FORD ESCORTS

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31587, 26 January 1968, Page 19

FORD ESCORTS

rpilE announcement in Britain of the Ford Escort range, which replaces the Anglia, marks the disappearance of a model name which has been -associated with Ford for 28 years, overseas writers say. The new model is not expected to be announced in New Zealand until later this year. The new model is basically conventional, and there is a range of four engines. The de luxe model has a 1098 c.c. engine producing 53 b.h.p. at 5500 r.p.m. and giving a top speed of 80 m.p.h., and 0 to 60 m.p.b. acceleration in 20.5 sec. The Super version has either the 1098 c.c. engine or a 1298 c.c. unit which produces 63 b.h.p., gives a top speed of 85 m.p.h. and 0 to 60 m.p.h. acceleration in 16.5 sec. The GT model has a special 1298 c.c. engine with bigger valves, a high-lift camshaft, a twin-choke Weber carburettor, and higher compression. It produces 72 b.h.p. and has a top speed

of 92 m.p.h., with 0 to 60 m.p.h. acceleration in about 13.7 sec. The most powerful model Is the Twin Cam, which has a 115 b.h.p., 1558 c.c. engine giving a top speed of 115 m.p.h. and 0 to 60 m.p.h. acceleration in 9sec. The GT model has disc brakes on the front, wide wheels, and a close-ratio gearbox, and all models have synchromesh on all forward gears. The cars are 3in longer, 4in wider and 2in lower than the Anglia, and the turning circle is 29ft Disc brakes are available on all models, and the cars have all the safety features required for the North American market and fascia-level ventilation. Extras available for the car in Britain include fuel injection, magnesium wheels, light-weight seats, and closeratio gears. Ford plans to sell the Escort models in both the United States and in Europe. In Britain, the de luxe saloon will cost £635, the GT £765, and the Twin-Cam £998.