Ford Escort Pictures - Photos - Mk1, Mk2, Mk3, Mk4

Built between 1968 and 2004, the Ford Escort is one of the UK's best-known family cars. However, it is the third and fourth generation models (Mk3 and Mk4) that is most closely associated with the 1980s, and this was built between 1980 and 1986. By 1982, the Escort had taken over the Cortina as Britain's best-selling car, and it held that honour for eight consecutive years.

Ford Escort XR3i White - public domain photo

The Mk3 was a completely new design and vastly different to the Mk1 and Mk2 models. For starters, it was now front-wheel drive (like the Fiesta) and featured a new hatchback body. Ford fans would have to wait until 1983 for another saloon with a boot, and this came in the form of the new Orion.

The aeroback design of the Escort (with its deceiving boot stump) helped reduce drag, and the black radiator grille and stylish straked rear lights helped it to retain a sporty look.

The fourth generation (Mk4) model (1986 to 1992) retained the overall shape of the previous MK3. However, the straked rear lights were smoothed out and the bonnet gained a nose. The larger front and rear bumpers now completely covered the bottom of the bodywork and there was a new interior with a more modern dashboard included.

Lime green Ford Escort Mexico (Public Domain Image)

In 1988, a new 1.8 L Lynx diesel engine replaced the 1.6 model and the 1.1L and 1.3L models gained new and improved engines.

Now, grab your favourite beverage and take a gander at our ever-increasing collection of original Ford Escort pictures to remind yourself of a time when these popular cars once graced the British roads.

1978 Ford Escort Popular Plus 1.3 Mk2 in Diamond White - taken by John Lonergan (c)

Angled front view of a White Ford Escort Popular Plus Mk2 - take by John Lonergan (c)

Diamond White Ford Escort 1.3 Popular Plus Mk2 4 Door (1978) by John Lonergan (c)

The front interior of a 1978 Ford Escort Popular Plus (c) John Lonergan

These four splendid images of a 1978 Mk2 Ford Escort 1.3 Popular Plus four door in Diamond White were kindly sent in to us by its owner John Lonergan - please respect the copyright of these photos. As you can see, it's in an immaculate condition (both inside and out) and has only covered 6,300 miles from new - lucky man! Select (left click) an image to view its full size.

Photo of an Italian Ford Escort Estate Mk I taken in 1974. The Mark 1 was built between 1968 and 1974 and replaced the Anglia. By 1974, Ford had sold two million Escorts and it became the second best-selling car of the 1970s, beaten only by the Cortina.

A Mk3 (Photo by Rudolf Stricker). Ford had five of its cars in the top 10 bestsellers list, and the Escort was No.1. In the 80s, it was built to compete against the VW Golf and Vauxhall Cavalier. However, despite its continued popularity, the MkIII suffered from many teething problems (the suspension was shocking) and also performed badly as a rally car.

By Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand (Escort.) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

1987 Ford Escort Finesse (public domain image)

Escort RS2000 Mk1

1970 Ford Escort Mk1 rally car. Creative Commons image by Robert

Photo Credit: Rd. Vortex via Compfight cc

By sv1ambo (1972 Ford Escort Mk I 1600 GT Mexico) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

By sv1ambo (1972 Ford Escort Mk I 1600 GT Mexico) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Mk1 1100 (1972)

Public Domain Photos of a four door Ford Escort 1.1L Mk2 (built 1975 to 1980). The mark II came in L, GL, Sport, RS and Ghia versions and was a very successful rally car, which helped to boost its popularity as a family car.