This Mk1 Ford Escort 1300 Sport is an eye-catching and usable example of the desirable classic sports saloon. It is powered by a 1.3-litre naturally aspirated inline-four, producing around 53kW (71hp) and sending it to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The five-digit odometer displays 93,041 km, however this is not warranted. A left-hand drive example, this two-door Escort 1300 Sport was built in Saarlouis, West Germany in April 1973, wearing the vehicle number ‘GCATNP42625’. It then found its way to New Zealand, before being imported into Australia in 2010. While the original chassis number correctly dates the car to 1973, it is registered as a 1969 car due to the way it was previously registered in New Zealand. This was either deliberate on the importer’s behalf or a clerical error at NZ Transport, and this record was used at the point of import to Australia. Introduced in September 1971, the Escort 1300 Sport quickly proved popular, thanks to its RS1600-style round headlamps, quarter bumpers, and flared wheel arches, but set apart by its black rear panel and less potent 1300 GT engine. This example is finished in the striking hue of Sebring Red over a black vinyl-trimmed interior. It rides on set of 13-inch Escort RS-style alloy wheels. These are Ford stamped with a part number starting H71AB, which makes the design year as 1971. While not original to this car, they are however original Ford wheels rather than the JBW replicas. Equipment includes electric wipers, heating and ventilation controls, manual windows, and a heated rear screen. Aftermarket additions include a more modern digital VDO water temperature gauge, an RS steering wheel, and a chromed air filter housing. The headlights have also been replaced with H4 semi-sealed beams during the current ownership. The original left-hand-drive gearbox has been replaced at some stage with a gearbox from a right-hand-drive car (not during the current ownership). This caused clearance issues for the starter motor being relocated to near the steering shaft, so the solution for safety’s sake was to fit a smaller starter motor. The car will be supplied with an original owner’s manual, and a vehicle history and importation documentation for when the car was imported from New Zealand. The seller also notes that a replacement indicator arm is included in the sale. The Sebring Red paintwork is described by the seller as being in generally fair condition, and is believed to have been repainted around 20 years ago. Today, there are various marks, blemishes, and signs of age around the car, including bubbling on the roof, boot lid, and passenger-side front wing, cracks in the bodywork below the rear bumper, bubbles and blisters on the passenger door, and general unevenness down the driver’s-side of the vehicle. During the seller’s ownership of the car, none of the areas on the car have changed or gotten worse, even with use during the winter months. There are also various cracks and areas of corrosion inside the door shuts, and corrosion on the driver’s-side of the boot floor. A pair of A-pillar repair sections will be included with the sale. The Ford RS alloy wheels are scuffed, scratched, and generally worn, and may benefit from refurbishment in due course. Inside, the cabin is presented in good shape given the car’s age, and the seller notes that the front seats have been replaced. As is to be expected, there are some general signs of wear on the switches and controls, with heavier wear on the gauge panel. Elsewhere, the vinyl on the left-hand side of the instrument cowl has come loose, the driver’s seat hinge cover is missing, the vinyl covering the rear driver’s-side wheel arch has come away, the parcel shelf panel has cracked, and there are various marks and stains on the headlining. The seller notes that the original temperature gauge does not function, but a supplementary aftermarket VDO temperature gauge has been fitted below the dashboard. It is also stated that that the horn button does not operate correctly, but the seller is not aware of any other electrical or mechanical faults. This Escort’s latest service was carried out at an indicated 86,000 km. The work comprised of an engine oil and filter change, along with the replacement of the spark plugs. The seller notes that the car has been fitted with a new small reduction drive starter motor and replacement front seats during their ownership. This Mk1 Ford Escort 1300 Sport is a solid example of the export-market car, which the seller notes features an ‘export shell’ boasting various extras and additional body bracing over its UK-market equivalent. Finished in a popular colour scheme and reported to be in fine mechanical health, it ready to be driven and enjoyed as-is, or taken on as a rolling restoration project, after which it should make a fine addition to any collection of classic Fords. In the seller’s own words: “This is a car that has been utterly reliable in the time I have had it. It has even performed daily drive duties when needed. It is a car that has been relied upon to take a trip at a moment’s notice; often longer trips out into the wheatbelt region of WA.” The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. 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