How much was a Ford Escort in 1979?
The price of a Ford Escort in 1979 varied by market. In the United States, the Escort was not sold that year; it would not arrive in U.S. showrooms until 1981. In Europe, where the Escort was in its Mk2 generation, new-car prices typically started in the low thousands of pounds, depending on trim and options. The following provides a rough guide to the price ranges you could expect for a new Escort in 1979.
To understand the question in context, it’s important to note that “Ford Escort” referred to different regional models and configurations, with pricing influenced by trim level, engine choice, taxes, and local market conditions. The figures below summarize typical ranges by market and generation status in 1979.
Markets and price ranges in 1979
Prices varied by trim level, engine, and country, so the figures below reflect approximate ranges rather than precise MSRPs.
What influenced price in 1979
Key factors included the market (UK/Europe vs. North America), generation of the model (Mk2 in Europe vs. other regions), engine size, body style (2-door vs. 4-door), and local taxes or duties. Inflation and currency differences also affected year-to-year comparisons.
- United Kingdom and broader European markets (Mk2-era Escort): roughly £2,000 to £3,000 for a base to mid-range model, depending on trim level and options.
- United States: not sold in 1979; the Escort arrived in 1981 with launch prices generally cited around the mid-$4,000s to low-$5,000s, depending on configuration and options.
These ranges illustrate that a 1979 Escort’s price depended heavily on regional specifications, trim, and the particular configuration chosen by the buyer. Inflation and regional pricing practices further shaped the nominal figures at the time.
Summary
In 1979, the Ford Escort’s price varied by market. There was no U.S. model that year, while European pricing typically started in the low thousands of pounds, with variation by trim and options. This reflects how historical pricing is tied to regional models and specifications, and why exact year-by-year numbers can differ across catalogs and countries.
