Ford Escort Mk. 2 Ghia

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Ford

Ford Escort Mk. 2 Ghia

1975 - 1981
Country:
United Kingdom
Engine:
4 cyl.
Capacity:
1993 cc
Power:
70 kW
Transmission:
4 spd. man/3 spd. auto
Top Speed:
165 km/h
Number Built:
n/a
Collectability:
1 star
Ford Escort Ghia

For the over ten years that the Ford Escorts was on the Australian market, it underwent many and varied model improvements, including different engines and changes to its  image.

Starting off with the 1.1 liter Kent, they had six engines in the next eight years, and by 1981 the 1.6 liter was offered on the L Sedan, with the option of the 2.01itre in the GL, and the 2.0 liter only in the top-of-the-line Ghia.

The Escort had unashamedly evolved from a basic and utilitarian 'point A to point B' vehicle, into a surprisingly quick and surefooted performer. The SOHC four-cylinder 2.0 liter engine developed a healthy 70 kW of power at 5200 rpm, with torque of 148 Nm at 3800 rpm.

Acceleration and performance figures for the four-speed manual were right on the pace; however the automatic was certainly not the sharpest instrument around at the time – although it was still quite respectable.

In manual guise, the Ghia was strongest in its first three gears and could achieve 0-100 km/h in 12.5 seconds, a figure which compares very well with other 2.0 liter vehicles that had a wider reputation for performance at the time.

Top speed was around 165 km/h and the car would cruise all day at 130 km/h, making cruising at legal speed limits very easy. And with fuel consumption figures of 9.6 liters/100 km and a tank capacity of 54 liters the Escort has a useful touring range.

For as long as they were sold the Escorts had a reputation for being easy to drive, and the Ghia's rack-and-pinion steering proved both light and accurate, allowing the car to stick to the road like the white line when cornering. Ford also offered a sports-handling suspension as an option with the 2-0-liter engine, which included an increased diameter front anti-roll bar, a rear anti-roll bar, and stiffer spring and shock absorber settings.

While excellent at speed some found the ride a little harsh on city streets, and not entirely in keeping with what the Ghia was all about. Although not possessed of a large 'look-at-me' factor, the Ghia was a neat, presentable car that displayed the stereotyping effect of wind tunnel testing on body design. Inside it was surprisingly roomy for both front and rear passengers. Standard on the Ghia but not on the GL were tinted side windows, electric clock, tachometer and trip meter, vinyl roof, front and rear bumper over-riders, and a timber veneer fascia panel.

Options included integrated air-conditioning, AM radio/stereo cassette, long-range driving lights, and, as a no-cost option, metallic paint. The Escort had improved consistently over the years, and the Mark 2 Ghia ranked highly in looks, performance, and trim levels, and was every bit the match of the all-conquering Japanese fours. Rarely seen on the roads today, it is somewhat unfortunate that only the sporting variety of Escorts are today seen as collectable.

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Also see:


Ford Escort Mk.2 Brochure
Ford Escort Mk.2 Specifications (pre ADR 27A)
Ford Escort Mk.2 Specifications (post ADR 27A)
Ford Escort Mk.2 2.0 liter Specifications
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