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Restored rare Ford Escort sold for £65,000
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(
02/02/2012 ) |
A garage owner has sold a restored 1968 Ford Escort for an amazing £65,000, 22 times more than its original value.
The car, originally worth £2,919, was rebuilt by Norman Hughes of Cleevewood Garages in Bristol. When Mr Hughes originally picked up the car it was a rusting hulk and with the rest of its parts packed away in boxes.
Ford Escorts were popular amongst British motorists and car insurance policy holders in the 1960s, thanks to its good looks and affordability.
This particular Mark 1 Ford Escort is particularly rare as only 883 models were ever made, thanks to its twin-cam Lotus engine.
To restore the vehicle, the shell was sandblasted then repainted, while the gearbox and engine were rebuilt. The Escort has been fitted with uprated suspension, disc brakes and several other notable improvements.
However Mr Hughes told the Daily Mail he did encounter problems replacing some parts due to the rarity of the car.
"The switches on the dashboard, for example, look exactly the same as on the Mark I but in fact, they are slightly bigger,"
Mr Hughes says that he will not part with the car for less than £65,000: "I know it sounds like a lot of money but I know how much time and money has been put into the car. I would say it is now better than new because of the lengths we have gone to in order to get it right."
A Japanese businessman offered him £55,000 for the car, but he turned him down: "They made thousands of Ford Mexico's and I saw one of those go for £38,000 a few weeks ago."
"I think I'm asking a fair price for something very rare and very special and which is better than new. It's a lot of fun and very reliable."
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