The 1972 Ford Escort Mk1 GT 1600 represents an era when motoring was refreshingly simple, affordable and genuinely enjoyable. Introduced during a period when Ford was establishing itself as a dominant force in the small-car market, the first-generation Escort quickly earned a reputation for its practicality, reliability and lively driving characteristics.

The GT brought a sporting edge to the familiar Escort formula, combining compact proportions, distinctive styling and an engaging driving experience that appealed to a generation of enthusiastic motorists.

Powered by Ford’s renowned 1600cc Kent Crossflow four-cylinder engine, the Escort Mk1 GT delivers the sort of uncomplicated, spirited performance that made these cars so popular. Its lightweight construction, rear-wheel-drive layout and four-speed manual gearbox provide a direct connection between driver and machine, something increasingly absent from modern motoring. The Mk1 Escort also established an enviable reputation in motorsport, particularly rallying, helping cement its place among Britain’s most recognisable and respected sporting saloons.

Today, the Ford Escort Mk1 enjoys a strong following among classic Ford enthusiasts, with surviving examples increasingly appreciated for their nostalgic appeal and unmistakable 1970s character. Finished in striking yellow with contrasting black GT-style detailing, this particular example captures the sporting personality that made the Escort such a familiar sight on New Zealand roads. A genuine reminder of an era when driving pleasure came from simplicity rather than technology, the Mk1 Escort GT remains a much-loved chapter in Ford’s motoring history.

• 5 owners, NZ New
• Original Certificate of Registration available.
• Originally a Ford Escort 1300XL, subsequently upgraded to GT specifications.
• Presented in very good overall condition.
• Powered by a 1600cc Ford Kent Crossflow engine featuring the desirable 711M engine block.
• Big-valve cylinder head fitted with Stellite valve seat inserts.
• Downdraft Weber carburetor complemented by performance exhaust extractors.
• Bosch electronic distributor for improved ignition reliability.
• Pre-engaged starter motor and alternator fitted.
• Nolathane suspension bushes fitted front and rear.
• Suspension lowered approximately one inch, giving the Escort a purposeful stance and improved handling characteristics.
• Gas shock absorbers fitted.
• 22mm front sway bar for improved cornering stability.
• Superlite alloy wheels fitted with Toyo radial tyres, enhancing its classic sporting appearance.
• Six-gauge GT instrument dashboard, adding to the period sporting character.
• Recaro front seats offering additional comfort and support.
• Sports steering wheel completing the driver-focused interior.
• Good paintwork, finished in eye-catching yellow with contrasting black GT-style detailing.
• Four-speed manual transmission and traditional rear-wheel-drive configuration.
• Drives exceptionally well – lively, responsive and thoroughly enjoyable on the road.
• A great wee classic Ford to drive, offering plenty of character and genuine old-school motoring enjoyment.
• An attractive and well-sorted example of the much-loved Mk1 Escort, combining classic 1970s styling with a selection of desirable mechanical and suspension upgrades.
• Low Volume Certified.

A cracking little Escort with all the right ingredients – classic looks, sporting character and an engaging driving experience.

The Ford Escort Mk1 has firmly established itself as one of the most recognisable and desirable small British classics, enjoying a particularly strong following in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Once regarded as affordable everyday transport, these cars have evolved into sought-after collector vehicles, driven by nostalgia, their rich motorsport heritage and the increasing scarcity of well-preserved examples. The Escort’s simple mechanical construction, lightweight body and rear-wheel-drive characteristics continue to appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate an uncomplicated and engaging driving experience.

In New Zealand, the Mk1 Escort holds particular significance, having been assembled locally and becoming a familiar sight on our roads throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Many examples were subsequently modified, used in motorsport or simply worn out through decades of everyday use, making good surviving vehicles increasingly difficult to find. Sporting variants and tastefully upgraded examples are especially appealing, while originality, sound bodywork, documented history and mechanical condition remain important considerations for prospective purchasers.

The market has matured considerably, with collectors now recognising the Mk1 Escort as an established classic rather than merely an inexpensive nostalgic purchase. While genuine factory performance models generally command the highest premiums, well-presented examples with period-appropriate mechanical improvements continue to attract interest. The 1972 Escort featured here, originally a New Zealand-new 1300XL and subsequently upgraded to 1600 GT specifications, offers an appealing combination of some history, sporting character and everyday usability. Its desirable mechanical upgrades, attractive presentation and enjoyable driving characteristics position it as an accessible alternative to the considerably more expensive genuine RS and Mexico models.

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.