1981 Ford Escort GLX Sedan

Summary

Most Americans weren't very interested in small cars -- until 1973, when Middle Eastern oil-producing countries cut back on oil exports. Gas prices skyrocketed in the U.S., and shortages led to long lines at service stations. Many people still wanted big American-style cars, but more and more actually bought small four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive, European-inspired cars like this Ford Escort. "The new world car" evoked the Model T's slogan: "the universal car."

Most Americans weren't very interested in small cars -- until 1973, when Middle Eastern oil-producing countries cut back on oil exports. Gas prices skyrocketed in the U.S., and shortages led to long lines at service stations. Many people still wanted big American-style cars, but more and more actually bought small four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive, European-inspired cars like this Ford Escort. "The new world car" evoked the Model T's slogan: "the universal car."

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1981

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

80.84.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.

Material

Metal
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)
Vinyl

Color

White (Color)
Red

Dimensions

Height: 53.3 in

Width: 65.9 in

Length: 163.9 in

Wheelbase: 94.2 in

Diameter: 13 in  (Wheel Diameter)

Weight: 2029 lb

Diameter: 3.15 in  (Bore)

Length: 3.13 in  (Stroke)

Inscriptions

On left side of front grill: FORD On left side of rear hatchback edge: FORD On right side of rear hatchback edge: Escort GLX

Specifications

Make & Model: 1981 Ford Escort GLX sedan

Maker: Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan

Engine: inline-4, overhead cam, 98 cubic inches

Transmission: 4-speed manual

Height: 53.5 inches

Wheelbase: 94.5 inches

Width: 66 inches

Overall length: 164 inches

Weight: 2029 pounds

Horsepower: 65 at 5600 revolutions per minutes

Pounds per horsepower: 31.2

Price: $6,577

Average 1981 wage: $17,197 per year

Time you'd work to buy this car: about 5 months

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