Guys, I just wanted to see if there would be any interest here in OZ for Brand new MK1 and MK2 Ford Escort Body Shells.! One of the guys in Ireland that has just made Brand New Left and Right Guards for the MK1 in both standard and RS/Mexico/Twin Cam is keen to get new body shells made for both the MK1 and MK2. If there is enough interest in the UK and also here in Australia he is keen to get it going. It's a big call so therefore we need feedback first as the cost of the tools and pressings will be huge but if there is enough interest he reckons they can be supplied at a very reasonable cost. I know it will come down to the cost but if the interest is there we can then explore this further. Just imagine not having to cut rust out of a 40 year old car any more. He can also get the original VIN numbers stamped at the factory. Just throwing it into the ring for general feedback at this stage guys.

I saw this to without doubt there would have to be the market for them. Its just getting people to commit that will be his issue.
I think he will need others involved to get it happening but once the balls rolling he/we will be sorted. Surely with all the proffesional escort builders they could make it happen. I would be curious for a ball park figure for them.

I am trying to get a price from him to land them here in OZ. He wants to go it alone as if he brings in all the bigger companies they will drive the price away up and this would kill it.

I think you will find that in Australia you are not allowed to "reshell" a car with a new shell. Trying to bring in a new 2010 Mk1 Escort shell would be very difficult as it would not comply with current requirements for cars...

ie the new shells in Australia would need to comply with 2010 ADR;s including crash / crush and emmisions requirements... I know that in England they reshell cars, but that is NOT allowed in Australia as in Australia cars are identified by their VIN number and not by their history / documenmtation. You can put new bodies onto older chassis, but as an Escort has an inbuilt chassis...... And yes there will be cars that have been done, but I would suggest not legally....

I guess if you were using this as a track car this wouldn't be a problem. But answer me this how would they know!

It would be refused entry into the country with out its own identification numbering system at the very least.
A shame as this would be great to get a new shell, but maybe drive original car prices down also.
As a race car maybe they would let it in the country thou.

Would be interesting to find out a price

As you said originally, price is the key!!!

I agree with the arguments regarding ADR's etc. Might be loopholes though to get shells in for motorsport.

Thanks Guys. John has assured me that the shells complete with doors will be no more than $10,000 Aussie, if he were to go ahead. I suppose if you take trying to find a good shell these days, then cutting out all the rust and replacing body parts, hours spent welding and then the cost of sandblasting and you still have a 40 year old shell I reckon its pretty reasonable.

It all depends on what floats people's boats. I expect that some people love the project of doing all the cutting, welding and restoring. Others just want an Escort at the end of it.

To do mine will probably cost me $4000 by the time I bought the shell, replacement panels and consumables. I am doing it as a project and learning exercise so I do not value my time. Others might.

I would be talking to the transport departments in each state to get some clarification. Really it is just a bunch of replacement panels but pre-welded together........