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Classic advert: Ford Escort Harrier

Published 12 June 2015

By the start of 1980, the Ford Escort wasn’t exactly the newest kid on the block, with a front-wheel drive replacement – the MkIII – set to arrive later in the year. So to inject some new life into the MkII range, Ford announced the limited edition Escort Harrier.

Based on the 1600 Sport, the Escort Harrier was available in Diamond White or Strato Silver, with just 1500 produced in all. Despite such a limited run, Ford invested in a TV ad to announce the Harrier and celebrate the fact that the Escort had recently clinched the ’79 World Rally Championship.

As footage of all-action rallying Escorts filled the screen, the Escort Harrier was suddenly revealed: 'This is the Ford Escort we built to celebrate,' announced the dramatic-sounding voiceover. Needless to say, the ad ended with the Harrier being put through its paces, becoming airborne by the end. Well, it was rally-bred…

Comments

on 13 December 2018

This article takes me back nearly 35 years when I was lucky enough to buy a 2 year old white Escort Harrier. What a car! Absolutely fantastic and my pride and joy. It was fast and furious and handled like a dream. Until the night it lost traction on an icy corner and slid into a wall and was unfortunately written off.... Whenever I see one I consider buying another.... until I mention it to my other half that is ??

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on 14 February 2019

I had a silver Harrier in the mid-80's, a fantastic car and one I wish I still had....

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