Escorts are "BRITISH" Is that why they NEED so much specialised stuff to make them competitive?
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Why did the british motorcycle & car industry all but collapse? Because the Japanese made much BETTER stuff.
Now who makes Datsuns? [answer,... the Japanese]
Datsun took the old Austin A40 engine in the early 60's & they stoped it leaking oil, fixed ALL the engineering failts to make it reliable, then made it go very well for it's time.
Isuzu did the same with the Hilman engine at the same time [Who remembers the Bellet G.T.] This was something that the Brits could never do.

Go the Datsun & maximise your fun at a more affordable price.
Chris
P.S.
Lucas electrics joke [The Prince of Darkness]
Why do the Brits drink warm beer? 'Cos they all got Lucas fridges.