Ford produced the Mk1 version of the Escort, including the up-market 1300E, until the heavily revised Mk2 took over the reins in late 1974. Developed under the code name Brenda, the second incarnation of what was fast becoming the nation’s favourite car now featured a totally different profile.

Out went the early car’s subtle curves and in came a sharp, squared-off body shape sitting on a revised underbody that had been used for the last six months of Mk1 production.

A full-sized black-painted front grille now replaced the earlier car’s ‘dog bone’ affair and entry level Mk2s were badged as the starkly equipped Popular.

There was still no hatchback in the range, although a four-door estate was available. Mainstream models now included L and GL-badged variants, while the Ghia badge took over from the ‘E’ suffix on the range-topping non-sporting models.

Although the mechanical line-up was very much as before, the good news was that there was now a 1599cc 1.6-litre unit available for mainstream models.

As with the Mk1, Ford produced an impressive range of sporting Mk2 Escorts and these included the Sport, RS1800, RS Mexico and RS2000. The 1.3 and 1.6-litre Sport models had replaced the Mk1 GT and the DOHC RS1800 was another Escort ‘homologation special’ produced to allow the Mk2 to go racing.

The 1593cc SOHC Pinto-powered Mk2 Mexico was the ultimate ‘boy racer’, although it was successful overshadowed by the very capable Escort RS2000. Powered by a 1993cc version of the Pinto engine, the RS2000 was rated as a great driver’s car and was instantly recognised by its plastic wedge-shaped nose cone and quad headlight set up.

From late 1978 a cheaper variant of the RS2000 equipped with steel wheels took over from where the Mexico left off and Mk2 production finally came to an end with the introduction of the heavily revised Mk3 hatchback range in 1980. Following is what to look for when viewing either a Mk1 or Mk2 Escort, whether it’s a very expensive sporting model or a more affordable cooking version.