My friend Rob has recently bought and shipped a Mk1 Ford Escort van from South Africa and had it shipped to the UK. Rob owns MSC Importers based in Wiltshire. The van is in original condition and it looks great both outside and and inside. Today I have been invited by Rob to see if it drives as it looks. Rob has not had the van long and has not yet had the time to drive it.
On startup, the 1600 Sport engine with 4 Weber carburettors make a glorious noise and goes into a nice idle. We wait while the engine warms up and have a quick chat. Rob is a lifelong Ford enthusiast and has owned and worked on most kinds of Ford cars. Rob tells me that he loves the engine noise and they are great fun to drive. We pull out and we accelerate hard. Working up through the 4 speed box and listening to the BAAAAAAARRRRRRRP engine noise is something to behold.
The steering is sharp but there is a strange noise when the steering wheel is turned. It's the tyre's rubbing against the wheel arches. Rob tells me that he can fix this quickly as he has several sets of original wheels. We drive down some narrow lanes and the van is able to cope with the bends and the brakes work when they need to. We stop to take some photos of the van. Rob tells me that he is thinking about selling the van as he is unable to keep everything he has currently. We get back in the van and it will not start. Rob makes a call and opens the bonnet. Rob's friend Mark arrives with some jump leads and we are soon going again. In the way back Rob tells me that he will check the alternator and the battery when he returns to his garage. On the way back we discuss the van and our opinions of it. We agreed that it drives really well and that it is good fun. Once the wheels and the small problem with the battery/alternator are dealt with, this will make a great classic to own. I also think that this would make an interesting entry to the Goodwood Festival of Speed. We return to the garage and Rob sets to work on the engine. If Rob does decide to sell this van it will go on eBay. For further information on other cars that Rob has for sale, please visit
http://mscimporters.co.uk
