An ex-works Ford Escort rally car is to be auctioned by Historics at Brooklands on Saturday December 4th. Developed by Ford's Boreham Competition Department in 1968, the rally-spec Escort Twin Cam with the bulbous wheelarch extensions has an interesting history. It made its racing debut in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1969 at the hands of current FIA President, Jean Todt, who finished in fourth place.

The Escort was then entered into the San Remo Rally of the same year, driven by renowned rally star and four-time winner of the RAC (and seven time winner of the 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland), Hannu Mikkola, who also piloted the car at the 1969 RAC Rally.

Other drivers to get behind the wheel of the Escort include Roger Clark MBE at the Circuit of Ireland (which he won), and future head of Toyota F1, Ove Andersson, who won the Welsh Rally in his first outing with the two-door model.

Ford sold the Escort Twin Cam in 1970, however, the car competed as an ex-works private entry right up until 1991. It was then retired and meticulously restored.

The auctioneers estimate that the ex-works Escort will fetch up to £90,000.

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