Ford Escort 1300E

Ford released the 1600E Cortina late during 1967, which was quickly
followed by the Corsair 2000E and the Capri 3000E. It's not surprising
that Ford decided to launch a MK1 Escort carrying the coveted "E" badge.

Attachment 1270

Based on the Mk1 Escort body shell, but with the 1300 Sport engine,
the 1300E variant was launched in 1973.This model was very well
equipped, external differences included rectangular headlamps and
auxiliary lights, radial tyres, wider wheels with chunky chrome trims
and extra side indicators. To bring the passenger and driver experience
upmarket, the 1300E was fitted with deep pile carpets, extra sound
insulation, a unique centre console, luxury carpets, GT pod instruments
and a 3 spoke steering wheel. A wood trimmed dash and door panels
finished off the interior.

Available in Metallic Purple and Metallic Amber the colours offered a
bold statement. Introduced during March 1973 for £1182 the E was built
using the Sport shell including the flared front wheel arches. Many
models were actually built at the AVO (Advanced Vehicle Operations)
plant in South Ockendon in Essex.

The front of the vehicles had the GT style rectangular headlamps plus
two distinctive Lucas LK8 spot lamps. Side repeaters were fitted as
standard just below the very distinctive black or white coach stripe's
that ran down the length of the car. At both ends of the car Ford fitted
full-length chrome bumpers complete with chrome over riders. Other
items of chrome included the mirrors, window edging strips and sill
covers.

The rear of the car had the usual Escort features but came with a pair
of reversing lamps as standard. To help show this was no ordinary
Escort Ford decided to not only put the 1300E badges on the front wings
and rear of the car as with other Escort models but to also add the
badges to each of the rear quarter sections to the roof. (which was
often covered in a black vinyl).

Mechanically the 1300E shared the same 72bhp 1.3ltr cross-flow engine
as the Sport and GT models, connected to a 4.125:1 close ratio gearbox
meant that the 1300E could reach 0 - 60 in just over 13 seconds. The top
speed was a claimed 93mph.