Escort 1988: Rarity with Del Rey Digital Clock

When you think about classic cars, one of the first images that comes to mind is probably of a sports model remarkable that crossed generations. In Brazil, the Ford Escort XR3 That's exactly it. With its combination of performance and design, it has become one of the most iconic cars in the country's automotive history. However, you may not know that this model had a version exported to the United States with distinct characteristics. Recently, a Escort GT 1988, sold in the American market, was auctioned there, attracting the attention of classic car enthusiasts and collectors. This 1988 model is not only a vehicle of historical value, but also carries a curious little detail: a digital clock similar to the Del Rey, which makes this car even more special.

In this article, you will understand all the details about the Ford Escort GT 1988, its peculiarities in relation to the Brazilian model and what made this auctioned unit so unique. Get ready for a journey through the past of the automotive industry, exploring the details of this rarity that was sold in the United States.

O Escort XR3 and Escort GT 1988: A Comparison between Brazil and the USA

O Ford Escort XR3 is undoubtedly one of the icons of Brazil, especially in the late 1980s. When the model was launched, it revolutionized the national market, offering sporty performance and a design that attracted everyone's attention. Initially, the model had the 1.6 CHT engine with 82.9 hp, which was later replaced by the AP1800S 1.8 of the Volkswagen, which delivered 99 hp, taking the model to a new level of performance.

However, the Escort was also sold in the United States, but with an adapted version and a design specific to the American market. The model that stood out there was the Escort GT, which, although it had the same name, had some differences in terms of design and mechanics.

An Auction That Attracts Collectors' Eyes

In January 2025, one Escort GT 1988 was auctioned in the United States, and the final price reached an impressive figure. This specific model had only 28,000 miles (approximately 45,000 km) on the odometer, which is extremely low for a vehicle of this age. To give you an idea, cars with this mileage are considered rare and, therefore, have a much higher market value than models with more mileage.

The auctioned Escort GT was manufactured in 1988, a unit that already featured the improvements of the 1988 ½ model. This version was one of the last to be produced before the arrival of the new generation, and, as such, featured some aesthetic differences, such as plastic wrap-around bumpers, with integrated fog lights, plus a new front grille It is side skirts which gave the car a sportier and more modern look for the time.

Inside, the car has been well preserved, with the original dashboard, leather seats, beige fabric and high quality finishing details. The black body of the Escort GT was also carefully polished to enhance its appearance, and the polishing gave the car an intense shine, which made it stand out even more during the auction.

Del Rey's Technological Equipment and Digital Clock

One of the most interesting features of this Escort GT 1988 and you digital clock, which is very similar to the model present in Del Rey, a Brazilian car much loved by Ford enthusiasts. For those who don't know, the Del Rey was a luxury sedan launched in Brazil in the 1980s, which was equipped with futuristic digital watches, something quite modern for the time. The Escort GT 1988 carries this heritage, and the digital clock that equips this model is one of the features that delight collectors.

Furthermore, the Escort GT 1988 brought several other advanced equipment for the time. One of them is the sound system with cassette player and AM/FM radio, which was the preferred choice for drivers who loved to enjoy good music while driving. Air conditioning and cruise control were highly valued comfort items, in addition to folding rear seats It is carpet rugs with the Escort logo embroidered.

1988 Escort GT Performance and Mechanics

Under the hood, the Escort GT 1988 was equipped with the engine CVH 1.9 in 115 hp It is 16.59 kgfm of torque, which was coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. This mechanical combination guaranteed the car satisfactory performance for the time, making it an excellent option for those who wanted an affordable sports model.

Compared to the Brazilian model, the Escort XR3 with engine AP1800S it was also a very competitive car, but the Escort GT 1988 was a step ahead in terms of performance, with slightly more power.

In terms of maintenance, this American model has been well looked after over the years. The fuel pump was replaced in 2020, and the brake discs and pads were also recently renewed. Although the temperature sensor need to be replaced, the rest of the car's mechanics are in good condition and ready to run for many miles.

Market Value and the Fascination with Classics

When the auction was held, the Escort GT 1988 achieved a surprising price, which shows how much classic cars are being valued in today's market. This reflects a growing trend among collectors and enthusiasts, who are increasingly seeking rare and well-preserved models. This Escort GT in particular is not only a rarity due to its age and mileage, but also due to the history it carries. The market value of this type of vehicle can vary greatly depending on its condition, and in the case of this Escort GT 1988, the unit was sold for around R$ 70,000.

This auction also reveals the growing interest of Americans by models that, although they were not originally sold in their market, have won over a loyal and passionate audience. With this, the market for classic cars is getting stronger and stronger, and models like Escort GT continue to fascinate those seeking a piece of automotive history.

The Legacy of Ford Escort in Brazil

Although the Escort GT 1988 was a specific model for the American market, the legacy of the Ford Escort in Brazil is indisputable. In the late 1980s, the Escort XR3 was a real sales success and won the hearts of many Brazilians. Today, it continues to be a symbol of Ford and of the Brazilian automotive industry.

If you are a fan of classic cars and have always wanted to own a piece of that history, models like the Escort XR3 and Escort GT can be the key to reliving the past and feeling the thrill of driving a car that was part of the world's automotive history.

Conclusion: The Fascination with Classic Cars in the future

The auction of the Ford Escort GT 1988 in the United States reveals something much deeper about car culture. Classic cars as these are not just vehicles; they are pieces of history, symbols of an era that enchanted many and continues to move people to this day. The Del Rey's digital clock, present in this model, is just one example of the many features that make these cars so special.

For those of you who are passionate about classic cars and want to understand more about their evolution, automotive industry, this type of auction is a window into the past, allowing you to experience a piece of history that, in some way, is still alive on the roads of the world.

Be in auctions or in private collections, the future of the market classic cars promises to be even more interesting, with models like the Escort GT 1988 gaining more and more prominence and value.