Hi Guys,
 
I've found a mk1 escort that's been sitting out in the weather for about 10 years. I'm thinking about grabbing it but wanted to ask a few questions before driving a long way!
 
From what I can find out, it's a mk1 super, possibly some sort of xl model? (according to wikipedia) 
It has the rectangular headlights and originally had a 1300 kent with 4spd which is buggered, want to maybe throw a 1600 or a 2 litre in there. Was there any difference in the rectangle vs round lights aside from a few luxury things like the cigarette lighter? Any body, brakes, engine changes?

The model number is 11316 and DOM is 1974. Can anyone shed any light, are they good better or worse than the common mk1 with the round lights? 
 
I've attached a couple of photos to hopefully give a better view. There's not too much rust, mostly small spots and the body looks pretty straight. Not very sure on what it's worth though so maybe some sort of indication of what you guys would pay for it. 
 
*Not sure if the photos will work, if not I'd be happy to email anyone who wants to help me out.
 
Thanks a lot,
 
Jayden.

Australian models were predominately square light. The Uk cars seemed to use the round light more.
The front panels are different of both lights, however if you have square lights you can make up some brackets and fit the round lights in easily enough. Also the only australian mk1 to get the RS guards was the Twincam, but you can get these guards separately in steel or fiberglass. But thyre arent a necessity.
'74 is a later Mk1, may or may not have the same rear shock setup as per mk2's (or was that 75 models?).. which were a bit more upright and more reinforced.
1600 kent motor will be an easy swap. 2litre a little bit more work but easy enough to do. 
Brakes and shocks are small on mk1's. If you can get the later mk2 2litre stuff (brakes, struts, gearbox, diff with larger rear drum brakes) it goes a long way and are adequate for what your engine plans are.
 

A diamond in the rough you have there :)
XL is the base model, 1300 Super is the next model up

If I were the seller I'd be wanting minimum $1000. Offer $500 and see how you go :)

Around $500 was what I was thinking as well. It needs a lot of work and a lot of money but it's definitely got potential. 

 
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=221282374666&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en#ht_83wt_1255

That's a fair bit of coin!
that makes what i started with worth 3 mints!

Decided not to grab this one guys. Got some more pictures and it was way to much work. A lot of rust, really rough, needed pretty much new of everything. Not even really suitable for parts. A lot worse condition than the yellow one on eBay.
 
I've found one that I'm going to look at tomorrow. 2L running gear, same year and in a lot better condition. Little bit rough but no rust which is a bonus. Will post some photos if I grab it.