Ford Australia bought out 10 1600 sports in 1975 for research purposes, i know this as my fasther owns one and bought it ex exec car direct from ford as he worked there.

and they were all 4 doors, without the rear panel blacked out
 

Based on what Mish said, which i also believe to be correct suggests that the fire damaged car is NOT a genuine 1600 sport. the genuine cars being 75 models all had large strut tops. If you look closely it has small strut tops which indicate it is a post 1978 buildI have just noticed the detail in the listing thread says 1979 ...
 
Definitely just a mock up local car.

It's difficult with the salvage lots. No inspections due to health and safety. So one can only go by photos. I'm sure there is a heap of work to get it RW.
I've been told that the properties of the metal change once heated (by fire etc) and rust will come out under fresh paint even if the panels are taken back to bare metal. Has anyone else heard of this?

That looks to be a South African imported "mexico" they were badged as 1600 sports in South africa. (check the mirrors) and it would be interesting to see how the fuel tank was mounted in the boot! that would confirm it being a mexico! oh and they didnt have the over head cam pinto type head either...
We had one just like it back in the late 1990's

The "1600 Sport" decals lookd to be non-original.  Before laser cutters or whatever they use now came along you had to get your local pinstriper to hand cut out the lettering - with varied results - which looks liek what this car has.
 
Here's a pretty original looking NZ Escort Sport for reference.  Hmmm with the Aus/NZ $ ratio the way it is... and pre 1988 so less import dramas...hmmm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/.../auction-478366874.htm
 

1600 sport from SA... decals are the same Avon! the fuel tank in these are mounted the same as the mexico! only difference was the mexico came out with the over head cam head!
 
http://passionford.com/fo...port-south-africa.html

VIN tag on slam panel not inner wing.
Side fuel tank with no cut out in the rear for drop tank.
No aerial hole in passenger side wing.
Door cards only go part way up the door.
 
Looks like a foreigner to me.

another thing, is that the strut tops have the reinforcement plates, to my knowledge this is a local thing that was done as my gen 1600 sport does not have this 

Spot on Fordsy,
Also don't forget the radiator support panel.
The aussie cars didn't have the large radius on the extreme end of the panel.