1972 Ford Escort 1300 XL Coupe

Description

For the better part of two decades, the Escort was one of the most popular small cars on sale in Australia, beginning with the Mark 1 of 1970, which appeared on the local market some twelve months after being introduced in Europe. Right from the outset, the Escort appealed to a broad range of buyers, from those seeking economy motoring on a tight budget through to performance versions like the GT and even more sporting Twin Cam. The combination of lightness and excellent handling thanks to the stiff monocoque shell allowed the Escort to show its mettle on the track, with Twin Cam versions proving hugely successful as both a rally car and on the track, often beating much bigger Mustangs, Camaros and the like. The initial Escort model range offered to Australian buyers included the entry-level Standard (with a 1.1-litre engine the only choice) and the more luxurious Super (with either 1.1 or 1.3-litre engines), joined by the sporty 1.3 GT and Twin Cam variants. In 1972 Ford revised the model range to include a series of new four-door models, with trim levels newly designated as L or XL, dropping the 1.1-litre and and replacing the Twin Cam with the 1600GT. The L featured a woodgrain dash, armrests and rear ashtrays while the XL added carpet, a push-button radio, two speed wipers, chrome wheel trims and bumper overriders. Priced at $2040, the XL offered exceptional value in the face of new competition from Japan and continued to sell strongly until the arrival of the Mark 2 Escort in October 1975.