Ford Escort Twin Cam Mk1
The Escort Twin Cam put Lotus-developed twin-cam power into Ford's new small two-door shell and became the road-going foundation for a famous competition family.
1971 Ford Escort Mk I Twin Cam road car · sv1ambo · CC BY 2.0
Research pending
A matching completed auction sale has not been verified for this exact year, body, trim, engine, transmission and market.
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More than a set of wheels.
Ford introduced the Escort at the start of 1968 and homologated the Twin Cam as a production road car for Group 2 competition. FIA form 1524 fixes its 1,558 cc, four-cylinder, rear-drive identity while also revealing that production and homologation dates are separate milestones.
Look a little closer.
Its road-car specification existed partly so Ford could homologate the Escort for Group 2 competition.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
A small saloon built around a special engine
Ford combined a light Escort shell with an engine already proven in Lotus road cars. An everyday Ford block and specialist aluminium head produced serious performance without making the whole car exotic.
Source: FIA Historic Database — Escort Twin Cam ↗Homologation explains the road car
Competition rules required a documented production model. The Twin Cam's FIA trail explains why the road car received its engine, brakes and suspension package before rally and racing success made the Escort famous.
Source: FIA Historic Database — Escort Twin Cam ↗Where these facts come from
- FIA Historic Database — Escort Twin Cam
- FIA/RAC homologation form 1524
- Motor Sport — Introducing the New Escort
- Classic & Sports Car — Twin Cam vs RS1600
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed October 4, 2026.