1974 Mk1 FORD ESCORT 6-CWT VAN MARINE/ROYAL BLUE

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JF Classic Cars are pleased to offer a rare and increasingly hard-to-find 1974 Ford Escort Mk1 Van 6-cwt, With just three previous keepers, this example represents a genuine survivor from an era when the Escort was a cornerstone of British motoring and light commercial life
This Mk1 Escort Van presents beautifully, retaining straight, uniform body panels exactly as Ford intended. Finished in Ford Marine / Royal Blue (Code G), the paintwork remains bright and glossy front to rear, complementing the van’s simple, purposeful lines.
The rear barn doors, carried over from the Anglia, operate correctly and are fitted with original chrome door handles. Both front and rear chrome bumpers sit straight, bright and true, while the original headlamps, front indicators and rear light clusters remain fitted a pleasing sign of originality rarely seen on surviving examples along with the legendary full frontal grill
External rubbers present free from tarnish and fade along with glazing remaining periord, original and correct along with the lettering to the bonnet and badging to the rear

Taken as a whole, the exterior of this Mk1 Ford Escort Van presents as an honest and well-preserved example, retaining the correct proportions, finishes and detailing that define these early light commercials. It carries itself with a genuine period presence, free from over-restoration, and displays a level of originality that is becoming increasingly difficult to find. The straight bodywork, correct trim and sympathetic presentation allow the vehicle’s character and history to speak for themselves, making it an ideal candidate for a collector who values authenticity as highly as appearance.

INTERNAL

The cabin is refreshingly simple and entirely functional, presenting well for its age. The front seats, permanently fixed to the shell are as per factory specification, trimmed in black vinyl period correct and in very good condition 

The spare wheel is neatly stowed behind the passenger seat beneath the rear load floor, maintaining practicality and originality. Flooring is in good condition throughout having no rips or tears.

The dashboard and controls remain minimal, original and intact, featuring directional heater vents, slider heater controls, windscreen wiper control, pull out choke control and the large twin binnacle housing the speedometer and fuel gauge

All push button switches remain original and work as they should, Coloum mounted indicator stalk working fine. The original dashboard and three-spoke steering wheel complete a cabin that remains pleasingly period-correct.
The rear load area remains pleasingly in collector grade condition and provides a further indication of how carefully this Escort Van has been treated throughout its life. The loading floor, inner panels and door apertures all present very well

HISTORY FILE

This Mk1 Escort Van is something rarely encountered today. Its overall presentation is well above average for a commercial vehicle of this era, retaining a high level of originality throughout. The paintwork remains bright and glossy, the engine bays honest and the rear load area is pleasingly clean.

The van retains its original VIN plate and correct 6-cwt specification. It was first registered on 20th March 1974 to the British MOD – NAAFI Transport Department, London, a particularly interesting early chapter in its life.

In July 1978, it passed to its second owner Mr Edward Hatton, who retained the vehicle for an impressive 28 years until 2006. Ownership then transferred to Mr Fred Smith of Henlow, who has carefully preserved the van, and its now awaiting its next custodian.

Accompanying the vehicle the original owner’s manual, complete with lubrication charts and service schedules a rare and delightful inclusion along with historic MOT certificates, various invoices, original keys and v5 registration document.

In conclusion, this 1974 Ford Escort Mk1 Van presents a genuinely rare opportunity to secure an increasingly hard-to-find piece of Ford commercial heritage. With just a small number of former custodians, covering just over 79000 miles from new along with a well-documented background and a pleasing, honest presentation throughout, it stands as a highly appealing example in today’s classic market.

Whether maintained in its current condition, subtly enhanced to a higher cosmetic standard, or simply enjoyed as a usable and characterful classic, this Escort Van offers considerable appeal to the knowledgeable collector. Vehicles of this type, with such presence and provenance, are seldom encountered and even less frequently offered for sale. A compelling acquisition that would sit confidently within any serious collection of classic Blue Oval vehicles.