Model history of the Mark II Ford Escort in Australia

http://fordescort96.blogspot.com.au/2010/02/ford-escort-history.html

The Mk2 Escort was assembled at Ford Australia’s Homebush Plant, Sydney from 1975 to 1980 in 2-door and 4-door sedan, and 2-door panel van forms – the estate versions being unavailable to the Australian market. The sedan models were available in L, XL (later renamed GL) and Ghia forms, and a Sport pack option – similar to the 1300 and 1600 Sport models sold elsewhere. Unlike other markets – likely due to the estate’s absence – the van could also be offered in a higher level of trim – a GL, and a Sport pack van could be offered. Unusual fitaments for the range not offered elsewhere on the Australian Escort included ‘dog-dish’ steel hubcaps, and high-backed front seats. The initial powerplants utilized in the Australian Escorts were Ford’s 1.3 L and 1.6 L OHV Kent units, offered with either 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmissions. In 1977, to cope with Australian emission laws, in particular ADR27A, the 1.3L models were dropped and the Ford Cortina’s 2.0L OHC Pinto engine (in a lower tune to European units) was introduced to the Escort range, available as an option to nearly all models. Codenamed internally by Ford Australia as “BC”, the Australian Escort range’s bodies were modified to fit the larger engine and a redesigned fuel-tank – which involved the placement of the fuel filler being behind the rear numberplate. For 1979 two interesting Australian Escort variants appeared. One was the Sundowner Van, which was offered as a lifestyle vehicle, complete with dome rear side windows, body stripes and the Sport pack option in 1.6 and 2.0 forms. The other was the Australian RS2000, which – complete with its slant-nose – was sold in both 2-door and – unique to Australia – 4-door forms, as a regular production model in both manual and automatic. A total of 2,400 RS2000 were made. While offered in many models on the Australian market, the Escort, like the Cortina was never popular on the Australian market, due to the competing Japanese imports, and the preference of Australian drivers for large 6cyl and V8 vehicles. Production ceased in late 1980, the range being replaced by the 1981 Ford Laser hatchback and Meteor sedan.

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