ICONIC RIDES OF CAPE TOWN: Ford Escort 1,6L

Another iconic ride in an iconic location to wrap up this month on Engine Block: it’s the classic Ford Escort 1,6L GL captured on Chapman’s Peak scenic drive. We first came across this gorgeous chocolate brown Escort in a parking lot & couldn’t resist inviting its owner to share his story with us. Lucky for us, he also came to the parking lot a few minutes later & today you’re reading all about it…

Elroy Arendse & his son met us on a rather windy Friday afternoon to share his story. He bought this timeless car from his next door neighbour who had it parked in his yard. It’s one of those where you see the car everyday and then decide that you need to own it. After minor restorations and fixes uncle Elroy was able to get this ride to be the head-turning looker that it is today. For us, it's definitely the fact that everything on the car is authentic and resembles its years. That being said, the entire car is still in an immaculate condition. One thing that we love is that uncle Elroy uses the car as his commuting vehicle every day. It's not one of those "collector items" that just get parked and left to be looked at. It's a practical purchase ( I guess this is how he convinced his wife to buy an "old" car). And it still smells like new car with those leather seats and all.

Here’s the technical stuff for the big girls and boys:

Built in the mid-70's to early-80's, the MKII Ford Escort is what you would call a proper driver's car. It came with leaf spring suspension, disc brakes in front and drums at the rear, no power steering, no abs, no airbags and no electronics to assist you. It really takes you back to the simple pleasures of driving and when it needs to be fixed, there is no lengthy diagnostics report that needs to be run. You just replace the parts (if you can find it) and get on your way again.

Speaking about buying cars: it would come as no surprise that these Ford Escorts are fast becoming a hot commodity. And South Africa is one of the main target markets for buyers across the world who want to get their hands on the last few Escorts that are still in circulation. We’ve heard of one like this being sold to a buyer in Germany for over R200k, which is wild!!

The Ford Escort is a very sentimental ride for many of us in South Africa. I, for one, remember myself standing between the 2 front seats as a 5 year old because my father owned one like uncle Elroy’s too. There's memories and nostalgia linked to this car for anyone who grew up in the 80’s/90's. If you have an Escort story- share it with us in the comment section below.

Uncle Elroy has a few more minor things that he wants to have done to the car but promises to keep it as original as possible. I particularly giggled at the Pioneer sound system with the 2 built up box casings for the speakers at the back and the remote controller that he fitted. If you know, you simply know... It's also so precious how he brings his son along to everything involving cars. Remember: we met them after a car show too! It's this level of bonding that rides bring that we find absolutely priceless and why we love sharing these stories so much. So, if you ever happen to drive past this chocolate brown Escort in and around Cape Town- give uncle Elroy a friendly double tap hoot... like only we South Africans do!