Ford Escort Mk2 - Mdina Grand Prix, Malta - Number 555 Prepared for Historic Racing

A blue Ford Escort Mk2 carrying race number 555 waits on the Mdina Grand Prix course, extensively prepared for historic motorsport.

This photograph shows a blue Ford Escort Mk2 carrying race number 555 during the Mdina Grand Prix in Malta. The classic two-door Ford has been extensively prepared for competition, with widened wheel arches, bonnet pins, racing wheels, a visible roll cage and numerous motorsport decals transforming the familiar family car into a purposeful historic racer. Introduced in 1975 as the successor to the original Escort, the Mk2 retained the conventional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that helped make the model particularly popular in competition. Ford developed high-performance versions of the Escort for international rallying and circuit racing, while countless privately prepared cars competed in national and club-level motorsport. The Mk2 became especially renowned in rallying, where its relatively simple construction, light weight and predictable handling made it both successful and highly adaptable. These qualities continue to make the Escort a favourite in historic motorsport, and competition-prepared examples remain a regular sight at classic racing and rally events throughout Europe.