The Escort Mk2 was launched in January 1975 and although its looks were entirely new both the platform and running gear were carried over from the successful Mk1, meaning it was a rear-wheel-drive booted saloon at a time when many of the Ford’s European competitors were starting to produce front-wheel-drive hatchbacks. This did not prevent the Mk2 from being an enormous sales success though, with 960,000 examples being produced in the UK alone before it was replaced by the front-wheel-drive hatchback Mk3 in 1980.
The Popular, modelled here, was announced in July 1975 and featured a less powerful engine and cross-ply tyres but was a bargain at just £1,299.