TAKE A BREAK
Thanks to FAHREN for sponsoring this issue’s Take a Break
The Ford Escort, one of the most popular cars in British motoring
history, celebrates its 50 th anniversary this year. In its heyday, the
Ford Escort’s versatility was unparalleled. With 4.1 million units
sold, the UK has had an enduring relationship with this vehicle.
Vital News takes a drive down memory lane with this iconic car.
50 Years of Escorting adventure
COMPETITION
WINNER
Heartiest congratulations to Richard
Chambers from The Gearbox Motor
Accessories. Richard has won the Garmin
fenix ® 5 multisport GPS watch, courtesy of
Nissens in Vital News January.
This issue, you stand a chance to take home
the ultimate Royal Camping Kit worth more
than £1,000, courtesy of Cambiare! All you
have to do is complete the puzzle and send it
back to FPS by 18 th May 2018. All the best!
1968: FORD ESCORT MK 1
The first of its kind, the Ford Escort Mk 1 delivered
on clever interior and compact dimensions, making
it an affordable and reliable mode of transport for
families across the UK.
(Source: Wikipedia)
1975: FORD ESCORT MK 2
The introduction of the Mk 2 saw better
fuel economy without compromising on
space and size. Motorists were introduced
to the van version of the Ford Escort.
(Source: Ford)
1977: FORD ESCORT RS1800
Having firmly established its rallying
pedigree with its Mk 1 models, the
RS1800 was primarily developed for
motorsports. All road-going versions
were painted white.
(L-R) Duncan Rainbird (Nissens), Richard Chambers (Gearbox
Motor Accessories) and Jane Galea (FPS)
1980: FORD ESCORT MK 3
The Mk 3 evolved away from previous
models by adopting a hatchback body,
front-wheel drive and fully independent
suspension. This, however, gave rise to
its “knock-kneed” reputation for a harsh
ride with unpleasant handling.
(Source: Wikimedia)
(Source: blender.stackexchange.com)
1984: FORD ESCORT CABRIOLET
By 1982, Ford Escort sales surpassed the
demand for the Ford Cortina, making it the
UK’s best-selling car. The Cabriolet catered to
motorists who enjoyed to travelling in style.
(Source: Wikimedia)
1990: FORD ESCORT MK 5
The Mk 5 did not fare well with the motoring
media, with its lukewarm performance, styling
and handling. However, the Escort’s established
reputation had afforded the Mk 5 continued
market momentum in the UK.
(Source: Wikimedia)
1986: FORD ESCORT MK 4
The Mk 4 was sleeker than its
predecessors and came with a range of
optional cutting-edge equipment including
the mechanical ABS for front-wheel drive
cars, fuel computer on fuel-injection
models, and heated windscreens.
(Source: Wikipedia)
1992: FORD ESCORT RS COSWORTH
From the tepid performance of the Mk 5, emerged a modern
classic. The 230hp, 2.0-litre, turbocharged RS Cosworth
was even branded by Top Gear magazine as an icon.
(Source: Wikimedia)
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 50
1998: THE RISE OF THE FORD FOCUS
The Escort legacy fought its way to survival into the
early 2000s with the Mk 6 & Mk 7. Despite its enduring
popularity, the aesthetics and interior of the E scort had
stagnated. At which point, the baton for popular family
hatchback had been handed to the Ford Focus Mk 1.
TAKE A BREAK 13