Ford Escort 1988 (E)

2 Previous Owners, This Lot will be sold at auction at Symphony of Spring; Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 7th March. Exceptionally rare 1.6 litre Petrol Laser specificationRestored to a high standardAward winner at Classic Ford Show 2025First registered in January 1988, this Ford Escort Laser van is an exceptionally rare petrolpowered example, a specification seldom seen today. Supplied new to Scottish farmer Alex Thoms Dundee Limited, this van is fitted with the 1.6 litre CVH petrol engine, the most powerful unit offered in the Escort van range and sharing the same specification as the contemporary XR2, producing a lively 89bhp. In period, Ford revised the Laser lineup later in 1988 with the introduction of the Laser 2, fitting the far less potent 1.6 diesel to appeal to costconscious fleet buyers. As a result, petrol Laser vans such as this are extremely scarce and represent the closest Ford ever came to producing an XR3style Escort van.The van spent its first decade in agricultural use, covering just 19,000 miles, though its working life was likely measured more in hours than distance. Thereafter it was laid up in a barn until 2020, when it was discovered by the owner of Scarth Hill Garage in Ormskirk and treated to a full restoration, returning it to outstanding condition. In 2021 it was acquired by a Ford enthusiast in Wrexham, and since April 2025 it has covered a mere 1,500 miles, reflecting its careful, enthusiast ownership.During the current ownership, significant preventative maintenance has been carried out, including the fitment of a custom stainlesssteel exhaust replicating the original system, a new cambelt and tensioner, water pump, upgraded radiator and cooling fans with manual override, new coolant hoses, and a full service incorporating spark plugs, distributor and alternator. We are advised that the van drives extremely well, benefitting from the smoothness and flexibility of its petrol powertrain, making it notably more enjoyable on modern roads than its diesel counterparts. Presented in exceptional condition throughout, this rare Escort Laser van is offered for sale solely to make way for a new project, representing a superb opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable and elusive Escort vans produced. Supplied to auction with a V5 registration document and MoT test certificate valid until July 2026. Consigned by Fraser Smith