Corgi VA09534 Ford Escort Mk1 1300 GT, Marine Blue Vanguard

Corgi VA09534 Ford Escort Mk1 1300 GT, Marine Blue Vanguard Die-Cast Model

The Escort GT modelled was initially purchased from Mayne™s Garage, Redruth, Cornwall, on August 1st, 1973, by a retired army major who actually bought a pair of 1300GTs that day, this blue example for himself and a red one, which is believed to have had a sequential number plate, for his wife. He had both Ziebart rust-protected then painted inside the bumpers and hubcaps himself to prevent corrosion.  He covered 72,000 miles before taking this car off the road and, eventually, both Escorts were purchased by a local 15-year-old enthusiast for £25 each. In 2013, he sold the blue example to Berkshire-based Ford enthusiast Gary Cook, who stored it under a cover for several years. In January 2018 Gary™s close friends, Ford enthusiasts Maria and Kevin McDermid, purchased it for Maria™s 50th birthday.It looked solid but, after stripping and blasting the bodyshell, they realised nearly every panel was perforated. Because Kevin already owns a modified Escort, they decided to restore this rare survivor to its original specification.  Ford specialists, Bishop™s Bespoke Builds, rebuilt the bodyshell and it was painted in the original Marine Blue by Tony Littlejohn of Porsche specialists GTR Motorsports.  The pair then reassembled it, refurbishing components, and scouring the world for rare trim parts. It was finished in August 2021 and featured in Classic Ford magazine in June 2022.  Maria loves driving it to retro Ford events, where it is often the only unmodified car.

Safety Warning

A detailed die-cast scale model for adult collector. Not Suitable for children under 14 years.

• Product Info This exceptional CORGI Vanguards 1:43 scale diecast model brings to life a meticulously restored Ford Escort Mk1 1300 GT, finished in the original Marine Blue. Perfect for collectors and classic Ford enthusiasts alike, this precision-crafted model captures every detail of this rare survivor, ready to display straight from the box. With authentic markings and premium finishing throughout, this collectible celebrates a remarkable restoration story of a genuine 1973 original.
• Key Features Ready to display straight from the box Precision 1:43 scale diecast construction Authentic Marine Blue paint finish Highly detailed exterior and trim features Based on a genuine restored 1973 example
• History Originally purchased on 1st August 1973 from Mayne's Garage in Redruth, Cornwall, this remarkable Escort GT was one of a pair bought by a retired army major for himself and his wife. After covering 72,000 miles, the car was taken off the road and eventually purchased by a young enthusiast for just £25. In 2013, it found its way to Berkshire-based Ford enthusiast Gary Cook, before being acquired by Maria and Kevin McDermid in January 2018 as a 50th birthday present.