Well, it all started for me back in 96 getting my P's and first car. It was a 1974 Mk1 with a 2l Pinto and Celica 5 Speed. Geez it was a fun little car! That car left a lasting impression on me and my burning ambition to get another one has led me hear.
Thanks to another member, I have secured a 1970 Mk1 2dr with 1100 and 4sp. Plate codes show Paint Code Pepermint Metallic and Dark Saddle Trim.
I'm in the process of getting it Transported but judging by the photos and correspondence it seems to be a nice little start with the usual Rust spots.
To be honest, I really like the look of the original looking cars lowered a little with some period correct wheels. A re spray is definitely on the cards with the amount of panel damage but I really think I'll stick with the Pepermint Metallic!
The immediate plans are to whip out the motor and replace it with a 2L and upgrade front Brakes and Struts so I'm on the look out as of now for these. Also a nice set of Wherls to set it off.
Long term maybe EFI the Pinto, we'll see.
Not being a mechanic, I'll have a few questions as I negotiate the above so any advice would be appreciated.
Also, haven't told the wife yet so any advice on negotiating that would also be appreciated!
Brendan

 
 
Nice one Brendan. Looks like a very good start. As far as the pinto goes, if you source it from a cortina you'll need the 2L escort sump & oil pick up tube put on it. You'll also need the escort engine mounts & brackets. A lot of gains can be had by simply adding extractors, exhaust, rejet the carb, & hi flow air filter.
MK1 Capri struts are perfect for the MK1 escort as they're all imperial threads to match. They'll actually lower the car slightly and give some negative camber.
MK2 2.0L struts, albeit easier & cheaper to find, will raise the car by an inch so take this into account when you want to lower it. Off the shelf king springs in many cases will leave the car at the same height or raise it! Adjustable coilovers are the best way around the problem. I used this kit here which has been great. Happy parts hunting and welcome to the forum :)

Transport is booked! Vehicle getting delivered straight to my local mechanic to tidy up any lose ends to get blue slip and rego in NSW. Toyed with the idea of shipping it straight to the Panel Shop but after having a chat to him, my budget may not get me what I'm after. Definitely need to see it in the flesh to make that call.
So that leaves me with my first project of front suspension. I'm definitely going down the front strut and drum upgrade as the Pinto will need this done. The dilemma faced is how. Hayden's advice has been extremely helpful regarding Capri Struts and Coilovers but doing a bit of research has left me with a dilema. Capri struts complete with discs,brakes and hubs from a wrecker fetch $750 and they still need suspension insert, strut top, coil overs and the brakes need refurb. Easily $1500 which is fine but parts can be sourced from fee pay in the UK around the same with new items (the struts are reconditioned I'm told). Looks like the baptism of fire has begun!
On the plus, I've sourced some 13x6 Hotwires to refurb for $150!

I would avoid the refurbed items from the UK. If you wait long enough you should be able to find a pair of Capri struts for $350~$500. I watched a pair sell on ebay a few years ago for $80. Make sure the tubes are straight, they can bend near the stub axle. Shopping list from there would be bearing & seal kits, discs, P16 calipers, pads, shock absorbers, coil over kit & roller tops. 
 

Hey Brendon,
Good to see a early poverty pack still around and unmolested at the moment.
A basic 1100 cc with vinyl floor and by the looks of it , came out with out a dash pad and an instrument cluster to match.
No wood grain dash moulding.
In the day of these poverty pack 1100cc being released in Australia, it was standard front drum brakes and no booster,
Disc brakes and a booster was a special order option for 1100cc.
I bought one of the last 1100cc of the showroom floor brand new at where I worked at Hastings Deerings in Lidcombe.
 

Awesome little insight there. Love hearing first hand info from original owners. Yeah it's def drums all round and I'm trying to figure out if it has the early run of Borg Warner Diffs which apparently were pretty rubbish. Regarding the dash pad, was this something that fitted over the dash as an extra option? As for the molesterling well I'm seriously considering respraying the same colour and doing my best to keep it looking fairly original internally. Just real low, 13's to replace the 12's and something that'll give it a bit of pep in the motor side of things. Here's the plate if that helps with identifying.

All the borg warner diffs were rubbish, not just the early ones

Currently In Transit. Almost looks half decent from this very shaded side.
I'm now faced with the dilema of where this is headed. I think the original idea of attacking little things at a time while keeping it on the road is not really gonna happen. After doing a heap of reading over the past few weeks and talking to a few people, I think I'm going to be better off setting an ultimate goal and biting off little chunks headed in that direction rather than little bits and keeping it drive able. I think I'll be doubling back on myself which'll end up costing more.
So, the goal is a modest fairly traditional restoration with a touch of modern ingenuity. I'm looking at installing a 5sp gearbox with a 2l Pinto running Quad Throttle Bodies. The Efi thing is appealing although kinda expensive but I like it. I wish I had the mechanical knowledge and time to put 4 months into this (and the dosh) and make it happen but it ain't gonna happen that way. I also want to have it legal so getting a professional involved to put it together is inevitable.
First job will be to get the minor fab done to fit the new motor and Trans then strip the whole thing and get it sent off to paint. These first few steps are prob the most expensive so I'll hopefully have at least the mods done and stripped by the end of the year. This is still really new to me but I think I can strip the car and a fair bit of leg work on at least sanding the car back to metal to save a few bucks.
In the meantime, I'll be sourcing bits and pieces like these Capri struts!

I managed to also get the callipers which are fairly ordinary but I'll work on getting them sand blasted painted and rebuilt. If any one out there has any advice I'm keen as to hear your thoughts. Back to scouring the Internet.

That looks like a great starting point, its going to look real good with a fresh coat of paint and some wheels. Love the originality of it and good to hear your thinking of keeping it that way

Ummmmm that awkward moment when the Transport Company delivers a car thats meant to be yours but isnt and the car everyone thinks is yours is heeeaaaps better than what you bought and you have to tell them they've made a massive balls up and sent someone elses car!
I'm pretty pi&%ed off cause its already 3 days late but I reckon the guy who owns this would be way more!
Does anyone recognise this?
I'd like to know if it was my car being sent to the wrong location!