Estimated Price: £3,500 - £4,500

Background:

Available in a wide variety of trims and body styles — from practical estate versions to sleek coupes — the Escort was designed to appeal to a broad audience. Its affordability, reliability and ease of maintenance made it a favorite among families and young drivers alike. Over the years, the Escort evolved through multiple generations, each bringing updated styling, improved performance and technological innovations to keep pace with the demands of a changing automotive market.

By the time production ended in 2000, the Escort had left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape. It wasn’t just a car — it was a symbol of a generation, a workhorse and in many ways, a cultural touchstone. Its legacy lives on in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors and its influence can still be seen in the compact cars that followed.

The Car:

This 1989 Mk 4 Escort with 72,500 miles on the clock has been family owned since new. The car has been well maintained and shows minimal signs of wear, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and quirky classic car that still has plenty of life left.

Purchased by the current owner's late husband in 1989 from the Ford dealership, Walker Jackson of Swindon at a cost of £9,203.50, it has always been dry stored and fastidiously maintained.

It is powered by a 1,596cc CVH engine that originally produced around 90bhp. This is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox which was very desirable in 1989, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency that was ahead of its time and still delivers a comfortable and reliable driving experience — whether commuting or on a weekend trip.

Finished in Strato Silver, the paintwork is in good condition for its age, retaining its original charm. There are a few minor imperfections to note - a very light scrape over the front left wheel arch and on the front bumper, a small split at the rear and some tiny dents around the bodywork. Inside, the grey and black patterned interior is extremely well preserved for a car of its age, with factory features including electric windows and wing mirrors, along with a manual sunroof and aftermarket rear parking sensors.

Despite being over 30 years old, the car is described as 'running smoothly, with no known mechanical issues', offering a stable and enjoyable ride. Ford benchmarked their new model against Volkswagen’s Golf and Fiat’s Panda, seen at the time as leaders in the field. Compliant and sure-footed, the Escort also boasts good traction and balance from its front-wheel drive layout.

Supplied with full service history, last completed in August 2024 and complete with extensive documentation, the original owner’s manual and MOT until August 2025, it also comes with the original roof rack purchased with the vehicle and a number of keys for both doors and the ignition.

This charming Mk 4 is a fantastic find for anyone looking for a classic car that is still in great running order. With its practical estate body, good mileage, family ownership and well maintained condition, it offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of 1980s automotive history.

Whether for a collector, a classic car enthusiast or someone who appreciates classic motoring and wants to use it every day, this Escort Estate is one to seriously consider.

Location: Daventry

Photography: Professional

Seller: Private