Photographers Dick Ross (left) and Steve Back drive Ford Escort 1300s...
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This is the longest serving car on the Commercial Motor fleet in terms of years and mileage. It has completed 66,000 miles from delivery in September 1974. As one would expect, it now needs a fair number of replacement parts, but during its earlier life, it was extremely reliable.
Two fairly major defects have cropped up frequently during its life — engine running-on and clutch judder.
The first problem has never been cured satisfactorily in spite of frequent checks. The head was taken off at 13,000 miles, but there was no sign of excessive combustion deposits. This was repeated at 25,000 miles with the same lack of effect.
In spite of constant attention to the ignition timing, the running on has never been completely cured.
This Escort has required two complete clutch assemblies, the first at 20,000 miles and the second at 44,000 miles. The reports of judder have been rather erratic: it sometimes occurs for no apparent reason, then just as quickly disappears.
The front brake shoes were first replaced at 24,000 miles and the back at 34,000 miles. Next time the front shoes were replaced, the opportunity was taken to replace the front drums as well in a (successful) attempt to cure judder under braking This was done at 37,000 miles. Apart from these items, everything else in the way of spare parts has been for routine maintenance.
The car has not exhibited any excessive appetite for plugs or points. And in spite of its high mileage, the Escort has not developed a thirst for oil — a pint every 2,000 miles is sufficient.
Fuel consumption has varied considerably with the type of use. 'Although this is to be expected, the extent of the variation was not contemplated. In heavy traffic, the figure has often dropped to well below 30mpg. On the other hand, over 40mpg has been achieved when accompanying one of CM's Scottish road test vehicles. The overall fuel figure had been in the region of 35mpg for what has been a very hard worked little car.
Comment
Although the official mileage on the dial says 66,000 miles, this must be viewed with suspicion as I have had breaks in two speedometer cables. One broke during the first week I had the car and was replaced under warranty. So the actual mileage is probably slightly in excess of the figure quoted.
In general, the Escort has served its purpose well There are a few minor niggles, but nothing serious.
Wind deflection on the motorway for example -not serious, but it's there. A lot better than my previous Viva though.
When I go on a road test to take photographs, I have to have a car .parked out of the way quickly to give me time to get out and line up the camera before the test wagon goes past. The good steering lock is a point in its favour for parking.
I would like to see a lockable glove box in the Escort — preferably large enough to take a camera!
On a long run, I have found that the small pad on the throttle pedal bores into my foot and I would rather have an organ type pedal. R.R..
The second Escort run by a CM staff man is again a photographer's car. It starte life in our Birmingham offi before being moved to Londo after its previous owner retire Apart from a couple a arguments with solid object which could not be attributed t any fault in the car, this Escor has been trouble-free.
Only routine maintenanc has been needed with the usue plugs, points, filters, etc., bein. changed when required. A 18,500 miles, the front brak pads were changed for the fir: time and, again at 28,001 Miles, when the back shoe were replaced as well. At th same time, a leaking timecas oil seal was changed.