RS2 (SEC 444V) back TBH. I have also been contacted by the current owner of my rally car from 20+ years ago, via this forum now in Austria!

I have also had my RSi for a few years (21 actually) and it was the natural progression as a daily driver from the above RS2. Love the looks, drive etc and hence it's stopped.
It will never be RWD and so whilst it 'must be' RWD to be old school according to the masses then it never will be . Until this glass ceiling is smashed, we will always be the modern machines of satan.

But as for cool, oh yes

I'll get my coat (again LOL)...........

Stu.

Uber cool

[gazd]

after reading this i just went and bought a nice black 1600i lol see you at the old skool meets, snow ploughs the way forward,

[Sharpy_G]

had my MK11 Mex' and the RSi at the same time, loved 'em both for different reasons, both class cars imho

bought the 16i in '91 and had it until 2005 !

[Lee R]

after reading this i just went and bought a nice black 1600i lol see you at the old skool meets, snow ploughs the way forward,

blp