The Ford Escort…the world car that just wasn’t. In America, we got them as…well, let’s see here: three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback, two-door two-seater hatchback (EXP), two-door coupe (ZX2), station wagon, a turbocharged sport coupe, and a homologation special (ZX2 S/R). In Europe…you know what, enough. Suffice it to say that you need to be on the farther side of the Atlantic if you wanted a good Escort. (the one with number plates on, you perverts.) The early RWD rally monsters, the four-wheel-drive turbocharged Cosworth-tuned cheerful balls of violence, both unavailable in the States.
Go ahead and add the Van to the list of versions we didn’t get. What used to be called a sedan delivery decades ago, the Escort Van is a two-door wagon-like machine where the back of the car is a cargo area. Neat in theory, might not work well in the U.S. market. But shove a 2.1L Zetec four that’s being breathed on by hell of a turbocharger, bust out 670 horsepower and a personal best of 10.88@130 MPH, and drive it home after you’re done at the strip, and all is well.
You know you’d love to see a wedding cake being delivered in this wound-up little beastie.
