Ford Escort Mk 1: Classic Revival Hillclimb 2020

Thailand’s first hillclimb took place last Sunday (26 July 2020) at Kaeng Krachan Circuit near Petchaburi. For the “Classic Revival Hillclimb 2020” the 2.912km/25 turn circuit was repurposed and the special course ran in an unusual reverse format with the track climbing up the hill to the highest elevation before running back down again while hay bales created a temporary chicane to slow cars through the fast downhill section. The course incorporated almost all the traditional circuit layout – except it was all running in reverse. The event was open to classic and retro cars built up to 1989 and with over one hundred cars entering the event was split into seven groups with the competitors undertaking a pair of practice runs before completing two timed laps. I took a ride up the “Hillclimb” in a beautiful condition 1972 Ford Escort Mk 1 which still retains the original factory 1300cc engine and is running in pretty much standard guise. Owned and prepared by Mark Murphy from Classic Ford Thailand, this car is a striking example of this famous sedan. Running in the 1960-1970 up to 1300cc category, the immaculate white Escort took the hill comfortably in its stride, demonstrating all the poise and handling this classic sedan is renowned for. However, due to a transponder malfunction, no times were recorded.