Escort Mk1 questions - GS, RS and Mexico flares

[Dauphin]

Hi everyone, I'm researching some info on Escorts Mk1's at the moment and can't verify a few points. I was wondering if anyone can help confirm/answer these points.

1. Many of the Escort Mexico Mk1's have a particular consistent pumped up wheel flare style, while some don't. Was this a factory option or an aftermarket thing?

2. While smaller wheel flaring was standard on the Escort Mk1, was there a model that had slightly larger wheel flares (apart from the Mexicos mentioned above), or are my eyes deceiving me?

3. Did the RS1600 and RS2000 have the same side/hood decals? Could they be deleted?

4. Was the GS Rally Pack a popular option on Aussie Escort Mk1's and was it just the Aussie Escorts that had blacked out side window frames?

Thanks in advance!

[jpblue1000]

As far as I'm aware there are three arch configurations on the front of a MK1 escort.
Standard, twin cam and forest arches
The standard arch is a smoother flatter version fitted to L and XL models

The Twin cam taller opening and slightly wider and moved forward to suit twin cam roll bar being shorter for more caster

the forest arch ( or colloquially called the bubble arch)

I believe the forest arch was an factory option and popularised by the then WRC equivalent Mk1 escorts and were probably not fitted to Mexicos per say.

The mexico nameplate was attached to Mk1s after Ford released a commemorative version in response to the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally being driven by Finnish legend Hannu Mikkola and was not much more than a decaled 1.6 kent engined Mk1.

I don't know about the blacking out of the window surrounds being only Australian but cannot remember a UK version that's similar, remember these were manufactured here for the 85 percent local rule but from memory the GS rally pack was an option for both Mk1 and Mk2 L and XL
models.

I also do believe the RS decals were the same on both the 1600 and 2000...
But I must advise I race them not polish them so my knowledge wont be anywhere as great as some bufties

JP

[Dauphin]

Thank you, JP. That information is a great, very helpful! Thanks so much.

[JessieXT]

For anyone who loves the Escort Mk 1 Mexicos, there is a good tv show called 'For the Love of Cars' featuring the restoration of one on tonight 16.7.14 at 9.30pm on Channel 2. It was shown in the UK a few months ago.

[Dauphin]

I just finished watching it, it was fantastic! It has inspired me to expand my Escort Mk1 model chart poster and have another go at it.

[peterw]

The Mexico was a Twin Cam with the OHV engine from the GT Cortina/Capri instead of the Lotus engine. Bodyshell was identical. Never sold them out here much is the shame.