MK2 Escort Pricing?

dceire

My dad has a late 70's MK2 Ford Escort (1979 I think) in the garage for over a decade now. He's always talked about restoring it but I'm not sure that's ever going to happen. I've spoken to him recently about selling it and have been told that they're becoming valuable. It's a 3 door automatic with a 1.3ltr engine (non-runner). It's in dry storage and the body is pretty sound, few rust spots around the headlights and in the boot but that's about it. The interior is completely original and immaculate; there's less than 30k on the clock and the car only had one owner from new when my dad picked it up.

We haven't made any decisions about selling it yet but it would be good at least to get an idea of it's value in it's current state. If any knowledgeable folk could throw a few figures out there it'd be much appreciated.

Silvera

From what I have read in recent times, a solid 2-door bodyshell could make in the region of €5,000. So you can a bit more on top of that for a complete, low-mileage example.

dceire

Silvera wrote: »

From what I have read in recent times, a solid 2-door bodyshell could make in the region of €5,000. So you can a bit more on top of that for a complete, low-mileage example.

Cheers, that's pretty much in line with what I had been told. Is it true to say that the 2 door is slightly more valuable than the 4 door?

colm_mcm

More than slightly

red sean

dceire wrote: »

Cheers, that's pretty much in line with what I had been told. Is it true to say that the 2 door is slightly more valuable than the 4 door?

Bet you've never seen a 4 door rally car

dceire

red sean wrote: »

Bet you've never seen a 4 door rally car

You mean like this one?


...but yea, point taken.

jca

dceire wrote: »

You mean like this one?


...but yea, point taken.

Try opening those back doors...4 door looks, 2 door rigidity after being seam welded. Op your father's car sounds like a really decent car. It would be nice to see it being kept original,they're just getting so scarce now.

Testacalda

If I were you I would try to get it running and driving (a few feet), even somewhat, so that a potential customer can see and hear what he or she is getting.

A non runner will put some people off and just give others leaverage for bargining.

Might not take a lot just to get it to run and move back and forward a few meters, even if it has been sitting a while. Brakes might be stuck but if the engine will at least turn over your in business.

Would maxamize your potential selling price

Stephenc66

You could always put it up on Rally.ie and the rally car section of done deal, good shells are becoming hard to find. If I remember the auto shell may have a larger transmission tunnel which is also sought after for a rally car

dceire

Testacalda wrote: »

If I were you I would try to get it running and driving (a few feet), even somewhat, so that a potential customer can see and hear what he or she is getting.

A non runner will put some people off and just give others leaverage for bargining.

Might not take a lot just to get it to run and move back and forward a few meters, even if it has been sitting a while. Brakes might be stuck but if the engine will at least turn over your in business.

Would maxamize your potential selling price

Would it make a huge difference to the price? From what I recall, a few parts were removed from the engine a few years back as they needed refurbishing/replacing and now reside in the boot :rolleyes:

We got it running briefly a short while after we first got it but never since. The brakes are most definitely stuck.

Testacalda

If I was buying something as a non runner I would be expecting to pay 30 to 40% less than one one that was somewhat driving. In your case someone might just want the car for its shell and mechanical parts will be inconsequential. Its totally up to you, but if it was my car I would be trying to present it to a potential customer in the best light possible, ie able to start and move. Gives people less to argue about too.

dceire

Testacalda wrote: »

If I was buying something as a non runner I would be expecting to pay 30 to 40% less than one one that was somewhat driving. In your case someone might just want the car for its shell and mechanical parts will be inconsequential. Its totally up to you, but if it was my car I would be trying to present it to a potential customer in the best light possible, ie able to start and move. Gives people less to argue about too.

I totally understand where you're coming from but I've a feeling that this car will mainly interest the rally crowd. It was put to me that the car wouldn't be worth much more fully restored than it is now as most people are just after the shell.

Bigus

Auto transmission tunnel is very valuable, plus if it has an irish reg even more so.

red sean

As Testacalda says, if it's running you have the leverage that's completely with the buyer otherwise.
I'd put it running and then test the water. Otherwise be prepared for stupid offers.

Stephenc66

red sean wrote: »

As Testacalda says, if it's running you have the leverage that's completely with the buyer otherwise.
I'd put it running and then test the water. Otherwise be prepared for stupid offers.

Normally i would agree with you but in this case the car is not a sought after model as in an RS2000 or 1600. It does how ever have a significant value as a shell for a rally car.

A quick look on done deal sees shells starting at about €3,500 upward depending on the level work done to them or not.

How much would a poorly running un-restored MK 2 escort 1.3 auto make as a restoration project?

savagethegoat

you can buy new shells again now, I'm not sure what impact that has had on original cars.

Stephenc66

savagethegoat wrote: »

you can buy new shells again now, I'm not sure what impact that has had on original cars.

Higgins Car Dismantlers Coleraine

https://www.motorsportauctions.com/category/329/Historic-Rally-Cars/listings/35372/Escort-Mk2-Brand-New-Bodyshells.html

I see they are asking £7,000 I guess it helps value a second hand shell..

ianobrien

OP, I'm afraid to say but your shell is the most valuable bit of that car. Rust free auto two door shells are what people want to build rally cars or fast road cars from. The bigger gearbox tunnel is what's wanted, along with original Ford metal. I'm guessing the car is a popular plus or L built for the mobility scheme, so the trim isn't really wanted (unless its one of the VERY rare two door Ghias). Honestly, I'd be looking for about €5k assuming it's properly rust free German built car.

Edit, some of the Rally heads still prefer the original Ford shells to the new ones. They know the Ford ones are built to Ford specifications.

DakarVert

Hopefully it won't be wasted on another Rally car/Mexico or Rs replica.

OP if you're thinking of selling, Please PM me details as I'd be interested.
It'd get a good home!