YDW 944T was built at Halewood during September of 1978 and was registered in January 1979 to its one and only owner, a Mr Nigel Rickets who had ordered the car through Larkfields of Chepstow who were a Ford main dealer at that time. It is believed to have been one of six 'special order' examples finished in black and was originally ordered on a 'decal-delete' basis, proof of which is detailed under the bonnet.  It seems strange to have to pay for black when in the past all Ford cars were black with no other options, however, the colour is not listed on Escort colour charts from 1978.

During September of 1978, the Ford plant endured an 11-week industrial action walk out and the original buyer cancelled his order leaving this black beauty available when it was finished and Mr Rickets was quick off the mark, immediately securing a deal with Larkfields to become the first owner. The car's original invoice to the value of £3,300 is supplied and it lists as extras the aforementioned Ford black paint at £37.39, bronze-tinted glass at £39.31 and full underseal treatment at £25.00. The car is also supplied with an operating guide within a plastic wallet, the original 175X Michelin tyres looking surprisingly well for their advancing years, the jack and wheel brace and the whole car is described as 95% original. Although MOT exempt, it has been gone through thoroughly , with the exception of the exhaust and is ready for an MOT should any potential buyer wish to do so.  We understand that it starts immediately and sounds sweet, probably not surprising given the tiny mileage.

A glance at our images will confirm this little Escort's remarkable condition with an interior that is virtually 'showroom-fresh'. This is a one-off opportunity to purchase such a rare car and, with only 2,730 miles from new, is surely unrepeatable. The Ford was left in a Will, but has not been put into another name, so this is effectively still a 'one owner' car !