Classic Escort

Classic Ford prices

Cars Culture

Are we looking at a classic 'bubble' set to burst?

If you’re a classic car enthusiast you’ve probably watched prices rise extortionately during the last decade.

Just last year, the Coutts Index examined the performance of “passion assets” such as classic cars, art work, coins and antiques, with vintage vehicles coming at the top of the list. Great news then, yeah?! Well, yes if you’re looking to make money, but not so much if you just want to enjoy your classic.

Prices have risen in recent years, which means you’re more-likely-than-not to pay more for it than you would’ve done before the incline. If you’re anything like us, though, you probably already spend a lot of time and money on your passion, so what’s a little bit more (especially if you’re not going to lose a great deal from doing so). So, it appears you can well justify buying a forgotten gem that perhaps hasn’t been touched by the classic Porsche value stick. To put it simply if you invest well, a return could be made in the future.

In light of this news, we thought we’d take a look at the more popular of the Ford lot and what they’re currently going for:

Classic Model T

Ford Model T (1908-1927)

The Ford Model T, at the time, was known as the world’s first affordable car. Henry Ford himself set about bringing the car to everyone and not just the wealthy. It was a consumerist miracle. It made motoring affordable for a burgeoning middle class – and was produced all over the world. Although Oldsmobile’s Ransom E Olds invented what we now know as the car assembly line, it was Henry Ford who perfected it. The Model T wasn’t a technical revolution, but its parts were interchangeable and produced quickly which brought the cost down. You can look to pay between £5995 and £24,995 for a good Model T.

Ford Anglia 100E (1953-1959)

The 100E was Ford’s best-selling Anglia model. It arrived in the Fifties and was a family car to challenge previously launched Vauxhall and Hillman models. It didn’t take too long to catch up, though. The 100E Anglia was available in two and four door guise for convenience. It did the job in an efficient and affordable manner – put down largely to the stalwart 1172cc side valve engine. The 100E was designed with Germany in mind, inspired by the likes of the Taunus P1 and Consul. A facelift in 1957 brought about a larger rear window, along with a number of other styling improvements. The Anglia comes with a large following of enthusiasts, so be prepared to pay between £4950-8995 for a half decent one.

Classic Escort

Ford Escort (1968-2000)

The Ford Escort achieved a lifespan of more than 30 years and is undeniably sewed into the fabric of motoring history. The model spanned seven generations in its 30-year production. The Mk1 debuted at the Brussels Motor Show, as a replacement to the Anglia.

Its small-yet-big-enough-to-fit-a-family-along-with-luggage packaging at an affordable price meant it was an instant hit, with over two million being sold. The Mk2 came in 1975 and was developed together with Ford of Germany. The semi-British variant carried on its predecessor’s legacy by offering everything from the base-spec 1.1-litre unit to the rocket that is the RS2000. In 1980 came the Mk3, which is regarded by Ford lovers as ‘not a proper Escort’ due to its more-angular design and transversely-mounted lump powering the front wheels, as opposed to the previous rear-wheel drive set up. In 1986 came the Mk4, which was basically a reskinned Mk3. 1990 saw the arrival of the Mk5 and was deemed a disappointment by Jeremy Clarkson. The Mk6 came in 1992 and was slightly less bad than the Mk5. The final variant in the Mk7 ran from 1995-2000 and was basically a Mark5 with different engine and trim options.

Sierra 1983

Ford Sierra (1982-1993)

The Ford Sierra came available in saloon, hatchback and estate guises and achieved great things during its 11-year history. It demonstrated a good amount of traditional Ford virtues, which won over buyers initially horrified by Uwe Bahnsen’s ‘jelly mould’ styling. The Ford community is huge and its well into rescuing rear-wheel drive variants of the Blue Oval so it’s no surprise prices are as they are; you’re looking at between £4650-£36,000 depending on the model. The average price recorded for a Sierra was £16,300 this October. If you look at the likes of the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth model, add another £70k to that figure.

Ford Capri (1969-1987)

Ford’s Capri entered the new decade with a lot to offer – transatlantic styling, straightforward mechanicals and car to fit more or less any budget. From the lowliest four-cylinder to the fastest V6, the Capri offered the same long bonnet and hatchback practicality – and was quickly developed through three iterations during its 18-year history. The Mk2 came in 1974, following the wake of the oil crisis, Ford appeared to lessen the Capri’s glamour and make it a more versatile model with its hatchback rear end and split folding rear seats. The Mk3 arrived in 1978 and ran until 1987. Seventies Capris are currently the less desirable model, so bargains could be had, with estimates between £6,000-18,200. Expect to pay a few grand more for the Mk1 and Mk3 models.

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